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V 







HISTORY OF 

SONOMA COUNTY 

CALIFORNIA 

WITH 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 



The leading men and women of the County, who have been 

identified with its growth and development from the 

early days to the present time 



HISTORY BY 

TOM GREGORY 



ILLUSTRATED 
Complete in one volume 



HISTORIC RECORD COMPANY 

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 
I9II 



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PREFACE 

When 1 sought to collect material for a story of Sonoma I soon found 
myself reaching out into the history proper of California. Every trail leading 
to this count) runs back into the earlier times of the state. The Spanish- Amer- 
ican settlement of Sonoma was planned in the City of Mexico. The coming to 
Sonoma of the Mission San Francisco de Solano can be traced backward 
through San Rafael, Dolores, San Jose, Santa Clara, Carmelo and kindred 
institutions to the southern end of Alta California. Sonoma began at San 
Diego, — the first adobe laid in 1769, the last in 1823 completing the rosary of 
the missions. Territorial records having their opening chapters in Our City 
of the Angels, had their ending in Sonoma. The various governments sitting 
at various capitals marked Sonoma a key position on the line of the northern 
frontier. The legislative events occurring in Monterey were soon manifest in 
Sonoma. The first statesman of the California political period was the Coman- 
clante of Sonoma. When plotting officials snarled and wrangled from San Jose to 
San Diego they in turn sought the adherence of Sonoma ; and when these 
same plotters were preparing to hand this logical-territory of the Great Repub- 
lic over to the tenderness and the tenaciousness of an European protectorate, 
the little game largely was blocked by that same Mexican military commander 
of Sonoma. When Fremont, advised by Benton at Washington, collected the 
American settlers for the first strike, they struck at Sonoma ; and Commodore 
Sloat, U. S. N., raised the Stars and Stripes over the country only after he 
had heard of the Bear Flag at Sonoma. 

At an earlier day that jolly pirate, Drake, came hurrying along this shore 
with two millions of Spanish gold and several millions of leaking holes in his 
weather-beaten and battle-worn little ship; and while the carpenter on the 
beach was pumping the Pacific ocean out of the craft, he made out the title- 
deeds and calmly presented the whole coast to Queen Elizabeth, — nothing small 
about Francis. The hungry and frost-bitten Russians from the north found 
the Sonoma littoral an excellent summer-resort, and for thirty years the double- 
headed eagle of the Czar from the palisades of Fort Ross screamed defiance 
out of his two throats at his brother-bird of Mexico. 

So these trails, like the great "Camino Real," reach towards Sonoma, — 
not hidden under the overgrowth of the years, but standing out in the light of 
history. They come up from the south over llano and mesa, over piney slopes 
and oaken meadows, along the sharp ridges and through the dark canyons 
where the pilgrim-priest sore-beset clasped tightly the symbol of his salvation 
tearful that death would meet him on the way ; over the sunlit hills where the 
oats tassled at his corded waist and the poppies dropped their golden petals 
over his sandled feet, along the wild beaches when the wind was on the waves 
and the shore-breaking billows lifted their deep organ-bass in the chant to Him 
who made the sea. Then in the rare Indian Valley of the Moon the Padre 
Pathfinder planted the cross and called to prayer, "In Nomine Patris." 

Sonoma — Wonderland of this Wondrous State — Masterpiece of creative 
power, a garden-place of fruitage and bloom — true domain of Luther Burbank. 
birthplace of the Flag of the Golden West. There is no rincon — no corner within 
her mountain walls that is not stamped with the golden pages of California's living 
history. If this indifferent story of Sonoma were worthy, it would be dedicated to 
her greatest historical character — him who sleeps at Lachryma Montis. 

Santa Rosa. 1911. TOM GREGORY. 



> 



CONTENTS 



CHAPTER I. 

PAGE 

Sonoma — Valley of The Moon 5 

Fitting Indian Title — The Fair Amazonian "Califa" — Empire Between 
River and Bay Between Mountain and Sea — The Beginning by Ca- 
brillo at San Diego — Telling the Rosary of the Missions — -San Fran- 
cisco de Solano. 

CHAPTER II. 

Sonoma Enters California History 10 

Five Flags Have Waved Here — Sir Francis Drake and New Albion 
— Russians Come Hunting Sea Otters — Bodega and His Bay — Greek 
and Roman Crosses On Sonoma Soil. 

CHAPTER III. 

Hidden in The Coast Range 14 

Vegas and Mesas of Never-Failing Fertility — Two Means of Tempera- 
ture Walk Hand in Hand — Where the Poppy Yellows the Plain — 
Kingdom of Luther Burbank — St. Helena, the Mother Mountain of 
the Sonoma Hills. 

CHAPTER IV. 

CONCEPCION AND HER RUSSIAN LOVER l8 

An Imaginary Spanish Snub Brings the Moscovians Down the Coast 
— "Pioneer Squatters" of California — Early "Boom" Price of Sonoma 
Real Estate — Harvesting the Sea and Shore. 

CHAPTER V. 

El Fuerte de los Rusos 22 

Fierce Letter-War Between Madrid and St. Petersburg via Intermedi- 
ate Points — "Hold the Fort" — Shipbuilding in Sonoma — How the 
Gringos Came — The Russians Go. 

CHAPTER VI. 

Captain Sutter Absorbs the Russian Realty 25 

A Secret Land Deal — The Gun of Austerlitz — Valhalla Becomes 
"Wolholler" — Fort Ross Dismantled. 

CHAPTER VII. 

The Spaniard Reaches Sonoma 29 

At "The Point of the Creeks" — Planting the Mission Faith and the 
Mission Grapes — Stripping the Padres — The "Pious Fund" — Pueblo 
Sonoma. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo 34 

Premier Californian and First American Citizen of the New State — A 
Patriot and Advocate of Annexation to the United States. 



v i CONTEXTS 

CHAPTER IX. 

Mexican State of Alta California 38 

The Secularized Indian Back to the Wilds — Humane Laws for the 
Ex-Neophyte — Vallejo a Busy Official — The Carrillos — A Governor- 
Ridden Land. 

CHAPTER X. 

A Eree and Easy People 43 

Uncomely but Comfortable Adobe Dwellings — Wise Old Mother 
Spain Understood Her Simple Children — Solomonic Alcaldes — Abduc- 
tion -if Josephine — Life on the Ranchos — Spurs of a California Knight. 

CHAPTER XI. 

The Digger in His Eminent Domain 52 

Natural Unattractiveness — Indian Table Luxuries and Manners — A 
Grasshopper Meal When Other Far.- Failed — Chief Solano the Faith- 
ful Friend of Vallejo. 

CHAPTER XII. 

"Lachryma Montis," Home of Vallejo 58 

In the Valley of the Rose — California Girls and Their Broad Acres — 
Old Adobes That Are Crumbling Back to Mother Earth — Sonoma in 
"The Roaring Forties" — Just "Before the Gringo Came." 

CHAPTER XIII. 

Appearance of The_ Pathfinder 62 

Gillespie Brings Fremont Secret Orders — The Surveyor Turns Back- 
to Sutter's Fort — Corralling Castro's Horses — Americans Ride to So- 
noma. 

CHAPTER XIV. 

"Republic of California" 65 

Won with a Breakfast Instead of a Battle — The Capture of Sonoma 
Spiked the British Guns — All Planned at Washington — Settling the 
Slavery Question in California. 

CHAPTER XV. 

G I M MODORE SLOAT AT MONTEREY 69 

Follows Fremont and Hoists the Flag Ashore — Where Jones Was 
Too Fast Sloat Was Too Slow — Setting the Commodore a Pace — 
President W. B. Ide. 

CHAPTER XVI. 

Fremont The Man of The Hour 7 2 

All Oth r American Officers On the Pacific Coast Disavow Him— 
The Pathfinder as Usual Sets His Lines and Makes No Mistakes- 
Country Without a Flag. 

CHAPTER XVII. 

Painting The Banner of The Bear 77 

The Lone Star of Texas— Grizzly Passant— Native Daughter's Red 
Petticoat — The General Said - 'Bueno" — Relative of Old Abe — Gallant 
Yankee Middy — Bear Flag Yet On Duty. 

CHAPTER XVIII. 
Bringing Order Out of The Wilds 83 

Fierce Mexican War-Words — Murder of Cowie and Fowler — -Ban- 
croft's Bro-Mexican Views — Clearing Out the Country. 



CONTENTS v i i 

CHAPTER XIX. 

Castro On The War Path 87 

De L;i Torre Eludes The Pathfinder — Unjustifiable Killing of Three 
Californians — Sutter's Fort — California Republic Celebrates "The 
Fourth." 

CHAPTER XX. 

Country Drifting to Uncle Sam 91 

Old Glory Comes Ashore — The "First Flag Day" — Sutter Becom.es 
An American Citizen — The Grizzly Passant Passes— Stars and Stripes 
Are Over California. 

CHAPTER XXI. 

The Historian Continues the Conflict 95 

On the Trail of the Bear — Only a Deep Sea Yarn — The Paths Fre- 
mont Found — The War of the Gold Braid — Petty Persecution of 
the Pathfinder — Fremont Tried and Exonerated. 

CHAPTER XXII. 

General Vallejo in California History 102 

Imprisonment of the Sonoma Comandante the Only Error of the 
Bear Flaggers — He Was More American Than Mexican — Generosity 
His Only Fault. 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

California the Mecca of a Mighty Pilgrimage 104 

The Great Trek Into the West — Sierras Bar the Way — In Donner's 
Dreary Glen of Death — Under Their White Pall — Among Those He- 
roes the Women and Children Fared Best — Wild Gales of Nevada 
Boom Their Requiem. 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

John A. Sutter and His Fort 108 

Wanted to Sell Out Before the War — Forgot "to Have Smith Ar- 
rested — He Forgot to Return — Some Americans Were Horse Thieves 
— Official Locusts That Devour the Earth. 

CHAPTER XXV. 

When the State of California Was Not a State 113 

"Legislature of a Thousand Drinks" — Started the War of the Re- 
bellion — : Sonoma's Bear on the Great Seal — California Forcing Her 
Way Into the Union — Drawing the Negro and the Boundary Lines — 
Uncle Sam's Grand Land Deal. 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

Sacramento Corrals the State Capital 119 

Vallejo Makes a Golden Offer— The Legislature Accepts— Sacramento 
Flealess if Not Flawless — San Francesco at Last Gets a Name — 
Benicia Sees the Legislators Go Up the River. 

CHAPTER XXVII. 

Sonoma County Settles Down to Housekeeping 123 

When "Oro" Was Heard Around the World— Harvesting the Gold 
of Farm and Mine — Changes on the Great Ranchos — When the 
Mustang Galloped Out of the Twilight — The Early Californians Gave 
Away Their Lands — Live Today and Work Mariana. 



v i i i CONTENTS 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 

Captain Stephen Smith of Bodega 129 

Ready for a Fight or a Fandango — A Famous Pioneer Picnic — Val- 
lejo's Prediction Comes True — Old Sonoma Land Grants — Chain of 
the Missions — Strenuous Day of the Squatter — Petaluma and the 
Miranda Ghost. 

CHAPTER XXIX. 

Peopling the Rich Sonoma Valleys 139 

Shades of the Old Adobe Halls — Sonoma the Vineyard of the World 
— The In-Dwelling Spirit of the Mission Grape — Pressed and Blessed 
by Church — Warm Volcanic Soil — From the Padre's Early Vines. 

CHAPTER XXX. 

Vulcan — Builder of a Continent 146 

The Redwoods Grew Deep — Devil-Waters for the Healing of the 
Nations — Hot Springs and Sweat-Houses — The County Seat Question 
— How Jim Williamson "Stole the Courthouse" — A Hundred Minute 
Mule Run — In Memoriam — Roll of Honor. 

CHAPTER XXXI. 

Within the Vale of Santa Rosa De Lima 153 

Parson Amoroso Makes One Convert — Rosa Slips Wraith-Like 
Away But Leaves Her Name — Marring the Tonal Harmonies of Span- 
ish Titles — The Old Carrillo Adobe — Tragedy of Franklin Town. 

CHAPTER XXXII. 
Mapping Out the City of the Rose 159 

Perplexing Thoroughfare Names — Alphabetic and Presidential Streets 
— Pioneer Mannerisms — Hahmann Wanted Plenty of Churches — 
Building the Temple of Themis — A Squad of the Old Guard. 

CHAPTER XXXIII. 

The Changes of the Years 164 

And the Railroad Dirt Flew — And the Printers Came Also — Hop Cul- 
ture — Utopias of Sonoma County — Fountain Grove and Its Faith 
That Failed — A Word-Storm Genesis. 

CHAPTER XXXIV. 

Thoroughbred Horses of Sonoma County 169 

When Lou Dillon Flung Her Silver Heels — Her Marvelous 1:58^2 — 
A Nursery for Prize Trotters — Crossing the Blue-Bloods — Anteeo and 
His Speed Band — Racing With Father Time. 

CHAPTER XXXV. 

Petaluma and Her Name Origin 174 

Guadalupe Vallejo Boggs — In the Fall of Forty-Nine — Or Spring of 
Fifty — The Settlers "Dropped In" — Always Fritsch and Zartman— 
How "Harry" Mecham Got Here. 

CHAPTER XXXVI. 

Tragedy of the Vigilance Committee Bell 182 

Tts Golden Voice Filled the Valleys — Even Called the Santa Rosans 
to Repentance — Petaluma Thought of Arresting the County Seat — 
Destroyed in the Night — The Pioneer Class of Fifty-Six. 



CONTENTS i x 

CHAPTER XXXVII. 

City of the Little Chicks 187 

When the Hen Cackles a Market Falls — Science Does the Hatching — 
Byce the Incubator Man — -Eggs for Far Cathay — -Does An Incubator 
"Set" or "Sit?" 

CHAPTER XXXVIII. 
Where the Analy Apple Grows 190 

How Sebastopol Got Her War-Sounding Name — Incident of the 
Crimea — The Tempting Gravensteins — Apples and Women in Mythol- 
ogy — Fruitful Orchards and Vineyards of Gold Ridge — Ocean and 
Salt Point Townships. 

CHAPTER XXXIX. 

Nature's Ancient Grove — Redwood Township 196 

Among the Tall Sequoias — Whirr of the Mill is the Dirge of the 
Tree — Armstrong Woods — Along the Rio Russian — -Valley of the 
Sotoyomes. 

CHAPTER XL. 

Dale of the Clover Bloom 201 

Where Asti's Wine Sleeps Under the Mountain — Steamy Geysers of 
Knights Valley — Garden of Chemicals and Floods of Satanic Brew — 
Dead Trees Their Own Gravestones — In this Wonder of Wonderlands. 

CHAPTER XLI. 

In the Earthquake's Deadly Zone. 206 

Santa Rosa Shattered in a Half-Minute — -Then the Builders Began 
Building — Labor the Only Capital — A City Riveted to the Planet — 
The Newer Santa Rosa. 

CHAPTER XLII. 

Luther Burbank — Traveler in Plantland 212 

A Child Amid the Flowers — Giving Golden Poppy a Red Gown — 
The Great Shasta Daisy — Making the Cactus Cast Its Thorns — Un- 
known to His Countrymen — Wizardry — Down in the Life-Crypt of the 
Flower — Plant and Child Training. 

CHAPTER XLIII. 

Farmers' Organizations of Sonoma County 224 

Agricultural Societies — The First Grange — Feast of Pomona — Among 
the Farms — Assessed Valuation of 1910 — Sonoma Exhibits at the 
Fairs — Death of G. N. Whitaker — Rest. 

CHAPTER XLIV. 
Sonoma County Statistics 246 

Assessed Property Valuation of 1911 — Present Population — Sonoma 
County Schools — Table of County Officials from 1849 to 1911. 



INI3EX 



A 

Abel, George L 806 

Ackerman, P.. D 818 

Adams, Elmer F 611 

Adams, Samuel E 933 

Adler, Adam W 455 

Aguida, Augustine 1052 

Aldrich, Edgar D 1068 

Alexander, Cyrus 792 

Alexander, Thomas 533 

Allen, Samuel 1 1006 

Alves, John J 821 

Anderson, Alexander, M. D 371 

Anderson, Tohn 713 

Andrews, John H 1002 

Andrews. William C 1018 

Arenberg, Herman F 545 

Arfsten. Carl W 1005 

Arnhart, William H 1085 

Atchinson, Austin T 595 

Atwater, H. H . . . . ". 720 

Austin, Granville T 728 

Austin, Herbert W 321 

Austin, James 850 

Avers, William 683 

Ayers, William D 951 

Avers, William H. M 836 

P. 

Babbino, Mike 1059 

Bacon, Lafaj-ette W 731 

Bailhache, Mrs. Josephine 494 

Bailiff, John 786 

Bailiff. John D 752 

Baker, Albert 1017 

Baker, Charles A 1004 

Barham, Aubrev 758 

Barlow, Thomas E 1075 

Barlow, Solomon Q 584 

Barnes, Edwin H 259 

Barnes, Miss Florence M 704 

Barnes. William H 816 

Barnes, W. P 952 

Barnett, Harrv T 799 

Barry, Rev. M. T 1082 

Barry, William R".' 1016 

Bassett, William D 1003 

Bassi, Rocco 1046 

Batchelor, David W 431 

Bauer, Tohn W 809 

Beeson, Edward 1 812 

Bell. George K . 832 

Benjamin. Alexander 950 

Beretta. Joseph 1 104 

Bettinelli. Antonio 1103 

Bettinel'i, Fillip 672 

Bidwell, Ira 440 

Bidwell, James 464 

Bidwell, Tohn 378 

Bird, Edward 805 



Birkhofer, Carl 880 

Bish, Lewis M 953 

Blackburn, Charles 606 

Blackburn, Frank L 357 

Blackburn, John S 602 

Blank, Tohn 1001 

Bline, James P 788 

Bloom, Adolph J 438 

Bloom, Americo J 438 

Bloom, James B 438 

Bock, David 947 

Bodwell, Charles A 408 

Bohan. Miles 613 

Bolla, Battista 689 

Bolla, Elvezio B 596 

Bondietti, Frank 612 

Bones, William H 345 

Bonniksen, John 1 577 

Bourke, A. E. .." 509 

Bourke, William 1039 

Bowman, Henry C 456 

Bowman, William F 946 

Boyes, Mrs. Antoinette C 299 

Boyes. Capt. Henry E 297 

Boyse, Alexander E 823 

Boyson. Conrad C 629 

Brandt, Alonzo B 665 

Brown, Charles 594 

Brown, Samuel 449 

Briiner, Grant 876 

Bruner, John 876 

Burgess, James F 811 

Burris, L. W 346 

Bussman, Peter W 874 

Butler, Charles H 800 

Byce, Lyman C 503 

C 

Cable. I. N 1077 

Cadwell. Alexander 671 

Cahill, James 879 

Campigli, F. C 1064 

Canepa, Giovanni 1082 

Casarotti, Americo 1081 

Casarotti, Filippo G 1 106 

Cassiday, Samuel 1015 

Cassin, Tohn M 815 

Charles, ' Elbert R 635 

Chauvet, Henry J 335 

Chauvet, Joshua 328 

Cheney, John M 339 

Chenoweth, Charles J 383 

Christenscn, John 959 

Clark, Louis W 844 

Clark, W. 1 600 

Clarke, James P 829 

Cline, Owen T 1042 

Clough, Manley E 601 

Collins, F. M 407 

Combi. Giovani 1102 

Comerford, Rev. T. J 970 



INDEX 



Comstock, Hubert G 817 

Comstock, William 716 

Conkle. Jacob 959 

Connolly, John D 363 

Cook, Thomas G 822 

Cordano, Giovanni 1047 

Coulson Poultry and Stock Food Co. 499 

Covey, William 1066 

Cowan, William F 353 

Cox. John J 719 

Cozzens, Davenport, Tr 1071 

Crawford. Richard F. 589 

Crvstal, Melvin R 482 

Cullen, Frederick T 945 

Cummings, Lawrence Q 1062 

dimming?. Michael E 1000 

Cunningham, John 322 

Cunningham, Robert 985 

Cunningham. William J 878 

D 

Dahlmann. Frederick 588 

Dahlmann, Henrv 607 

Daken, S. T....i 1072 

Dambrogi, John 608 

Dannhausen, William 1063 

Dayton, William A 410 

De Bernard!. E 1053 

Denman. Hon. Ezekiel 445 

Denman. Frank H 506 

Denner, Russell 605 

De Rezendes. Manuel 1045 

De Turk, Isaac 462 

Dillon, Charles H 614 

Dinucci, Angelo 1064 

Dixon, John T 572 

Douglas, A. S 877 

Douglas, Georee B 824 

Dowd. Frank F 1037 

Dowd, John W 624 

Downs, Vernon 975 

Doyle, Manville 511 

Drago, Margaret T 945 

Drees, Emil E 954 

Drosbach, Mrs. Fredricka F 875 

Drouillard. Joseph W 873 

Duerson, John H 619 

Dufranc, Vitale 1087 

Durand. Victor 587 

E 

Eades, George H 401 

Early. William H 540 

Eckert. Albert 1084 

Eckert. Frederick 1084 

Eckman, Jonathan 452 

Edgeworth, William J 312 

Elder. William 804 

Flphick. Henry, Tr 955 

Elphick, James F. 948 

Elzi Brothers 944 

English, David B 861 

English, Toseph 1067 

Evans, Edward W. M 972 

Evart, William 497 

F 

Fairbanks, Hiram T 1078 

Fehr, Jacques 882 



Fenk. Frank 971 

Fetters, George 618 

Filippiui, Achille 1051 

Filippini. Charles 1033 

Fitch, Charles 492 

Fognini, Peter 1049 

Folsom, Fred N„ M. D 491 

Foresti, Rafael 1061 

Fowler, Tohn H 530 

Fredericks, Morris H 1014 

Frei, Andrew 1035 

Fremont, John C 388 

Fulkerson, Richard 750 

Fuller, Charles E 737 

Furlong, James 883 

G 

Gale, L D 885 

Gallawav, Allen R 323 

Garloff, August 620 

Garzoli, Arnold F 626 

Garzoli, Joseph 1 105 

Garzoli, Peter 1050 

Gaye, Mercelin 999 

Genazzi, E'io M 632 

Geuglima. G 1105 

Giberson. John K 943 

Gibson, James W 1073 

Giggey, Robert A 1013 

Gilman. P. E 397 

Gisel, Herman 884 

Goatley, Armsted 969 

Goeller, John 637 

Goodenough, Monroe E 981 

Gossage, Jerome B 593 

Gould, Captain Nathaniel 351 

Graham, Thomas J 968 

Graves, George W„ M. D 798 

Gray, James W 505 

Greenwood. Ford W 644 

Gregory, Harvey 931 

Greppi, Sylvester 1091 

Grider, Newton T 1032 

Griffith, Nathaniel A 714 

Grohe, Frederick 940 

Grove, William H . . 745 

Guglielmetti, Giovanni 581 

Gustafson, C 943 

Gutermute, Tohn M 998 



H 

Hall, Albert S 838 

Hall, Clarence C 743 

Hall, George A 578 

Hall, L. J 886 

Hallberg, John F 1031 

Hallengren, Svente P 1029 

Halley, Robert E. L 488 

Hammell. Henry 552 

Hansen. John 997 

Hansen, Ole 761 

Harbine, Hardy R 995 

Hardin, Henry A, 721 

Hardin, Tefferson R 967 

Harris, Richard J 398 

Hart. D. B 702 

Hart, Marion 1088 



INDEX 



Hartsock, Adolphus 791 

Haskell, Barnabas 744 

Haskell, William B 740 

Herbert, Lewis 554 

Hesse, Fred W 887 

Higby, Ear! D 8S8 

Hill, Robert P 303 

Hill. William 275 

Hoar. Benjamin F., Jr 631 

Hockin, William 726 

Hodges, Harry C 749 

Hooten, M. V 927 

Hopper, Thomas 433 

Hopper, Wesley L 336 

Horn, J. W 674 

Hotchkiss, Benonia 930 

Hotle, Charles E 333 

Howard. William C 691 

Howell, Thomas W 673 

Hoyt Brothers 994 

Hubbell, Orton 678 

Hunt, Richard P 437 

Hunt. William J 655 

Hutchinson, Samuel 575 

I 

Irwin, George 925 

Italian Swiss Colony 376 

J 

Jacobs, George H 395 

J acobsen, John H 1011 

Jamieson, Daniel J 1040 

Jensen, Tens C 547 

Jesse. T." W., M. D 384 

Johnson, William 738 

Jones, Brainerd 701 

Tones, Joseph C 727 

Jones, T. Noble 1008 

Jones, William 939 

Jones, William D. 977 

Joy, T. B 563 

Juhl, Hans 935 

Tuilliard. Charles F 317 

juilliard. Louis W 327 

K 

Karr, Berte! M 625 

Kelly, Charles 599 

Kelly, James P 989 

Kelly, Tames W 992 

Kelly, John W 767 

Kent, James E 697 

Keough, Michael 1099 

King, George E 926 

King, Theodore G 912 

King, William 941 

Knittel, Joseph 889 

Knowles, James H 310 

Knowles, William H 311 

Koch, Reuben 1023 

Korbel Brothers 900 

Kuhnle, Perry 529 

L 

Lafranchi, Albino A 1049 

Lafranchi, Edward E 825 

Lafranchi, John 1084 



Lambert, William S 990 

Lamoreaux, George W 920 

Landis, A. L T 938 

Larison, Samuel 668 

Lasher, George A 698 

Laton, A. H 890 

Lauritzen, Christian 485 

Lauritzen, Jeppe C 479 

Lauritzen, John 966 

Lauritzen, Knudt 929 

Lawrence, Henry E 957 

Layman ce. George W 480 

Lea, Clarence F : 463 

I eahy. Rev. Jeremiah 1098 

Leonard, S. C 499 

Leslie, John 708 

Leveroni. G. B 993 

Lewis, Charles H 715 

Lewis, Charles W 515 

Lewis, John B 457 

Lewis, William A 915 

Lichau. Henry P.. Tr 863 

Liggett, William T. 928 

Lippitt, Edward S 315 

Lock, William H 965 

Lorenzini. D 677 

Loser, J. B 988 

Lumsden, Arthur G. M. D 898 

Luppold, J 924 

I.uttringer, Toseph 773 

Lynch, John 1007 

M 

McAfee, Charles 690 

McCandless. John 891 

McCargar, Hugh S 524 

McChristian, James 641 

McCutcheon, "Arthur A 892 

McDonald. Mark L, Jr 360 

McDonald, Mark L 257 

McElroy, William 846 

McNamara, Thomas B 354 

McNear. John A 263 

McPeak, Anthony 523 

Maclay, Thomas 666 

Maestretti, Antonio 1096 

Maggetti, Peter 547 

Mancini, Dominico 1065 

Mandarini, Remigio 1058 

Manion, William 661 

Manion, William H 922 

Mann, Edwin E 1108 

Martin, Albert P 541 

Martin, Mrs. Frances McG 569 

Martin, Leopold 535 

Masciorini. Toseph 1057 

Mather, William 1070 

Matzen, Peter . . . . , 548 

Mazza, Romildo L 1101 

Meagher, Thomas F 300 

Mecchi, Giovanni 106S 

Mecham. Franklyn A 1012 

Mecham, Harrison 854 

M eek, Thomas 662 

Meek, Thomas B., Jr '. . 470 

Meeker, Melvin C 289 

Mell. Toseph 1027 

Merritt, John 751 

Meyer. Lawrence 1028 

Miller, Thomas B ■ 956 



INDEX 



Mitchell. Samuel S 979 

Mock, Wesley 425 

Mock, William 1045 

Moebes, August 1067 

Moke, H. H 974 

Montgomery, De Witt 427 

Moonev, Thomas 901 

Mordecai, W. B 1112 

Moretti, G 667 

Morris, Harry B 341 

Morse, Stephen C 309 

Moser, August 1074 

Mossi, James 1 107 

Mowbray, James R 921 

Murdock. Glenn E 415 



N 

Nagle. Frederick G 1026 

Nay, Lewis G 467 

Nay, Samuel A 856 

Neil. John 987 

Nerz, John 1025 

Nesbitt. James R 894 

Newburgh, Edward 914 

Nicoletti. Carlos 1097 

Nisson, Christian 923 

Nisson, Erick P 563 

Noble, W. L. J 877 

Nobles, Hermon 866 

Nolan, Charles P 857 

Nunn, Newton R 1024 



o 

O'Farrell, Tasper 565 

O'Learv, Edwin F 986 

Oellig, Howard H 1038 

Offutt, Charles A 762 

Oliver, Charles C 835 

Orr, Thomas L 381 

Ottmer, Henry C... M. D 461 

Overton, Albert P 402 



P 

Parker. Freman 647 

Patocchi, Benjamin T 1086 

Patten, Richard R .' 734 

Patterson. Azel S 557 

Paxton. B. W 292 

Peoples, Joseph S 653 

Perkins, Dr. R. E 826 

Petaluma & Santa Rosa R. R. Co.... 919 

Peters, Lorenz R 964 

Petersen. Peter 1022 

Peterson, Allen 1110 

Pelray, Edwin A 696 

Piazza, Angelo 1060 

Pickrell. Charles E 654 

Plow, Carl 1021 

Poehlmann, Conrad 539 

Poehlmann, Frank 1043 

Pool, Charles A. 534 

Poppe, Charles J 375 

Poulin, Louis 918 

Powell, Ransom 895 

Price, Wesley A 849 



Proschold. Edwin M 517 

Prunk, George E 450 

Puccioni, Angelo 1 102 

Purrington. Samuel W 443 

O 
Quanchi, Gilo 1100 

R 

Ramatici, Charles 725 

Rambo, Tames H 881 

Rand, Edward C 917 

Reid, Joseph B 638 

Richards, Theodor 1041 

Ricioli, Achille 649 

Rickman, David H 659 

Rickman, George T 660 

Ridenhour, Lewis W 865 

Riebli, Arnold B 1048 

Riebli, Sebastian 1056 

Rielly, George 899 

Robinson, William T 387 

Rodd. Samuel ...." 909 

Rosie, James R 937 

Ross, George A 286 

Ross, James L 582 

Ross, Losson 305 

Ross, William 770 

Rosselli. Genesio 1095 

Rossi, P. C 317 

Rule, John 642 

s 

Sacchi, Silva 1111 

Sanborn, George D 781 

Sanborn, George N 330 

Sandberg, John 810 

Sartori, Arcangelo 707 

Sartori Brothers 893 

Sbarboro, Andrea 376 

Scatena. Martin 837 

Schieck, Hermann 558 

Schieffcr, William H 963 

Schultz, Gustav 961 

Scott. John C 469 

Scrutton, H. C 499 

Seawell, Judge Emmett 481 

Shaffer, Reuben H 571 

Shaver. Eli S 1044 

Shelley, William N 985 

Shelton, Abram C 794 

Simi, Casimiro 1054 

Sinclair, Henry G 830 

Sinclair, Tames 733 

Singley, Frank B 1020 

Singley, Hon. James T 404 

Skiffington, John 962 

Slattery, Patrick A 1083 

Small, Toseph B 936 

Smith, Tohn K 518 

Smith. Patrick 911 

Smith. William E 779 

Snider, Mrs. Jane 683 

Sonoma Vallev Water, Light and 

Power Co 785 

Spencer. Ryron M 686 



INDEX 



Spurgeon, Sidney F 803 

Stagg, Amos A 623 

Stengel, Christian 521 

Stevens, A. F 841 

Stevens, Charles D 976 

Stewart, Dell 1111 

Stornetta, Louis 1093 

Stradling, William C S51 

Stratton, W. A. T 564 

Strode, John M 908 

Strout, G. A 278 

Stuart, Absalom B„ M. D 848 

Stuart, Anabel McG 842 

Sullivan, Frank A 897 

Sullivan. John D 1019 

Sweet, James S P 774 

T 

Taylor, Benjamin F 692 

Taylor, John S 867 

Temple, Jackson 684 

Thomas, Mary Tane 907 

Togni & Dado 1090 

Tombs, William L 474 

Traversi, Joseph 1092 

Tripp, Hiram 1 840 

Trondsen, Thorwald 960 

Trosper, Ernest E 500 

Trosper, Francis D 636 

Trosper, Thomas G. W 486 

Trowbridge, George T 475 

Truitt, Roland K 347 

Turner. John W 1069 

u 

Urban, Kurt. M. D 853 

V 

Valentini, Louis 1094 

Vallejo, Gen. Mariano G 413 

Varner, Philip E 703 

Varner, Samuel 768 

Vogensen, H. P 617 



W 

Waldrop, Mrs. Helen L 695 

Walker, Edward L. ..• 852 

Walker. John 1 109 

Walker, John 1079 

Walker, Joseph 905 

Walker, Willis Y 797 

Walls, David 828 

Ward, Thomas B 910 

Watson, Capt. Greenville 527 

Weeks, Lewis 277 

Welch, Charles 906 

Welling. Charles W 755 

Weyhe, Charles P 983 

Whitaker, Fred 709 

Whitaker, George N ■. 419 

White, Harry 6 1020 

White, Josiah H 859 

Whitney, Albion P 283 

Whitney, Mrs. Susan D 285 

Wickersham, Tsaac G 271 

Williams, George S 516 

Wilson, Tohn 782 

Winkler, Clayton 358 

Winkler, George H 833 

Winton, Homer W 904 

Wolfe, Abraham L 780 

Wood, James W 973 

Woods, Robert 903 

Woodward, Edward F 845 

Wyatt. Charles E 932 

Y 

York, Charles W 934 

Young, Ernest L 902 

Young, Peter 473 



Z 

Zamaroni, Peter 1055 

Zanolini, Guissepi 1089 

Zartman, William 763 

Zartman. William H 756 

Zweifel, Walter J 650 



HISTORICAL 



CHAPTER I. 
SONOMA— VALLEY OF THE MOON. 

Sonoma, ''Valley of the Moon," was the fitting name which the Indian 
gave the most eastern vale of this many- valley ed county. It was in a day 
beyond the dawn of written history when the red Chocuyen looked over 
that graceful line of level land sweeping from the farther horn of its crescent 
in the Napa hills, around by the circling rampart of northern peak to its west- 
ern point where a spur of the great Coast Range dips under the tides of the 
San Pablo. To his nature-trained mind was that perfect lunar shape — its arc 
to the north, and to the south its chord — a wide frontage on the big inland 
water. And he called it Sonoma. And the rancherias of the aboriginal set- 
tlers multiplied in the Valley of the Moon, for within those oaken groves and 
along the willow-bordered streams they found in their early period that which 
has made this portion of the Pacific the most gifted land under the sun. The 
two great luminaries of the skies were the chief deities of the Indian's primi- 
tive worship, — the sun that brought, and yet brings, days of plenty and peace 
to that favored region ; and the moon that mellowed the night there and gave 
her name to the valley, — and the eves are as nights in Eden when the moon 
silvers Sonoma's vine-clad plain. The fitness and the triple-vowel melody of 
the title, with the sweet, tonal harmony of its three syllables sounding like a 
Spanish word, so appealed to Padre Jose Altimira, sent to establish a mission 
there, that he immediately applied it to the local Indian tribe, and afterwards 
to the pueblo which soon grew around the adobe church which he built. This 
new mission Altimira called San Francisco de Solano, in honor of St. Francis 
Assisi, founder of the Franciscan order of priesthood, and of St. Solano, the 
celebrated "Apostle of the Indies." It was the most northern and the last of 
the chain of missions that linked the coast settlements of the Californias to- 
gether. Like its kindred institutions Mission Solano droops under the bur- 
dens and the neglect of time. Even its sacred title once voiced in veneration 
by the neophytes kneeling before its altars, is now seldom spoken by men. But 
the Indian's name lives not only in the town and valley where the pioneer padre 
wrought for the moral uplift of the primitive Sonoman, but it has passed across 
the western mountain range. It has spread over a noble territory bordering the 
wide waterways of the state and fronting twenty leagues on the Pacific, the 
present and future battle-wave where the world's commerce will struggle for 
supremacy, and throwing back from the sea into the interior of this grand 
domain a breadth of thirty miles. "The valley was found best adapted by rea- 
son of its climate, location, abundance of wood and stone for building pur- 
poses," wrote Father Altimira in his journal, "and above all for its excellent 
springs and streams." The far-seeing padre had looked over many proposed 
places for his mission and his choice of Sonoma proved him unusually wise 
in his generation. 

1 



6 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

The name "California' 5 has come through broken accounts from an origin, 
vague, distant, impalpable. The treasure-mad adventurers from Spain always 
seeking undiscovered golden troves, believed, in the fierceness of their desire, 
there were other places on the new continent rivaling the stored wealth of the 
Peruvian [nca, from whom Pizarro looted so richly and murderously, or of 
Montezuma, the pitiful victim of the insatiable Cortes. Fictionists of the time 
wrote lurid stories of the cities in the mystic west peopled by semi-supernatural 
beings who jealously watched their vast treasuries. One of these writers was 
( Irdonez de Montalvo, and his book, "Sergas de Esplandian," published in 
1 5 1 o, told of the magic "Island of California," where beautiful amazons ruled 
and grim griffins guarded not only the feminine wealth, but the mineral treas- 
ure as well. The young and valiant grandee and knight of belt and spur, 
Esplandian, meets the wild queen, "Califa," in her capital city, where after 
main fierce fights between his followers and her dragon-like people, he suc- 
ceeded if not in conquering the place, at least in having her fall in love with 
him. Califa was devoted to her Spanish cavalier, something of the devotion 
of a tigress, and it took all the watchfulness and valor of her lover to keep his 
life secure when she had an unusual "tender spell." Her savage soldiers had 
an unpleasing habit of flying around on their bat-wings and picking up the 
soldiers of Sergas, which they would lift to a great height and then drop. Of 
course the soldier thus treated was of no use afterwards. Because of their 
birdlike manners Montalvo in his book dipped into the Creek and called them 
"ornis," and "Califa" is from "Kalli" (beautiful) in the same language. "The 
I" was inserted for the sake of euphony," says Professor George Davidson, the 
translator, hence "California," beautiful bird. This golden Ali Raba tale was 
popular with the Spanish knights of fortune, and doubtless Juan Rodriguez 
Cabrillo, when he saw the islands off the southern coast of this state, named 
them after the mystic amazon queen, as they were first known as "Las Cali- 
fornias." Could this Portuguese in the naval service of Spain have gone farther 
into the province he found and named so fittingly he might have won the golden 
lure that drew him to the threshold of a greater discover)-. But he died sud- 
denly in that vicinity and was buried on one of his Santa Barbara islands, in 
a grave nameless and unknown. But this portion of the Golden West assumes 
no indefinite or foreign derivation for her title. She has supplied it from within 
herself; and her almost nine hundred thousand acres of soil- — -lowland and 
upland — have never felt a drought, and where the fauna of all earth's zones 
blossom in richest beauty and fruit in generous harvest, is — Imperial Sonoma. 

The surveyor who chained off Sonoma County from the rest of the con- 
tinent smoothly moved along lines of least resistance — along natural boundary 
lines. The reader may imagine him setting his first stake in the southeastern 
corner, on the San Pablo bay shore. Starting northward he is soon on the 
crest of a range of high hills and on this elevated course he travels through 
innumerable turnings and twisting, passing Napa county on his right, and over 
the slope of Mount St. Helena, where he reaches the corner meeting place of 
Sonoma, Lake and Napa counties. Turning west he tramps along the parallel 
of latitude, tending to the south of this line, and finally striking the upper waters 
of the Valhalla — now known as the Gualala — river, and this dashing mountain 
stream is his guide till he reaches the sea. The Pacific is the western boundarv 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 7 

from that northwest corner as far south as the mouth of the Estero Americano 
on Bodega Bay. He travels easterly up this creek to Valley Ford, thence he 
chains a southeast, cross-country line to the upper part of the Estero de San 
Antonio. This stream down to its end in San Pablo Bay he marks on his 
survey the division line between Sonoma and Marin. It would seem that this 
count}- found for herself a place within the natural barriers of hill and bay, 
stream and sea. during those distant days when mighty terrestrial forces were 
heaving hemispheres into form. And this amphitheatre of virile vale and mesa 
awaited through the unwritten savage years for the coming of the day when 
these acres would yield their wealth to the home-building Saxon. 

LAS- CALIFORNIAS EARLY STORY. 

Nor does Sonoma begin her life with the sisterhood of counties in a late 
historical period. Her discovery came in 1774 — five years after somebody, said 
to have been Gaspar ck Portola, seeking Monterey, found Verba Buena. Who- 
ever found what is now known as San Francisco certainly was not so successful 
in finding a name for the place, as no later botanist or vegetarian has ever 
found there the "'good herb" that suggested the Spanish title "Verba Buena." 
Sonoma continued incognito for two hundred and thirty-two years after Cabrillo 
at San Diego saw and added this, the last, domain to the empire-kingdom of 
that monarch who was at once an emperor — Charles V of Germany, and a 
king — Carlos I of Spain. Charles, then only the German ruler (having suc- 
ceeded his maternal grandfather, Maximillian), was fighting in the Nether- 
lands when the death of his paternal grandfather, Ferdinand, lifted him to the 
Spanish throne. The warlike qualities of the sturdy Dutchman kept him so 
busy in the Low Countries that he did not see his new kingdom — the greatest 
on earth — for years, and the maladministrations of his six immediate succes- 
sors further sent Spain on the downward road that ended when her flag dropped 
in Cuba and the Philippines. In constant turmoil at home, her far western 
possessions, Mexico and California, were left to get along with only intermit- 
tent attention. Between Portola. (1769) and De Sola (1822) ten Spanish 
appointees had more or less governed Alta California, but these easy-going 
soldiers of fortune had staid prety close to the shore. They found the pueblo^ 
of San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Monterey and San Francisco more 
comfortable than the Indian-infested inland. The work of civilizing the wilder- 
ness and incidentallv raising food and other luxuries for the government officials 
and their soldiers were left to the mission padres and their native converts. 
These Franciscan priests, when diaries had expelled the Jesuits from Spanish 
dominions accusing them of plotting against his crown, succeeded to the rights 
and holdings of the deposed order on the Pacific. They also succeeded to the 
"Pious Fund", which had been set apart for the support of the Jesuit mission- 
aries in Lower California. This fund grown to large dimensions and withheld 
by the Mexican government, was returned to the church a few years ago by a 
decision of the Hague. The Dominican order, however, demanded a share in 
the mission field, and Junipero Serra, president of the Franciscans, looking over 
the sterile, uninviting hills of Baja California where the Jesuits had labored 
under such discouragements, was willing to cede the whole peninsula to the 
other order. This Serra did and the following years find him with his co-work- 
ers building missions from San Diego to Sonoma, seeking the % nil-salvation 



8 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

of a sordid savage who had more veneration for a pot of "carne y frijoles," 
beef and beans, which the good fathers cooked, than for cross and creed held 
up to his primitive mind. 

After the seizing of the pious fund, then grown to $78,000, and upon 
which Mexico had kept hungry eyes for years, and the secularization of the 
mission property, the institution went down and the great adobe chapels began 
to crumble back to their mother dust. The Spanish era was the "sleepy" period 
of California — the slumber just before the grand awakening when "the Gringo 
came." Of course the different governors and comandantes frequently aroused 
themselves for family quarrels in which there was generally more fluent talking 
and letter writing than real fighting, but a few concessions and cheap compli- 
ments brought peace — till the next row was due. Even when Mexico threw off 
the yoke of Spain in 1822 and had her own emperor, Iturbide, crowned as 
"Agustan I," for a few months, the change hardly rippled the placid surface 
of this portion of the new Mexican empire. And when luckless Iturbide lay 
dead before a file of Mexican soldiers, as did Maximillian, another emperor, 
later on, the Californians quietly hauled down the new imperial standard and 
as quietly hauled up the old tricolor of the Republic of Mexico. It was "on 
again, off again" without any powder burned over the changes, in this "manana" 
land. 

Yet there was one question that drew these sons of old Spain into some- 
thing like unity, and while it did not cement the aggregated mass, it helped the 
Californians to present a considerable front to the common family enemy 
That question was the man from the "States,'' the North American, — in contra- 
distinction to the Mexican of the South. From their minimum of geographi- 
cal knowledge they knew that the Great Wall of the Sierras stood guard 
on their eastern border and over those icy crests they desired no immigrant 
should come. For generations Spain had seen her standards torn and tossed 
on English bayonets and her armandas go gurgling down in the deep at 
the mere will of the invincible Albion, and no descendant of Castile and Aragon 
cared to come in contact with even a branch of that militant race. Moreover, 
the eagle of America and his brother-bird of Mexico were screaming warlike 
from shore to shore of the Rio Grande, and Texas was preparing the way for 
a march to the ancient city of Montezuma. The Spanish in California, with 
the purblindness which has been a distinct characteristic of that race always, 
carried their senseless antagonism to their only and more powerful neighbor 
occasionally to extreme lengths. They even desired to annex themselves to 
anyone of the European governments whose fleets were hovering watchfully 
on this coast. They knew that it was the world's belief that California was 
a logical part of the United States and that the stars and stripes would wave 
on the Pacific beach whenever those Yankee color-bearers so desired. So to 
these colonists playing like children at state-building, galloping their mustangs 
over vast hidden mineral and agricultural wealth yet finding it not, slumber- 
ing in a long siesta on the threshold of a great waterway that was to bring 
to their harbors — after their day — the cargoed riches of countless argosies, 
it was anything but the hated "gringo." It was this knowledge that in 1842 
hurried Commodore Jones with the United States frigate United States intc 
Monterey, where he hoisted his flag, even if he did haul it down next day. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 9 

learning that General Taylor had not yet got his guns to working on the 
Mexican, Santa Ana; and it was this knowledge four years afterwards that 
sent Commodore Sloat in the United States steamship Savannah racing up 
the coast with the British frigate Collingwood, Admiral Sir George Seymoui 
commanding, in the speedy Yankee's wake. War was on with Mexico and 
the good old wooden ship Savannah, fit mother of the modern cruiser of steel, 
was outsailing her Britanic majesty the Collingwood. and a state was the 
prize. That was a glorious "ride" over the sea that merits a place in song 
with the runs of Revere and Sheridan, for when Seymour came in port nexi 
day Sloat's ensign was over Monterey, and it has never come down. 

From July 16, 1769, the clay Junipero Serra founded his first Upper Cali- 
fornia Mission at San Diego, the Spanish colonists, if comparatively straggling 
bands of ill-clothed, poorly paid or no-paid soldiers often with poverty-stricken 
families, can be called colonists, began to settle along the fringe of coast. 
This wave of civilization rolled sluggishly towards the north, led always by the 
tndefatigable lame padre of whom Pope Clement said, "I would that I had 
■'n my garden more junipers like that one." Under Serra's supervision mission 
after mission arose in the California vales fair as gardens of the Lord, until 
his body, bereft of the flame of a life-zeal, lay dead in the Valley of El 
Carmelo. In 1817 the Mission San Rafael was established, the beautiful Marin 
valley chosen for an establishment to relieve the poor, unselfsupporting Mis- 
sion Dolores in San Francisco. This brings the reader along the chain of 
missions whose links measure seven hundred miles and whose walls were a 
half century in the building, until he stands at the door of the twenty-first and 
the last — San Francisco de Solano, at Sonoma. 



H1ST< >RY ( )F S< >N< 'MA C( )L"XTV 



. CHAPTER II. 
SONOMA ENTERS HISTORY. 

To write the history of Sonoma one must, in part, write the history Oi 
California, for in this fifteen hundred and fifty square miles of Pacific slope 
were for awhile the northern and final ends of the records that began with 
the landing of the first European on this western rim of the continent. Hence 
the foregoing narration of events which marched county by county, — to give 
die different localities their present geographical designation, — into the north. 
Sonoma may be said to start the second half of California's colonial history, 
San Francisco and San Pablo bays being practically the division line, with 
Sutter's "New Helvetia." now Sacramento, the only settlement beyond. But 
though written into the history of the state, Sonoma has a story as distinct 
as the rive epochs marked on her pages, and even few of her own native sons 
and daughters know or feel the importance of that tale, or of the part this 
county played in the drama of Las Californias. Indian, Spaniard, Russian, 
Mexican, American, with the ubiquitous Englishman hovering near, each in 
turn, has worked out his role on this stage of the continent. Four have gone 
leaving imperishable names, blood and racial characteristics in the soil they 
trod, and in the invincible race that remain. Each strove for the "goodlie" 
"land ; each surrounded by different conditions lived his day, accomplished his 
political life work and passed at the coming of the fifth, — the last — who, like 
the march of empire, was holding west his way till the ultimate sea beating 
against the bases of the hills thundered — "No farther." The primitive aborigine 
faltering in the strange first steps of Christian civilization, saw the soldiers of 
Castile's knightly king with sword and cross move over these waters and 
valleys and stamping their monarch's signet into the land that had been the 
Indian's land since the day the Supreme signed the title deeds. Then the 
bearded boyars of the Romanoff appeared out of the north and planted the 
two-headed eagle of their sovereign and the double-beam cross of their faith 
on the sea-cliffs of the Redman's hunting-ground, and the crosses of Spain 
and Russia shone at the same time over Sonoma's soil. They too passed, — the 
Castilian back along the track Columbus had charted across the sea, and the 
Moscovite into the white wastes of his north. Then he saw the petty-officials 
of the nearby republic that had been reared on the blood-red ruins of the 
Aztec, rule and wrangle for awhile and cease to be, swept away by the irre- 
sistible Saxon. And finally the Indian turned from the successive coming and 
going to pass before the last and fittest. The curtain goes down on each 
following act, and vale and mesa of this golden plateau hear the actors no 
more. On moves destiny, unswerving, inexorable. 

The soil of Sonoma has been claimed by a kingdom, an empire, a king- 
dom and two republics, while between the two last appeared for brief periods 
a "homemade" empire (Iturbide's) and an independent principality equally home- 
made but more homely, also more vigorous than the weak, imperial thing 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY i i 

attempted on the Mexican republicans. The Bear Flag' was only a smear of 
lampblack on a piece of white cloth, it was without national sanction or recog- 
nition and the strongest argument for its existence was down in the barrels 
of its thirty-three rifles, but it foreshadowed the approach of a new order, the 
approach of that which was to vitalize this .portion of the hemisphere. So, 
the hoisting of the grizzly mildly regardant — to apply a fitting heraldic term — ■ 
over virtually the last Mexican and the last mission, was well timed, or the 
banner of the bear might have dropped ignobly like Jones' ensign at Monterey. 
But events just then began coming, crowding and overlapping, and the Repub- 
lic of California gently annexed itself to the United States. 

''PERFIDIOUS ALBION." 

While writing the introductory pages of the history of Sonoma County 
the scribe must not miss an allusion to a man who has made more ocean 
history than any other individual in his day. He is of England — traveler in 
every land and sailor on the "seven seas," and to catch his first appearance on 
this coast the reader must slip back to 1579, the year Francis Drake trans- 
ferred his ship-activities to the Pacific, or "Calm Sea," as he called it. remem- 
bering the three, out of his five vessels, which he had left in the stormy Atlantic. 
On the southern coasts he had conducted himself in a manner to win no little 
hatred from the Spaniards, and at that period in his career this pious people 
in both the new and the old world were cursing him most prayerfully. As in 
the Spanish Main, he had pretty well swept this ocean of the fat treasure-laden 
galleons homeward bound from the Philippines to far Espana, and with $2,000,- 
000 or more of loot in the hold of his clumsy little "Golden Hind," Drake was 
himself trying to make home. Well knowing that the Spaniards were cruising 
over the southern seas supplicating all the churchly saints in their calendar and 
the heathen god of winds to waft him safely into their hands, he had elected 
to sail west by way of Cape Good Hope instead of east through the Straits 
of Magellan. But unfavorable winds had blown him back on to the California 
coast, in this vicinity, which he then saw for the first time. Though his ship 
was loaded down with the pirated property of Spain he calmly annexed the 
entire country to the British crown, calling it "New Albion" because the white 
summer-hills reminded him of the chalk cliffs of Dover. The hard strain of 
the long cruise and of the stiff fights he had put up had told on his insignificant 
craft, so in a bay, either Bodega in Sonoma or one in Marin now known as 
"Drake's Bay," he careened and repaired the "Golden Hind." What a prize she 
and her skipper would have been to the Spaniards could they have found them 
helpless on the beach of New Albion in that far June of 1579! But Drake 
went home, rounding the continent of Africa, the first circumnavigator of the 
^lobe, and his queen knighted him in return for the Spanish dollars and domin- 
ion he presented her. She doubtless put the money to immediate use, but 
there is no existing record that she ever attempted to "prove up" on her Sonoma 
real estate claim. Somewhere on that shore is a pile of stones and near it is 
an English penny bearing the august profile of Elizabeth, elaborate head-dress, 
high ruff collar and all, and this was the pre-emption notice left by Sir Francis 
Drake. When this coin is found it will mark the exact place of his twenty- 
six davs' stav, and will also be evidence of his claim to the countrv. Then it 



12 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

will be in order in this Augustan age of litigation, for George V of England 
to commence suit — if only a friendly suit — for the purpose of quieting title to 
New Albion. 

ANOTHER ONE. 

In 1792 — two hundred and thirteen years after Drake's day — so slowly 
time flew then — Captain George Vancouver, another wandering Englishman, 
came sailing down the coast. He visited the Spanish at Yerba Buena, 
enjoyed their hospitality but quietly ignored their name and claim. He also 
noted that the Spaniards were ill-prepared to defend their possessions against 
foreign invasion and advised his government to grab the grand domain. 
Great Britain just at that propitious time, was trying to keep out of the great 
French Revolution, and was also taking an occasional shot at Holland, and at 
Spain nearer home. Also she was out of money and the Bank of England had 
suspended specie payments. Moreover, she had lately come out of the conflict 
with her rebellious colonies on the Atlantic seaboard — second best, and had 
no strong desire to get into a fresh fight so near the warlike Yankees. Other- 
wise, it is probable that a British fleet soon would have made short work of 
subduing the few, weak Spanish settlements on this coast, and California might 
have become a sister province of Canada. After Vancouver's departure the 
Spaniards awoke to the danger of having foreign officers spying out the land, 
and they set themselves to work making their position stronger. Ports and 
other exposed points were to be fortified, and one of these was Bodega. Since 
1775, when Lieutenant Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Quadra in the Spanish 
warship "Sonora" explored the bay and gave a portion of his considerable name 
to the place, the comandante at San Francisco had apparently forgotten the 
discovery. Now a military road running along the east shore of Tomales Bay, 
through Marin county was projected, and four guns were mounted in a small 
redoubt on Bodega Point. But the military road only reached the dignitv of 
a sheep-trail and the guns gathered rust until somebody hauled them back to 
San Francisco. Spain had troubles at home and the other European nations 
were busy with one another, and no more dangerous foreigners appearing, 
California was left to sleepily work out her destiny. A band of fur-dealing 
Russians from Alaska settled on Bodega beach and the bluffs at Fort Ross, 
but as they were more interested in sea-otter and agriculture than in adding 
more territory to the already over-wieldy empire of the White Czar, they were 
practically left unmolested to hunt skins, and smuggle garden-truck to the scurvy- 
racked Spanish soldiers in Yerba Buena. 

LAST OF THE MISSIONS. 

Sonoma, as has been stated, was the last stand of the padres whose mis- 
sions commenced at the southern cape of the Californias. The friars of St. 
Francis, generally native and loyal subjects of Spain, openly or secretly sympa- 
thized with the mother country and against rebellious Mexico, and moreover, 
the Mexican in California was at best a weak churchman. The vast wealth of 
the missions in cattle that practically "roamed a thousand hills," and their 
leagues and leagues of land that covered most all the arable acreage of the 
southern half of the state were not calculated to moderate the growing ill will 
of the improvident government officials. Added to this the mission people set 
their faces like flints against the immigration which the most enlightened Cali- 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 13 

fornians desired. From all this, secularization of the mission was inevitable. 
Also, the California Indian had not shown himself to be satisfactory or plastic- 
material for whiteman's education, just as the Spaniard has never shown him- 
self to be a patient, just and practical teacher of subject native races. So not- 
withstanding the zeal of his ecclesiastical instructors the neophyte would "jump" 
the school, the chapel, and revert to the wilds of his native tribe. Hence, 
between the original natives who were indifferent and the original native sons, 
who were inimical, the mission of the Missions was failing. Yet Padre Jose 
Altimira, in obedience to the orders of his superior and the command, "'Go ye 
and preach my gospel," sought a new field for labor. With Captain Alfres 
Sanchez and nineteen soldiers, accompanied by Senor Francisco Castro, repre- 
sentative of Governor Arguello, Altimira carefully explored favorable localities 
in Suisun and Napa valleys, finally selecting Sonoma because, as he wrote in 
his daily journal, "the valley was found best adapted by reason of its climate, 
location, abundance of building material and above all for its most excellent 
springs and streams." Thus did the representative of the civil, military and 
church power in that early day accord to this locality its full meed of merit, 
and wrote for Sonoma county its first "boom literature." July 4th — another 
auspicious fact and a date of happy omen — 1823, the eagle of Mexico flew over 
the pueblo of Sonoma and the cross of San Solano was raised in the valley of 
the Moon. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 



CHAPTER III. 

HIDDEN IN THE COAST RANGE. 

Sonoma count\ might be said to be "'hidden" in the Coast Range. Spurs 
of this mountain chain beginning at the bay shore on the south run northward 
and between them lie the famed valleys fertile and fair as "the gardens of the 
gods." The line of high peaks., that divide Napa from Sonoma are the eastern 
ramparts of Sonoma valley and its western limit, another chain cutting it from 
the broad Petalunia plain which starts from tide-water and extends north 
toward the county-seal. West of Petalunia other spurs — like their fellows ever 
reaching north and south with the persistency of meridians of longitude — mark 
off the rich levels of Two Rock, Big, Blucher and Bodega sloping down to 
the ocean. The middle portion of the great central plateau of the county is 
the famed Valley of Santa Rosa — a veritable park timbered and flowered and 
spreading out between the lofty oak-covered peaks to the east and its western 
wall of secpioia-clad mountain. To the eastward of Santa Rosa are — rare gems 
in their setting of high hills — Bennett, Rincon and the beautiful vale of Los 
Guilicos; while to the west over the wooded slopes is Green Valley — aptly 
named, for its vineyards, orchards or forest trees are in emerald the year around. 
As the Santa Rosa plain sweeps farther north it nears Russian river, which 
flowing from its Mendocino mountain source winds south and west to the sea. 
Though not navigable, it waters a large tract of densely timbered and exceed- 
ingly fertile lands. Russian River Valley is literally a parent-vale of the 
neighboring Dry Creek Valley — a striking misname, as the fruitful fields along 
its wooded banks testify. Then Knight's Yalle\ nestling amid the slopes of 
Mount St. Helena, and Alpine-like — a hanging garden high in the air, two 
scenic levels where "Hills peep over hills and alps on alps arise." 

Oat Valley, where Nature, the great Patroness of Industry, was making 
hay and sowing a name into the place long before the human sower appeared, 
and spread out in a broad vega, is the big orchard space around Cloverdale — 
Pomona's own Homestead. 

These are only the larger valleys "hidden" in the Coast Range. Compara- 
tively few acres of Sonoma's soil are inaccessible to the plow and reaper, and 
on these plant-nurturing plains and plateaus fall the never failing winter rain 
from the skies, and the tradewind moisture from the seas. A list of the things 
lhat grow in Sonoma would take in nearly all the things that grow in this 
hemisphere, and a large importation from the other half of the globe. Sun 
and shower in turn call inevitably and impartially and earth responds in gener- 
ous fruitage. From the south where Petalunia, secure, independent and wealthy 
on the shores of her navigable estero. ships from her furrowed farms the rich 
vegetation and the golden cereal of commerce : from the west where full-fruit- 
age glows in the orchard and where the green of the vast potato fields paints the 
hills rolling down to the sea: from the north where the Russian, "the river of 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 15 

ever-blooming flowers," threads leagues of verdant plain, and where Goverdale 
stands like a dryad under her oaks or like a bride amid her orange blossoms; 
and from the east where Sonoma in her matchless Yale of Luna, prunes and 
presses her grapes, racking and sending to the marts of the world the wines 
of her incomparable vineyards — from these fourfold compass points come unfail- 
ing harvests. On vega and mesa plant-life runs riot and agriculture holds 
high carnival. 

sonoma's fruits and flowers. 
Sonoma soil is old in history, but new in culture. On it are the pages of 
a record long pre-dating the white man, followed by the account of his coming, 
and then the years that went by leaving a grand state yet unoccupied by the 
master-builders. But immigration was lapping over the eastern mountain wall 
and the ox-trams, squadrons of "prairie schooners" began to end their "across 
the plains" voyage in the valley-places of. the south. Then Sonoma, to use a 
fitting figure of speech, began to move out of her adobes somnolent with the 
spirit of their Spanish builders. The wild-lands were becoming home-lands ; 
the fruit-grower was planting on the slopes where the "warm belt," that phe- 
nomenal zone of thermal hanging above the middle level's, nurses the tender 
buds, and the vineyardist seeking the warm hillsides where the dry atmosphere 
will sweeten the vintage, was climbing higher. Where the first settler grazed 
his great herds on leagues of rancho, partition has taken place and the farm 
of the second comer is in tillage. Where the lumber and other timber-workers 
have cleared away the forests, ihe soil enriched by ages of tree-shade and 
autumnal vegetation is the favored place of the proverbial vine and figtree. 
Open to the mild tradewinds from the ocean, — to the full winter rains that 
shade off to the moist sea fogs as the year slips to her summer, — to a dry 
sun season tempered by occasional showers, — to a land where the two means 
of temperature almost may be said to walk hand in hand down the months, 
can one wonder that the spontaneous harvests crowd and overlap as the seasons 
come and go? Berries and oranges in January, apples and olives in December 
and grapes, peaches, pears, plums, prunes, limes, lemons, persimmons, apricots, 
cherries, nuts, currants, blackberries, raspberries, thimbleberries, dewberries and 
huckleberries the other ten-twelfths of the year. These are the fruits of this 
fruitful clime, and here it may be written of the "flowers that grow between," 
the delicate things that respond to the almost tropical mildness of the months 
to clothe the land in blossom and beauty. Led by California's own peerless 
poppy — Flora's vestal virgin in flower — they sweep over slope and plain troops 
of tinted faeries, mad with the joy of living, a riot of life and color. It was 
when Dr. Eschscholtz was riding from San Rafael to Fort Ross that he noted 
and tried to classify that strange yellow bloom, the "Cup of Gold" of the 
Spanish, that painted Ihe hills and vales with its rich tintings. The eminent 
German botanist could not find for it a name nor place, and a comrade immedi- 
ately called the noble golden flower "Eschscholtzia." Thus was the "State 
Flower" culled from its wild and nameless existence on the California plateaus. 
Here on this page devoted to Sonoma's plant perfection, it will not be out of 
place to lay a flower — even his own — at the feet of the world's first florist. 
Where grows a Sonoma bloom, whether in cultured soil or in the wild nooks, 
it is of the kingdom of Luther Burbank. He has gone down into the soul of 



16 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

the flower and has called it into fairer and brighter form. He has entered the 
heart of the tree and has moved its vital forces into newer and better fruiting. 
Within her cryptic recesses he sought Nature, did this wizard scientist, and 
there she compromised with the man who learned her secrets. 

SUB-SOIL MINERAL POSSIBILITIES. 

While the soil of this county is rich in plant-food and other surface quali- 
fications that make for the wealth and prosperity of the country, below the 
fields and uplands, below the forests of redwood, pine and oak, and the more 
humble subjects of the vegetable kingdom which grow in the wild places, are 
sub-earthic possibilities, and the county may yet add to her productions a noble 
mineral output. Coal, the father of fuel, and which has no choice of a special 
geological formation, has been found in excellent quality though as yet in 
limited quantity in several places on Mount Sonoma. The time may be rapidly 
approaching when the main body of that great stratum of carbon will be uncov- 
ered. On the slope of that mountain near Petaluma wells bored for oil have 
tapped subterranean reservoirs of natural gas, which gushing fiercely to the 
surface have been found to be pure and highly combustible, and is unmistakable 
evidence that under these hills flow the long-sought channels of oil. In many 
parts of the county the small streams trickle down from the heights, their waters 
thickly oleaginous, one being Mark West creek near Santa Rosa. There is 
no doubt that this valuable liquid fuel is here, but the tertiary formation shat- 
tered and displaced by volcanic or earthquake forces will not hold the oil in-situ 
as do the paleozoic rocks of Pennsylvania, lying horizontal and undisturbed 
since that stratum was deposited there. Here oil escapes from the under basin 
and forced through the broken beds of rock some of it reaches the surface, but 
where that deep tank is no man has yet discovered. If coal and its oil are yet in 
terra incognito the depository of quick silver is known, for the cinnabar mines 
near Guerneville and north of Cloverdale have long been worked with consider- 
able profit. From the numerous basalt quarries throughout the country, roads 
and streets are paved, as the rock cleaves true and is easily shaped into blocks. 
Marble, limestone, also a fine yellow and green lava much valued for building 
purposes, are found and quarried in the hills. Kaolin is one of the natural 
productions of the county, but as the dry, pure air will not decompose its native 
rock separating the feldspar from the ore, as the damp atmosphere does in 
England, porcelain will never be one of the products of California. Copper, 
iron, umber, borax, galena and magnesite are among the stores found in the 
geology of Sonoma county. 

SCENIC SONOMA. 

To the practical utility of Sonoma county as a home place, to its possibili- 
ties as a wealth-producing field, and to its geographical location as to climatic 
advantages tending to the value of both desires, may be added its scenic attract- 
iveness, the features of which are now springing into greater public notice. 
Lying off and away from the great mains of travel through the Sacramento and 
San Joaquin valleys, Sonoma was late in drawing the attention of the wandering 
stranger. The tourist saw Tahoe. Yosemite, Big Trees and Yerba Buena's 
peerless bay but failed to find the "show" places of this portion of the state 
"hidden" in the Coast Range. However, the change from the stage-coach to 
the railroad cars, and four lines of steel-way threading the country brought 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 17 

re-discovery, and the near-future construction of projected extensions northward 
through these coast counties to Oregon will turn a flood of homeseekers and 
sight-seeing travelers into the byways of the Sonoma valleys. The sylvan 
banks of Russian river, its waters clean and cold from their founts in the 
higher altitudes, are the summer-places of the metropolitan. Here is the lordly 
Sequoia Sempervirens, the great redwood of commerce, of commerce — alas ; 
for saw and axe are ruthlessly destroying this noble race of trees — the chief 
wonder of the world-rover even in this Wonderland. Up in a wild canyon, 
the deep furrow of a wild glacial flood or the cleavage of an earthquake's mighty 
heave, are the Geysers — springs that seethe and bubble over eternal flames 
below, and almost touching them, springs that sparkle icily from some frigid 
underflow. The Petrified Forest, a prehistoric wood in stone as though stricken 
by the glance of a Medusa, the solemn burial ground of once living trees felled 
possibly by the death-rain from the craters of Mount St. Helena. Sonoma, 
probablv more than any one of her sister-counties, evidences her volcanic cre- 
ation, for her appearance in the second tertiary was when these plains came 
up from the miocene sea. The redwoods are remnants of that geological period's 
gigantic vegetation, and the hardpan under the more recent alluvium of the 
central plain, the erosion of the younger surface, is of the same distant forma- 
tion. The broad and deep beds of basalt which are the bases and frames of 
these chains are of the output of St. Helena in that far day when the grand 
peak lifting the lips of her crater four thousand three hundred and forty-three 
feet above the valley-floor, was making mountains. The twenty-three hundred 
feet elevation that cuts the Sonoma from the Petaluma basin, Hood and 
Taylor, that throw their shadows across Santa Rosa, Fitch in the suburbs of 
Healdsburg, raising as it were, its steep walls from the semi-circular bank of 
Russian river, Sulphur Peak standing thirty-four hundred and seventy feet 
over the boiling rock-caldrons of the Geysers, Mount Jackson nearer the sea, 
his foundations the red and brown crystals of mercury, and in the ranges north 
of Cloverdale where the pure silver globules well from the ruddy cinnabar, all, 
all these in their basaltic formation are the lava-creations of the Mother Moun- 
tain now silent and solitary, a noble landmark showing through the clear Cali- 
fornia atmosphere, a literal triple-corner-stone where the counties of Napa. 
Lake and Sonoma meet. The many mineral springs, hot and cold — the agua 
caliente and agua frio of the Spanish, health and pleasure resorts drawing their 
subjects from the world around, are products of the volcanic forces that long 
ago heaved the hills into being. In valley and in highland-gorge they flow 
strong in sulphur, soda, magnesia, iron and kindred chemicals, bubbling up 
from nature's deep laboratory. While life sweeps in warm floodtide around her, 
St. Helena sits in ashes ; the once living fires cold and lifeless as the fair Rus- 
sian princess whose name the noble mountain bears. 



l8 HISToKV OF SONOMA COUNTY 



CHAPTER IV. 

CONCEPCION AND HER RUSSIAN LOVER. 

Shortly previous to tlie time the Spaniards were settling down in their last 
puehlo at Sonoma there was nothing to take their attention from their internal 
troubles except the presence of the Russian interlopers at Bodega and Fort 
Ross. Spain, it will be remembered, claimed by right of discovery all the country 
between the Sierras and the sea and as far north as Puget Sound. Russia 
claimed the .Alaskan territory and had quite a settlement at Sitka, conducted 
by the Alaska Fur Company under the protection of the imperial government. 
The coming of the Russians to California was more accident than design. 
Hunger drove them a-sea and southward. Most of the food and especially 
breadstuffs for the colony came from Russia across the wide Siberian wastes 
or by a long ocean trip, consequently much of the time at Sitka was passed in 
semi-starvation. April 5, 1806, Count X'icholi Petrovich Razanoff, the governor 
of Alaska, sailed into San Francisco bav, his ship filled with articles for trade 
and his crew filled with scurvy. His first reception was neither cordial nor 
commercial, the peculiar trade restrictions of the Spaniards prohibiting inter- 
course with foreigners although the people and padres needed the goods. Raza- 
noff could have bought for cash, as the Spanish port regulations did not taboo 
Russian gold, but unfortunately he was without the coin of any realm. But 
love, whose laugh at locksmiths has long been proverb, unlocked the port of 
San Francisco. The Count while dancing attendance on Comandante Jose 
Arguello, trying to work that official into a more commercial attitude, met Dona 
Conception Arguello. and the old. old drama of the heart was played. The 
beautiful California girl took up the work that diplomacy unfinishing had 
dropped. She consented to marry her noble Russian lover and the stern old 
Don was not proof against the coaxing of his daughter. Neither was Governor 
Arrillaga at Monterey, for it seems that this fascinating Espanol-Americana had 
her own way in both the capitol and the chief port of the territory. When 
Razanoff sailed with his new cargo for Alaska he parted from Concepcion 
forever, as on his wav aeross Siberia to St. Petersburg where he was to get the 
permission of the Czar to wed the Spanish girl, he was thrown from his horse. 
Before fullv recovering from his injuries he attempted to complete the journey, 
and from a relapse, died on the road. 

It was years before Concepcion, awaiting at San Francisco, learned of his 
death. She then joined the order of the Sisters of Visitacion, and after a 
long life devoted to noble work, died at Benicia. Bret Harte, the California 
poet, has placed in tender verse this historical tale of a woman's waiting years 
when 

"Long beside the deep embrasures, where the brazen cannon are, 
Did she wait her promised bridegroom and the answer of the Czar; 
Watched the harbor-head with longing, half in faith and half in doubt, 
Everv day some hope was kindled, flickered, faded and went out." 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY ig 

As he passed up the coast, hurrying his ship-load of food home to his 
hungry countrymen at Sitka, and also hurrying himself to a meeting with the 
emperor which meant so much to him, RazanofFs mind was not so taken up with 
thoughts of the pretty Spanish girl he was leaving that he did not notice that 
Spain had some localities along the Sonoman shore quite suitable for Russian 
uses and colonies, much more so than the wintry north. While strolling with 
the fair Concepcion along the bay-beach at San Francisco he had noted how 
weak were the fortifications and how few were the "brazen cannon" her father 
commanded ; in fact, the Spanish never at any time had enough power in Cali- 
fornia to resist the attack of a single foreign ship of war. Only a special brand 
of luck ; also that there was then plenty of unoccupied country for other land- 
grabbing nations ; also because the incalculable value of this territory being then 
a totally unknown quantity to the world, permitted Spain to possess California 
as long as she did. The Russians also noted that the waters of this coast were 
teeming with marketable possibilities, especially sea-otter, the fur of which 
was extremely valuable. Nor was Count Razanoff the first to notice this harvest 
of the sea awaiting the hunter, for two years previous a sharp-eyed Yankee 
skipper, Captain Joseph O'Cain, in the vessel, the "O'Cain," had done consider- 
able pelt-poaching here, to be followed three years later by Captain Jonathan 
Winship in the same vessel, employed by the Alaska Fur Company. Notwith- 
standing Governor Arrillaga issued strongly-worded pronunciamentos against 
illicit and contraband trade with foreigners, and against equallv lawless hunting 
and fishing in Spanish waters, their vessels were constantly hovering around 
the Farallone Islands and Bodega Bay. and finding excuses to anchor in ports 
near the missions. In fact it is remarkable how often these sly skippers ran 
out of fresh water or food, or were in urgent need of repairs. The Spanish 
officials doubtless made efforts to carry out the government instructions, but 
the articles the courteous visitors had to sell or give away were too tempting. 
That peculiar commercial characteristic now known as "graft" must have been 
slightly known in those simple days "before the Gringo came." Probably the 
previous removal of the four-gun battery from Bodega in a measure caused 
the reluctance of the Spanish comandantes to obey home orders. And the 
universally known fact that bribery shoots further than cannon had much to 
do with the stay of the Russians on the coast. 

THE PIONEER "SQUATTERS" OF CALIFORNIA. 

Early in 1 81 1 Alexander Kuskoff sailed into Yerba Buena. and not enjoy- 
ing his reception, in high dudgeon sailed out again. He stopped at Bodega 
Bay and yet smarting from the insult, real or imaginary, annexed the whole 
territory to the Russian crown, naming it Roumiantzof. He noticed a large 
stream of water flowing into the ocean and called it Slavianki. These euphoni- 
ous titles passed away with the "squatters." as General Yallejo always called 
them, but the river retained the name of "Russian." 

But these pioneer squatters were more practical locators than the Spanish. 
They treated the Indians kindly and showered small gifts upon the local chiefs, 
also going through the form of buying from them the territory they had taken 
possession of. There is no likelihood that Kuskoff was modest in the acreage 
of the land-present which he sliced off the Spanish dominion for the Czar, as 
it is known that Russian surveyors worked through the Santa Rosa and Russian 



20 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

River valleys. They ascended Mount St. Helena leaving a copper plate on the 
summit of the grand landmark inscribed with the date of the visit; and what 
is more important, the name of the Princess Helena, wife of Count Rotscheff, 
commanding officer of Fort Ross. That the big ranch they bought was within 
the area now known as Bodega township, with or without other townships added, 
old records show dimly. However, — and another credit to the Slavonians, — this 
is the only instance where the original owners of California lands were ever paid 
anything. The price gladly accepted by the Indians, according to statements 
made in later years, was three pairs of breeches ; three hoes ; two axes ; four 
strings of beads. Certainly this early valuation of Sonoma was not a "boom" 
figure, but it must be remembered that California soil was figuratively and liter- 
ally rated "dirt cheap" in those days preceding the dawn of the more modern real 
estate man with his florid literature. But this peculiar "cash" purchase had its 
long, long day in court as it passed to Captain John A. Sutter for $30,000, 
finally to William Muldrew for about one-fifth of that amount, and for years 
clouded the land titles from Tomales Bay to Cape Mendocino. "Pie de Palo,'' 
Foot of Wood, as the Spaniards derisively called Kuskoff because of his wooden 
leg, remained at Bodega seven or eight months, making good use of his time 
notwithstanding the warlike protests from Yerba Buena. With his twenty 
Russians and fifty Kadiac Indians he secured 2,000 otter skins worth in the 
world's market at that period nearly $100 apiece, and built a large storehouse 
on Bodega Point. While the Russian farmers are noted the world over for 
crude workmanship, Kuskoff's agriculturists around Bodega, which he had 
formed out of his fur hunters, seemed to have done well. He built a commodi- 
ous farm house at Bodega Corners and put under cultivation considerable 
grain land. On his return to Sitka with his rich cargo of skins and equally 
rich accounts of the mild summer spent at Roumiantzof, Count Baranof. the 
Russian Chamberlain, was easily persuaded to found a permanent settlement 
on the California coast. Russia and Spain then were as much at peace with 
each other as was possible in those stormy days, and it is quite possible that 
the Russian official was acting under secret instructions from St. Petersburg. 
As the Slav visitors at Yerba Buena had used well their eyes around the poor 
fortifications of that port the imperial government had little regard for Span- 
ish objection, and was fully advised of Spain's inability to defend her domin- 
ions against invasion. 

A place on the seashore about eighteen miles north of Bodega, called by 
the Indians "Mad-shui-nui," was selected. Of course, the newcomers had their 
"tribal" name, but the one they gave the settlement — "Kostromitinof" — was too 
burdensome for the general usage of time. The Spaniards called it "Fuerte de 
los Rusos," Fort of the Russians, and this finally, and for no known reason, 
evolved to Fort Ross. Knowing the possibilities of a' hostile visit from the 
Spaniards or their allies, the Indians, the Russians built strong and well. With 
a rude sawmill they got out lumber from the nearby redwood forests and erected 
a high stockade on the bluff overlooking the ocean. This enclosure, a rectangle 
containing about two acres, was at once a village and a fort, and the ingenious 
construction of its walls and bastions showed the frontier skill of this sturdy, 
selfsustaining people. The stockade was of thick planks the lower ends mortised 
into heavy timbers placed under ground, and the upper ends of these boards 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 21 

or slabs, twelve feet above, were again mortised, every mortise being keyed 
with a wooden peg. Two angles of the wall were further protected with octago- 
nal bastions twenty-four feet in diameter and two stories high, and built of hewed 
redwood logs strongly fastened together, and covered with a conical roof. At 
one of the angles was the Greek Catholic chapel, thirty-one feet long and 
twenty-five feet wide. As two of its walls were a part of the enclosure walls, 
they were strongly constructed and were portholed for cannon, as was the 
entire stockade. It must have been inspiring to the Spanish envoys when attend- 
ing divine service with the Russian officers to see those guns before the altar 
devoted to the worship of the Prince of Peace, their muzzles pointed towards 
Verba Buena and ready for business ; even when the owners of the battery 
were professing brotherly affection for their visitors, and which profession the 
visitors knew was only entertainment provided by their diplomatic hosts. Two 
small domes surmounted this church, one circular and the other pentagonal. 
A chime of bells called the farmers from the fields and the hunters from the 
sea at matin and vesper time. The chapel, also the large and roomy barracks 
building constructed within the fort, long withstood the ravages of the years 
and the neglect of the subsequent occupants of the place. The barracks which 
had likely only been used by the officers of the fur company is still the resi- 
dence of the owner, but the church before the 1906 earthquake completed its 
ruin, was in turn a grain storehouse and a hay barn. The location from a 
military point of view was an admirable selection as the ten and afterwards 
twenty guns of the fort commanded not only the land approaches to the town, 
but protected the shipping in the little harbor, which was itself a cosy cove, 
lying under a high northern shore, a defense against the fierce storms sweep- 
ing down the coast. September 10, — or August 30, according to the Russian 
calendar which was then eleven days behind the almanacs of other nations — 
1812, they formally celebrated the founding of their settlement with gun salutes, 
mass and feasting. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 



CHAPTER V. 
EL FTJERTE DE LOS RUSOS. 



The comandante at San Francisco promptly notified Governor Arrillaga at 
Monterey of this invasion of Spanish territory. The document flaming with 
indignation was transmitted to the Viceroy at Mexico, who with additional 
fiery comments passed the package on to Madrid. After an interminable stage- 
wait the answer and order would start westward, and with long stops at 
Mexico and Monterey would reach San Francisco, but the paper breathed busi- 
ness. "Drive the Rusos into the sea !" would be the royal mandate, but as this 
would have been too big a contract for the Spanish in California, the pen in this 
case, if not greater, was safer than the sword, so the two parties at issue put 
in the time letter-writing. While the matter was a serious one to the official 
scribes, there is a flavor of humor around that correspondence which the years 
do not stale. After the Russian Commander at Fort Ross received the fierce 
Madrid ultimatum he would send it through the Chamberlain at Sitka to the 
Czar. There are many, many versts of sea and Siberian plain between Ross 
and St. Petersburg, and Russia would be farther behind the calendar before 
the emperor's answer would reach his "faithful Kuskoff," who, whatever the 
apparent contents of the paper, could readily read between the lines, — "Hold 
the Fort." While these polished diplomats were sparring for time and unreel- 
ing leagues of red tape that stretched from Madrid to St. Petersburg via inter- 
mediate points, the Russian colonists were busy, and under their industry the 
new place thrived and grew by leaps and bounds. Much of the level land 
around the fort was put under cultivation and in fact, during the warmest 
part of the letter-war that threatened to plunge the coast into conflict, these 
pioneer farmers of Sonoma were placidly sending to San Francisco in vessels 
of their own building, grain and vegetables of their own growing, lumber of 
their own sawing and leather of their own tanning. Fruit trees and berry 
vines procured from elsewhere bore, and were in that early day the commence- 
ment of the great acreage of orchard and vineyard that adds so materially to 
the harvest wealth of the county. The homemade burrs of their grist mills, 
run by windmills, are among the historic relics at Bodega and Ross. 

The Indians of the neighboring rancherias were utilized for labor in the 
fields, while the Alaskans of the colony were used in the hunting and fishing. 
A little coaxing, a tiny drink of brandy and an insignificant wage made the 
Digger a passable workman. Moreover, the Russians took wives from out 
the Indian camps, an officer legally performing the marriage services, when 
no chaplain was attached to the post, in the little Greek chapel, should the 
high-contracting parties desire the blessing of "book and bell." These social 
and matrimonial alliances were of course confined to the rank and file of the 
company, as some of the officers brought out their wives from Russia to cheer 
a faraway exile. The Russian who is said to be a Tartar below the surface, 
and who is a fractional savage generally, is apparently more skillful in han- 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY- 23 

dling neighbor barbarians than the more civilized Spaniards who gladly pur- 
chased from the Moscovite "squatter" the products which the Indian laborer 
was persuaded to raise for him. To quote from a well-known writer regarding 
the earlier days of Fort Ross — "But few of Sonoma county's most intelligent 
citizens, we apprehend, are fully advised in reference to the magnitude and 
importance of this Russian colony that planted the standard of civilization here. 
The oldest men among us were mere boys when the whole coast of this county 
from the Estero Americano to the Valhalla river was teeming with life and 
enterprise. Aleuts in their frail 'bidaskes' or skin canoes were exploring every 
bay, cove or estuary in quest of sea-otter, seal or aquatic fowl. Coming from 
the frigid north where everything is utilized that would appease hunger or 
protect the body from the chilling winds of those bleak hyperborean latitudes, 
they gathered and preserved much that by the less provident people of Cali- 
fornia would have been deemed of no value." During the last fifteen years of 
the colony 17,000 pounds of butter and 216,000 pounds of salt beef were sent 
to Alaska, the first product bringing thirty cents a pound. Lumber and pitch 
as well as dairy products were sent to Sitka and the Sandwich Islands. They 
were well supplied with horses, mules, cattle, swine and poultry, and with a 
fruitful continent on one side and an equally fruitful ocean on the other they 
were as lords of the manor. 

EARLY SHIPYARD OF SONOMA. 

Lint the strongest commercial feature in the make-up of this sturdy people 
was their domestic shipbuilding industry, and the pretty little basin of a harbor 
under the bluffs of Fort Ross was the rendezvous of a small fleet born there. 
In 1818 the Roumiantzof, a 160-ton schooner, the pioneer craft of the yard, 
was completed at a cost of 20,212 rubles, in our coinage about $16,000 besides 
the labor of construction. In 1820 the Buldakof, a 200-tou brig was launched. 
She was a well-built vessel, copper-bottomed and cost upwards of 80,000 rubles 
— $60,000. Two years afterwards the A^olga of 160 tons was completed at a 
cost of 36,189 rubles and the following year the Kiakhta, 200 tons, was finished, 
costing 35,248 rubles — about $27,000. . As this vessel was the same tonnage as 
the Buldakof whose cost was $60,000, there must have been considerable differ- 
ence in the value of the two crafts, or the price of the raw material fell con- 
siderably between the launching of the vessels. Besides these, several boats 
and launches were constructed for the Spanish at San Francisco. The first 
of these vessels were built of oak, but the Russians becoming better acquainted 
with the pine and redwood around them as lumber material, used that timber 
in their yard. While the output did not have the fineness and finish of today's 
noble work, nor the vessels the long-life of the work of the modern yard, it 
is something to know that this was the pioneer fleet of the Pacific coast and 
it was built of Sonoma trees in a Sonoma shipyard. The industrious builders 
thereof were dubbed "squatters" on another people's prior claim, but the prior 
claimants were of a race whose flower of knighthood was fading. Had the Span- 
ish here been of those chivalrous warriors whose lances have been leveled on 
many a red field of valor, no other nationality, not even American, would have 
found it so easy to dispossess them. While the Russian with his calendar is about 
thirteen days behind the sun and the entire solar system, he seems to be "in 
season" and up with the times in many practical matters; and while they at 



24 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 



Fort Ross and vicinity, mere novices in agriculture, were developing the land 
and harvesting the sea, the prior claimants were wasting their time and claim. 
Meantime, the permanent possessor of the land and sea was working his ox-team 
"across the plains." 

While at any time after 1825 the Fort Ross garrison was sufficiently strong 
and equipped to have marched from Sonoma to San Diego without much inter- 
ference on the part of the Mexican government they began to show a disposi- 
tion to leave California. The seal-poaching along the coast was thinning out 
the herds and driving the Russian hunters of Ross more inland — to the farms, 
and farming as a means of wealth is generally beyond the crude methods of 
this race. Governor Wrangell of Alaska, the head of the fur company, intelli- 
gently realizing that the Russians must control more territory than that immedi- 
ately around Fort Ross, approached the Spanish for the purchase of all the 
countrv north of San Francisco and west of the Sacramento river. This was a 
pretty strong proposition, but it would seem that the California officials had 
suddenlv undergone a change of heart, as they submitted the offer to the 
authorities at Mexico. It is believed that the presence of the North Americans, 
who were coming over the Nevada mountains in strong immigrant bands and 
planting themselves with all the airs of welcome-visitors along the coast, had 
much to do with Governor Alvarado"s momentary toleration of the Moscovians. 
The Californian, whether subject of kingly Spain or of republican Mexico, 
feared and disliked the "gringo," who had no fear, neither great love nor 
respect for the "greaser," the American's general title for the Californian. The 
word ''gringo" has a peculiar origin. The song "Green Grow The Rushes O," 
was popular at that time and the Mexicans hearing the American frequenth 
singing it, caught the words "green grow," and applied them to the Yankee 
vocalists, hence "gringo." The "greaser" title was first given by the Americans 
to the Indians. The old-time wooden axles of the immigrant wagons needed 
greasing frequently — an attention and task not nice nor agreeable — and the 
Digger's willingness to assume this and other humble labors around the camp 
of the good-natured white man earned for him this name as well as occasional 
rations of beef. The application of this title indiscriminately was neither grace- 
ful nor just, as many of the Californians were people of natural refinement 
and endowed with the nobility of their knightly Castilian ancestors. In the 
haciendas of these true grandees there was princely hospitality for the stranger 
no matter what his race or station, and today their blood flows in the veins 
of some of the best men and women of this state. And at the head of that 
companv of honorables stands Mariano Guadalupe Yallejo, Premier Native 
Son of the Golden West. Nor were the Americans always disposed to deal 
fairly with the original settlers whose improvidence frequently placed them 
at disadvantage in business relations with the people from over the Sierras. 
It was easy to defraud a people so childlike. 

Although the Governor permitted the Russian purchase proposition to pass 
on to Mexico, under the influence of Yallejo who was Comandante at Sonoma 
and almost autocrat of all the territorv north of San Francisco. Alvarado grew 
lukewarm on the matter of the sale. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 



CHAPTER VI. 

SUTTER ABSORBS THE RUSSIAN REALTY. 

General Yallejo had three American brothers-in-law, and so within the 
close circle of his own family had ample opportunity to become acquainted with 
the intelligence, energy and push of the Yankees. It is known that he strongly 
objected to a permanent occupancy here by any other nation. However, the 
proposition was not encouraged by the Mexican government and the Russians 
offered to sell their holdings. The Mexicans not recognizing the Moscovite 
title to real estate in California, hesitated, and the transaction hung fire. 
Kostromitinoff, the commander at Fort Ross, proposed that General Vallejo 
buy the property, price $30,000, payable half in money or bills of the Hudson 
Bay Company and half in produce delivered at San Francisco. The General 
expressed a willingness to accept, but while the matter was pending the Rus- 
sians proposed to sell to General Sutter, who wanted only the movable prop- 
erty. Vallejo's offer was $9,000 for the livestock alone. An inventory of the 
property made at the time shows how well the Russians were equipped. Besides 
well constructed buildings of many kinds there were mills for grinding, run 
by wind-motors, and a mill run by animal power ; shops, threshing floors, bak- 
eries, bath-houses and twenty-four residences, "nearly every one having an 
orchard." At the commander's rancho, and included in the list of that prop- 
erty, was "a boat for crossing the Slavianka river." At Tschernich, or "Don 
Jorge's rancho." situated between Ross and Bodega, there were 2,000 bearing 
vines and a large farm under cultivation. This rancho was omitted from the 
inventory. The Bodega holdings were included, making in all an estate that 
was indeed going dirt-cheap. But the Mexican government said "no," most 
emphatically, and the sale was off. Vallejo and Governor Alvarado thought 
they had Kostromitinof cornered and were only afraid he would make a bon- 
fire of the combustible property before he bundled his colony on shipboard for 
departure northward. But the Russian was more practical for he had worked 
Sutter around to an agreement. Sutter wanted only the movable property 
which he could transfer to New Helvetia if Mexico showed a strong dispo- 
sition to cloud or obliterate any of his title, but the adventurous Swiss soldier 
of fortune, who possessed more enterprise than fortune, perhaps would not 
have turned down any price if the deal could be made on a credit basis. The 
Russians finally agreed to sell everything except the land, the Mexican gov- 
ernment denying their ownership, and the contract was signed December 13, 
1841, by Sutter and Kostromitinof in the office of the subprefect at San Fran- 
cisco, thus giving the transaction an official sanction. Sutter was to pay $30,000 
in four yearly installments, the first and second of $5,000 each, and the others 
$10,000: the first three in produce delivered at San Francisco free of port 
charges, and the fourth installment in cash. New Helvetia, and the property 
at Bodega and on the Khlebnikof and Tschernich ranchos were pledged as 
guarantee for pavment. From these terms it would seem that while Sutter 



26 • HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

was "safe" when he acquired the livestock, machinery, battery in the stockade 
and a schooner in the bay, did not make a "gilt-edge deal" when he took over 
a second-hand fort and farming appurtenances. But M. Le Capitaine Sutter, 
as he was known in French military circles, did not propose to "trade" him- 
self wholly into the hands of the reluctant and changeable-minded Mexican 
officials. At the delivery of the property listed in the sale Sutter exhibited 
a certificate ante-dating the contract one day. It was from Manager Rotchef 
of Fort Ross and certified that all the lands held by the Russians in California 
for upwards of thirty years was included in the sale to Sutter for $30,000. As 
Kcstromitinof, who executed the contract, was the general manager and head 
of the Alaska Fur Company, Rotchef either entered into a compact with Sutter 
to over-reach Governor Alvarado and the California officials, or assumed that 
he had authority to transfer the land. Whatever his reason, the clouded title 
created by the signature of a subordinate officer left leagues of coast land be- 
tween Bodega Bay and Valhalla River to drag through dispute and court liti- 
gation in after years. As peacefully as was their coming the Russians hastened 
away leaving fort, village, farms and shipping in the little harbor for the new 
possessor. Probably the order to depart brought keen regret to those who 
for a quarter of a century had made their home in that place, but there was 
no disobedience to the virtually imperial edict. After the ship Constantine had 
returned them to the north the only original colonists left at Fort Ross were 
those of the graveyard, the Greek crosses marking the mounds extending east 
and west — on the parallel of latitude, as Russia buries her dead. Among these 
several hundred people virtually going into exile from sunny California to 
wintry Alaska was the Princess Helena, wife of Count Rotchef. Fort Ross 
is a ruin, even the Slavonic names with their unmixable consonants have passed 
from use, but the memory of this noblewoman of the great White Empire 
will live as long as Mount St. Helena lifts its blue dome to the skies. 

THE GUN OF AUSTERLITZ. 

Immediately after the evacuation of Ross, early in 1842, Sutter loaded his 
new schooner with movables including the guns, which he might find useful 
at New Helvetia should the Californians conclude to make him an armed visit. 
His well fortified adobe fort had always been a place of refuge to the Amer- 
icans and his kindness to the foot-sore immigrants trailing down the western 
slope of the Sierra Nevada mountains made his loyalty to the Mexican gov- 
ernment a matter of some doubt. It is likely the Captain's diplomacy and the 
rifles of his North American hunters which could shoot true and far had much 
to do with the toleration of New Helvetia. One of the guns removed from 
Ross is a history-maker in itself. Tt was a brass four-pounder cast in St. Peters- 
burg and first saw active service when Napoleon so signally whipped the Aus- 
tro-Russian forces under the sinking sun at Austerlitz. Though the Russians 
lost sixty pieces of cannon to the terrible Corsican, this gun was among the 
few saved. Sutter" mounted the piece on the walls of his fort, but when he 
marched south with his company to help Fremont whip Castro, that fighting 
Californian took it away from him at the battle of Couenga. It was afterwards 
recaptured bv the American forces and returned to Sutter, who presented it 
to the Societv of California Pioneers. The famous gun of two hemispheres 
received its last baptism of fire when it and its kindred relics went down in 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 27 

the flames that swept San Francisco, April 18, 1906. With Sutter as aids at 
Couenga were General John Bidwell, afterwards of Chico, and Major Ernest 
Rufus, who, in turn, were in charge at Fort Ross. The schooner which Sut- 
ter re-christened "Sacramento" doubtless finding her Slavonic name unpro- 
nounceable even for his cosmopolitan tongue, became a historical character 
before she went to the graveyard of ships. She passed through a wreck or 
two on the coast and the river whose name she bore, and sent the title on to 
a street and wharf in -San Francisco ere she went out of commission for all 
time. 

During the years immediately following the departure of the Russian, little 
was done by Sutter's major-domos to keep up the property. A number of 
buildings had been removed to New . Helvetia, but what remained, including 
the picturesque little church, were generally neglected — the formerly sacred 
edifice occasionally changed to a sanctuary for hay. The livestock left on the 
ranchos heard the call of the wilds and found freedom in the neighboring pine 
forests so enticing that for a supply of meat it became easier to rope a bear 
than a steer. In 1844 William Benitz was sent to take charge of Ross and 
next year with Major Rufus he leased the place from Sutter. The Muniz 
Rancho on which the Ross property stands was granted by Governor Pio Pico 
in 1845, to Manuel Torres, but Benitz easily quieted that title by purchase. 
It extended from Russian River to Timber Cove and called for four square 
leagues or about 17,760 acres, and as usual when the Americans bought out 
the grant-possessing Californians, got it for "a song." Soon after, Major 
Rufus, who happened to be on the winning side in the "rebellion," received 
from the grateful government a grant for the Rancho de Herman, more known 
as the German Grant, of 17,580 acres lying north of Muniz — big pay for a 
little labor, but people in those early golden days here reaped rewards whether 
for or against the Mexicans. Ernest Rufus and Henry Hagler, a fellow Ger- 
man, improved the rancho, the latter being a skillful mechanic having come 
to this coast with Captain Stephen Smith as carpenter in the bark "George and 
Henry." Hagler constructed a grist mill on the grant, cutting the burs from 
ihe sandstone in the vicinity. He also cut the burs for Smith's mill at Bodega, 
and these two relics of California's early "stone-age" are left to corrode where 
they were finally dropped. These cultured and intelligent owners of Rancho 
de Herman named the beautiful little mountain stream that ran dashing and 
splashing through their estate down to the sea "Valhalla." They saw in this 
coast-range river scenic reminders of their own wild Scandinavia, and in that 
game-crowded, fertile region the peace and plenty of Valhalla, that paradise 
of the brave in Norse lore, where the feast eaten by the spectre-heroes at night 
becomes renewed ere the dawn. Alas for the poetic title — the pretty river be- 
came known as the Gualala (said to be of Peruvian lingo), and alas for the 
culture of the Valhallans there. — it is often heard "Wol-hol-lar." 

THE MUI.DREW "CLOUD." 

Although the Muniz grant lapped over the Ross property there seems 
to have been no disturbance between the two claimants. Sutter went on ship- 
ping grain in his schooner to San Francisco, making payments on his pur- 
chase, cleaning up the indebtedness of $30,000 in 1859 — fifteen years after the 
sale. After buying the Muniz claim Benitz refused to pay rent to Sutter but 



2 S HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

remained with his family at Fort Ross till 1867. Afterwards he removed to 
the Argentine Republic, where he died in 1876. In 1859 he sold his claim 
to William Muldrew, George R. Moore and Daniel W. Welt)' and here began 
the famous "Muldrew litigation," the purchasers basing their case on the 
shadow-title acquired by the Russians from the Bodega Indian chief. While 
Benitz declined to pay Sutter rental he tried to quiet the Muldrew claim with 
a cash payment of $6,000, and as the other settlers declined to follow his lead, 
it is likely this amount is all that Sutter ever received for his coast princi- 
pality. The District Court "finally brushed the Russian title out of existence 
and the great rancho whose price first was three pairs of breeches, three hoes, 
two axes and four strings of beads, second was $30,000 and third and last 
was $6,000, reverted to private life and so ends the Russian history of Sonoma. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 29 



CHAPTER VII. 
THE SPANIARD REACHES SONOMA. 

After the discover}- of Bodega Bay in 1774 it was thought that that body 
of water extended southeast to San Pablo, making what is now Marin county 
an island. The next year two Spanish officers, Quiros and Canizarez, were 
sent to explore the locality. With their company of soldiers and Indians they 
sailed up a wide, deep slough to a place where the spur of high hills abruptly 
terminates, facing the broad valley and creeks below. This they fittingly named 
"Punta de los Esteros" Point of the Creeks, and how that title became "Peta- 
luma" the local historians have not determined. It may come from punta de 
los lomas — point of the hills — or as the more classic aver, from the Latin peda 
— foot, or possiblv pedra — rock. Others who lean to "home-made" names pro- 
fess a belief in an Indian origin, but as the aborigines in the valley called the 
place "Choculi," and the definition of that word passed away with the tribe, 
the Petalumans will doubtless accept without questioning its derivation the 
easily-pronounced name that has come down to their city — practically the sea- 
port of the county. This matter of changeling-names, or mutilated-titles, is a 
sore subject to the writer, native of California, who all his life in this state 
has heard the smoothly flowing Spanish names frequently sacred and ever ap- 
propriate, nasaled and jarred into nondescript sounds, because the American, 
generally, fails to note and appreciate the richly harmonious vocalization of 
the Castillian. 'Tis a pity that less dead, and more of the alive languages are 
not taught in the California schools and colleges. 

The explorers returned from their Petaluma camp reporting that no for- 
eign fleet could reach Yerba Buena from Bodega by way of San Pablo Bay, 
and for forty-eight years the Spanish seemed to have forgotten this portion 
of their territorial claim. In 182 1 Governor Sola sent a large expedition under 
command of Luis Arguella up to the Sacramento, which he called "Rio Jesu 
Maria." Near the Oregon line the}' turned west to the coast, thence south 
through Cloverdale and the Russian River valleys which they called the "Val- 
ley of the Libantiliyami." This is probably the longest piece of travel the 
Spanish ever made in California, and it certainly awoke them to the value of 
the terra incognito north of the great central bays. Not long after this Padre 
Altimira and his company, seeking a new mission site, entered Sonoma \ al- 
ley. The route through the range of hills was by way of the Arroyo 'Pulpula, 
the site of the J. A. Poppe fish ponds. What he saw in the valley can best 
be told in his own words : "Leaving our camp and boat on the slough nearby, 
we started to explore, directing our course northwestward across the plain 
of Sonoma, until we reached a creek of about five hundred plumas of water, 
crystalline, and most pleasing to the taste, flowing through a grove of beau- 
tiful and useful trees. We went on. penetrating a broad grove of oaks; the 
trees were lofty and robust, offering an external source of utility, both for 
firewood and carriage material. The forest is about three leagues long from 



3 o HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

east to west and a league and a half wide from north to south. The plain is 
watered by another arroyo still more copious and pleasant than the former, 
flowing from west to east, but traveling northward from the center of the 
plain. The permanent springs, according to the statement of those who have 
seen them in the extreme dry season, are almost innumerable. No one can 
doubt the benignity of the Sonoma climate after noting the plants, the lofty 
and shady trees — alders, poplars, ash. laurel and others — and especially the 
abundance and luxuriance of the wild grapes. We observed also that the 
launch may come up the creek to where a settlement can be founded, truly a 
most convenient circumstance. We saw from these and other facts that Sonoma 
is a most desirable site for a mission.'' 

That the padre chose wisely the years have fully shown, for that level plain 
is now one of the famous vineyard places of the world and contains such 
splendid properties as Carriger, Wratten, Herman, Leavenworth, Craig, 
Hayes. Wohler, Hill, Stewart, Warfield, La Motte. Hood, Kohler, Hooper, 
Morris, Haraszthy, Tichner, Dressel, Gundlach, Snyder, Rufus, Nathanson, the 
hacienda of Lachryma Montis owned bv the Yallejo family and the Buena Yista 
Yinicultural Society. Jul} 4. 1823, the first services were held on the site of 
Mission San Francisco de Solano, and thereafter no time was lost in building. 
Altimira seems not only to have been a practical manager, but a fiery-zealed 
worker as well. He reports to the Governor at Yerba Buena: "In four days 
we have cut one hundred redwood beams with which to build a granary." The 
first church was 105 feet long, 24 feet wide, built of boards, whitewashed and 
decorated, many articles having been donated by the Russians at Ross. This 
was succeeded by a larger adobe church which was destroyed in 1826 by the 
Indians ; the padre making good use of his energies, escaped with his life. While 
he was doing wonders constructing and converting alone in the midst of war- 
ring savages who only tolerated him and his little company because of the 
mild curiosity with which they then regarded him and the object of his presence 
there, he had quite a collection of other troubles. In his Paul-like impetuosity 
to get his new mission which was virtually to absorb the establishments at San 
Rafael and San Francisco, he easily procured Governor Arguello's acquies- 
cence, and went ahead while the matter was pending with Sarria, the president 
of the missions. The head of the order refused to discontinue the mission at 
San Rafael and the padre and his president locked horns over the matter with 
the governor, a very much interested spectator. Altimira brought to a standstill 
at Sonoma, insisted that "Mission Dolores was on its last legs and San Rafael 
could not stand alone,'' and that San Francisco de Solano was the best place in 
California for the purpose, and if he could not do his work there he would 
leave the country. However, the question was settled by the retention of the 
three establishments. 

PLANTING THE FAITH AND THE GRAPES. 

The Sonoma mission thrived during the first ten years, the pioneer vines of 
those great vineyards being planted and a large tract of the valley sown in 
grain. To keep the Indians from stampeding the stock and making bonfires 
of the mission buildings when they wanted a feast and pyrotechnic entertain- 
ment, a garrison from the presidio at Yerba Buena was stationed at Sonoma. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 31 

Altimira was succeeded by Padre Fprtuni, followed by Padre Guilerrez, who 
was in charge till 1834, the year of secularization, which may be said to have 
ended the mission system. Always in need of money the Mexican government 
locked with longing gaze at the great herds and countless acres attached to the 
missions, and the officials never hesitated to call on the padres for supplies to eke 
out their wretched commissary, and it is likely innumerable government "I O U's" 
are > et outstanding. While the mission management outwardly took no part in the 
political feuds and changes and internal discords that passed California from a 
kingdom to a republic, to an empire, then back to a republic, with several brief 
independencies between the regimes, it was well known that the padres, for the 
most part natives of Spain, were in sympathy with the mother country. To the 
Mexican republicans this was not in accord with the proper revolutionary spirit 
towards the ancient monarchy over the Atlantic. The Mexican Congress had 
passed a general colonization act which was so liberal and so wise in its pro- 
visions that it caused wonder as to its motives. Governors were authorized 
to grant vacant lands to foreigners as well as citizens, the grants not conflicting 
with prior rights. The lands claimed by the missions were exempt until it 
should be determined whose property they were. All grants must have the 
approval of the territorial legislature. After the colonization act the seculariza- 
tion came as a matter of course. Yet this stripping of the missions, though it 
threw open to settlement practically the State of California, had its precedent in 
the "borrow" — to express it mildly — of the Pious Fund by the Mexican govern- 
ment the year before. This money, grown to $78,000, had reverted to the Fran- 
■ciscans when the Jesuit missions were suppressed, and was the desire of all the 
(political) ages of Mexico. It was farmed for the benefit of the always empty 
national treasury, and the monks of St. Francis, who were each to receive four 
hundred dollars annually, got their money only occasionally. However, the 
idea of turning these lands again to government control goes farther back than 
Mexico, as the Spanish Cortes in 1813, burdened with a huge Napoleonic war 
debt, was in favor of secularization of the missions. 

The foregoing in reference to the change in mission management is here 
given because it marks the change of Sonoma from the comparatively quiet 
existence of the priest and his band of neophytes to active life as an integral 
part of a great political state. The padre is the true Spanish pioneer of the 
Pacific wilderness, for alone he blazed the way and others followed. When it 
became known that under the colonization act a company was coming from 
Mexico destined for the Sonoma territory, an effort was made to prepare places 
for their location. Governor Jose Figueroa, who had received special instruc- 
tions from Mexico, came from Monterey to personally direct the establishing 
of "a village in the valley of Sonoma.'' Ten families of the coming colonists 
had agreed to settle at Petaluma and a house was erected at that point and occu- 
pied by several persons. After examining a number of proposed sites the Gov- 
ernor selected a location on Mark West creek in the Santa Rosa valley. The 
land is now owned by Mrs. Harrison Finley. The new town was marked off 
into lots, a plaza laid out in the center, and a title for the coming frontier city 
debated upon. These locators all agreed on the name of the president of Mex- 
ico, but they were not sure who then occupied that exalted position. Gomez 
Farias, last accounts, was in the chair, with Santa Ana vice-president, and that 



32 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 



the arch revolutionist of the much-troubled republic was so menacing to the 
executive that the energetic conspirator might be termed the "near-president." 
So to be safe they called the village in the valley Santa Ana y Farias, and the 
next news from Mexico told of the change they had expected and provided 
for. A number of neophytes from Sonoma were quartered in the rude build- 
ings for a short time, but the place was so unprotected that they refused to 
remain, and "Potiquiyomi," as the Indians originally called it, was abandoned. 

Under the governor's instructions of June 24, 1834, M. G. Yallejo, whose 
title translated into English was Military Commandant and Director of Colo- 
nization on the Northern Frontier, laid out the "Pueblo of Sonoma," the first 
official use of its Indian name, the place heretofore being known by its mission 
title ; and by this act virtually passes Sonoma from the ecclesiastical to the 
military and civil rule, although Yallejo did not complete the secularization of 
the Solano Mission property until the following year. In October the Sonoma 
colony under the command of Hijar and Padrez, respectively governor and 
director general of the "Cosmopolitan Company," as the colonization co-opera- 
tion was called, reached Monterey. Misfortune followed closely in their wake, 
for their vessel was wrecked during a violent storm in that bay a few days 
after. She was the historic Natalia, the little brig in which Napoleon escaped 
from Elba, coming back to jar the world again after its hundred days of peace. 
It was afterwards learned that this company was a sort of chartered monopoly 
formed to handle the commerce of the country, and its revenue was to be what 
it could squeeze out of the missions. Even the Natalia was to cost $14,000, 
and be paid for with mission tallow. As is usual in such schemes the colonists 
had been more or less deceived by the promoters, and moreover few of the 
people were fitted for a settlement on the frontier. There were artists, printers 
and music teachers for a land where farmers were in demand ; goldsmiths in a 
country where there was no gold in use ; blacksmiths where there was very 
little iron required; carpenters where adobe and tile were the principal building- 
material needed : painters where nothing was painted ; shoemakers where people 
wrapped their feet in rawhide, and tailors where they wore blankets. 

SECULARIZATION. 

And the missions knowing that their hour was striking declined to furnish 
the price. Instead of turning their property over to the so-called commission- 
ers or agents of the company the padres proceeded to realize all they could on 
the mission chattels. Thousands of heads of cattle were slaughtered only for 
the hides, and over the wide plains the coyotes feasted on the carcasses. Admin- 
istrators were appointed for the secularized property and these officials swin- 
dled all parties concerned. What with collected taxes and revenues that never 
got out of the hands of the collectors, neither Spain nor Mexico ever received 
any material profit from California. The territon was a political bull-pen where 
the governor and his officers generally bailed one another from one adminis- 
tration to another, with the easy-going, shiftless population caring little for 
the outcome. Spain was disappointed with the country because she found no 
gold therein, and Mexico because of national pride held on to the territory 
till Scott and Taylor had beaten her armies to a standstill. Governor Figueroa 
conscientiouslv tried to do his duty and died while in office with no dishonor 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 33 

attached to his name. Opposed by the missionaries whose property was pass- 
ing from their possession, worried by the Indians who free from the severe 
discipline of the padres were slipping back into savagery and threatening to 
become a menace to the white people, harassed by gangs of thieving speculators 
who were taking advantage of the general confusion and alighting on every- 
thing that promised loot, he grew sick and disheartened and his death took 
place at Monterey, September 29, 1835. 



34 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 



CHAPTER VIII. 
THE PREMIER CALIFORNIAN— VALLEJO. 

The passing of San Francisco de Solano after a decade of mission life to 
the Pueblo of Sonoma with its ten years of military and civil government pre- 
ceding the raising of the Bear Flag over die plaza, introduces a man whose 
splendid personality is stamped on every league of these vegas and mesas — 
Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo. Hijo del Pais — son of the soil — was he, and alike 
under king, emperor or president was true to the land of his birth. Though a 
Californian and sharing with other natives a natural distrust of strangers Val- 
lejo possessed an admiration and sincere friendship for the Americans, and 
received them kindly even when his superiors demanded the expulsion of the 
dangerous foreigners. Though his patriotism was never doubted he coun- 
seled annexation to the United States when he saw that Mexico had no gov- 
ernment nor protection for California. His appointment in 1835 as military 
comandante and civil commissionado of the northern district proved to be a 
selection so wise that it stands out in relief from among the official blunders 
of early California's history, and during his ten years of almost autocratic rule 
at Sonoma it is seen that he governed with rare justice and practical common 
sense. Vallejo was born in Monterey, July 7, 1808, the eighth in a family of 
thirteen children, his father being Don Ignacio Vincente Vallejo, and the mother 
Maria Antonia Lugo, both members of distinguished Spanish families. During 
his youth he was a cadet in the territorial army and a friend and comrade of 
General Castro and Governor Arguello. He was an earnest student and early 
acquired a fund of knowledge that fitted him to take a prominent part in and 
to a considerable extent, shape political affairs of the territory, especially during 
the critical time just prior to the American occupation. When California passed 
away from Mexico M. G. Vallejo was in all probability the first and best Mex- 
ican citizen within her borders; and when the red, white and blue of America 
took the place of the red, white and green of Mexico he was still of the best of 
California's citizens. Tall and erect, with a distinguished military bearing, 
and with grace of gesture and manner inherent from birth and breeding, an 
easy and fluent speaker in English, though learned late hi life, charming with 
the strength of purpose and the seriousness of diction, filled with the chivalry 
of the past day when Spanish knighthood was in flower, was General Vallejo. 
While at Sonoma, 1840 and 1845, large companies of American immigrants 
came through the pueblo, and though he was constantly "nagged" by his gov- 
ernment to drive the foreigners out of the country the comandante disobeyed 
orders and humanely treated the strangers. There is no doubt that Vallejo's 
gentle methods in dealing with the savage Indians surrounding him, his discre- 
tion in the management of his military affairs and his practical statesmanship 
making for the much-needed change of flags, proved him to be a greater man, 
a man more deserving of appreciation than an)' other within the limits of the 
territory — and it may be said in truth — deserving of more appreciation than 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 35 

lie received. The following summary of his speech before the junta at Mon- 
terey, April, 1846, when affairs were approaching such a crisis that even Gov- 
ernor Pio Pico advocated annexation to France or England as an escape from 
"that mock republic Mexico," as he rather disloyally called his political mother- 
superior, or "that perfidious people," the Yankees, may be given here as it shows 
the sterling make-up of the man : 

ANNEXATION TO THE UNITED STATES. 

"I cannot, gentlemen, coincide with the military functionaries who have 
advocated the cessation of our country to France or England. It is most true 
that to rely any longer on Mexico to govern and defend us would be idle and 
absurd. To this extent I fully agree with my colleagues. It is also true that 
we possess a noble country, every way calculated, from position and resources, 
to become great and powerful. For that reason I would not have her a mere 
dependency on a foreign monarch, naturally alien, or at least indifferent to our 
interests and our welfare. It is not to be denied that feeble nations have in 
former times thrown themselves upon the protection of their powerful neigh- 
bors. The Britons invoked the aid of the warlike Saxons and fell an easy prey 
to their protectors who seized their lands and treated them like slaves. Long 
before that time, feeble and distracted provinces had appealed for aid to the 
all-conquering arms of imperial Rome, and they were at the same time pro- 
tected and subjugated by their grasping ally. Even could we tolerate the idea 
of dependence, ought we to go to distant Europe for a master? What pos- 
sible sympathy could exist between us and a nation separated from us by two 
vast oceans? But waiving this insuperable objection, how could we endure 
to come under the dominion of a monarchy. For, although others speak lightly 
of a form of government, as a freeman I cannot do so. We are republicans — 
badly governed and badly situated as we are — still we are all, in sentiment, 
republicans. So far as we are governed at all, we at least do profess to be 
self-governed. Who, then, that possess true patriotism will consent to subject 
himself and his children to the caprices of a foreign king and his official min- 
ions? But it is asked, if we do not throw ourselves upon the protection of 
France and England, what shall we do? I do not come here to support the 
existing order of things, but I come prepared to propose instant and effective 
action to extricate our country from her present forlorn condition. My opin- 
ion is made up that we must persevere in throwing off the galling yoke of 
Mexico, and proclaim our independence of her forever. We have endured her 
official cormorants and her villainous soldiery until we can endure no longer. 
All will probably agree with me that we ought at once to rid ourselves of what 
may remain of Mexican domination. But some profess to doubt our ability to 
maintain our position. To my mind there comes no doubt. Look at Texas and 
see how long she withstood the power of united Mexico. The resources of 
Texas were not to be compared with ours, and she was so much nearer her 
enemy than we are. Our position is so remote, either by land or sea, that we 
are in no danger of Mexican invasion. Why, then, should we hesitate still to 
assert our independence? We have indeed taken the first step by electing our 
own governor, but another remains to be taken. I will mention it plainly and 
distinctly — it is annexation to the United States. In contemplating this con- 



3 6 HIST! )RY ( )F S( )NOMA C( )UNTY 

summation of our destiny, I feel nothing but pleasure and I ask you to share it. 
Discard old prejudices, discard old customs, and prepare for the glorious change 
that awaits our country. Why should we shrink from incorporating ourselves 
with the happiest and freest nation in the world, destined soon to be the most 
wealthy and powerful ? Why should we go abroad for protection when this 
great nation is our adjoining neighbor? When we join our fortunes to hers, 
we shall not become subjects, but fellow-citizens, possessing all the rights of 
the people of the United States, and choosing our own federal and local rulers. 
We shall have a stable government and just laws. California will grow strong 
and flourish, and her people will be prosperous, happy and free. Look not, 
therefore, with jealousy upon the hardy pioneers who scale our mountains and 
cultivate our unoccupied plains ; but rather welcome them as brothers, who come 
to share with us a common destiny." 

Here stood this young California patriot and in his plea for his country 
he uttered the sentiments of Patrick Henry so often heard around the world ; 
and while the junta did not act upon the suggested annexation to the United 
States, the proposed European protectorate matter was heard no more and the 
French and English representatives perforce accepted Vallejo's answer as the 
answer, and in a few months Commodore Sloat's guns were commanding Mon- 
terey and virtually all California. This digression and advancement out of 
chronological order to a period when the internal dissension and mismanage- 
ment of Mexican officials were ending, exhibits General Vallejo's part in the 
last act of that discordant drama. The final ten years of Mexico in Sonoma — 
and in California as well — must necessarily be largely of his acts as the coman- 
dante of that most important military post. Three times he took part in revo- 
lution against Mexico, in 1832-36-45, and the revolutionists won each time, 
but the successive governors they recognized always managed to get themselves 
in turn recognized by the Mexican government, in consequence of which mat- 
ters would drop back into the old rut. There is little wonder that Vallejo 
at Sonoma found his grandiloquent- title of Military Comandante and Director 
of Colonization on the Northern Frontier, burdensome and occasionally asked 
to be relieved. And when the Bear Flag people did relieve him of further 
participation in Mexican affairs it was likely to him a relief indeed. 

General Vallejo began his official duties at Sonoma under the following 
order of Governor Figueroa : 

POLITICAL GOVERNMENT OF UPPER CALIFORNIA. 

Monterey, June 24. 1835. 
Don M. G. Vallejo, Military Comandante: 

In conformity with orders and instructions issued by the Supreme Con- 
federation respecting the location of a village in the Valley of Sonoma, this 
comandancy urges upon you that, according to topographical plan of this place, 
it be divided into quarters or squares, seeing that the streets and plazas be 
regulated so as to make a beginning. The inhabitants are to be governed 
entirely by said plan. This government and comandancy approves entirely of 
the lines designed by you for outlets — recognizing as the property of the vil- 
lage and public lands and privileges, the boundaries of Petaluma, Agua Cal- 
iente, Rancho de Huichica. Lena de Sur, Salvador, Vallejo and La Vernica, 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 37 

on the north of the city of Sonoma, as the limits of its property, rights and 
privileges — requesting that it shall be commenced immediately around the hill, 
where the fortification is to be erected, to protect the inhabitants from incur- 
sions of the savages and all others. In order that the building lots granted by 
you, as the person charged with colonization, may be fairly portioned, you will 
divide each square (manzana) into four parts, as well for the location of each 
as to interest persons in the planting of kitchen gardens, so that everyone 
shall have a hundred yards, more or less, which the government deems suffi- 
cient ; and' further, lots of land may be granted of from one hundred and fifty 
to two hundred yards, in opening for outlets, for other descriptions of tillage, 
subject to the laws and regulations on the subject, in such manner that at all 
times the municipality shall possess the legal title. 

This government and comandancy-general offers you thanks for your efforts 
in erecting this new city, which will secure the frontier of the republic, and is 
confident that you will make new efforts for the national entirety. 

"God and Liberty." 

Jose Figueroa. 



38 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 



CHAPTER IX. 
MEXICAN STATE OF CALIFORNIA. 

Alter laying out Pueblo Sonoma in accordance with the governor's care- 
ful instructions, Vallejo completed the secularization of the Mission Solano. 
With the distribution of the movable property to them, the Indians generally 
returned to their rancherias, and the mission community having no legal exist- 
ence settled down into the status of a parish, though administrators were ap- 
pointed by the governor to attend to the disposal of the lands claimed by the 
institutions. Presently the ex-neophytes, in consequence of troubles with the 
hostile Indians, or "gentiles," as they were distinguished from the christianized 
natives, placed much of their livestock in the care of General Vallejo. Though 
the comandante's position as custodian of private property was not recognized 
by law it seems that he accepted that duty and faithfully cared for the herds 
of his red proteges for their benefit and protection and for the common good 
of the community. As this resulted in gain rather than loss to the livestock 
the wisdom of the choice and management is manifest. The comandante not 
only cared for the property that had been distributed to the Indians, but he 
tried to keep them in some kind of order and government around the mission, 
knowing that only within the influence of that institution backed by the mili- 
tary for emergencies could the natives be kept under that mild discipline that 
would make them useful to the community and useful to themselves. Gen- 
eral Vallejo would have established another — the twenty-second — mission farther 
north, as he was wealthy and powerful enough to have endowed it with a 
good-sized rancho, but the ecclesiastical powers of the territory were discour- 
aged, and the military man's missionary plan got no further than a plan. 

The ex-mission convert reverting toward the original moral type soon 
became a mission-memory, and this was inevitable. Much unjust denunciation 
has been lavished upon the disestablishment of the missions, but this has come 
from writers whose sentimental flights led them away from the original pur- 
pose of the missions, and the causes of their ending. Those institutions, as 
christianizers and civilizers of the California aborigines, were doomed long 
before the Spanish Cortes in 1813 passed but did not enforce the decree of 
secularization, and before the Mexican Congress in 1833 brought about the 
same enactment, for early in their history it was seen by intelligent Spanish 
officers that the missions could not make the Indians self-supporting citizens, 
and that the mere herding of them on the great mission tracts of land — taking 
about one thousand acres to support one Indian — was only maintaining them 
in a dependency, a servitude which doubtless was mild enough for his per- 
sonal comfort but did not lift him out of the low plane of ages. The Spanish 
Governor Borica, in 1876, said : "According to the laws the natives are to 
be free from tutelage at the end of ten years, the missions then becoming doc- 
trinaires, but those of New California, at the rate they are advancing, will not 
reach the goal in ten centuries : the reason God knows, and men, too, know 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 39 

something about it." Official investigation several times during the decades 
of mission life showed that very few of the neophytes could read or had any 
literary knowledge whatever beyond the simplest church service. Also, the 
general assembling of the Indians in and at the missions, however sanitary the 
change from the white man's viewpoint, wrought disastrously in the end. The 
mission managers could not understand the fatality of housing the Indians, 
and could not overcome the natural apathy of the native to anything remotely 
resembling hygiene, and the losses from disease were greater than gains from 
all sources. In a comparatively few \ears the missions would have been de- 
populated. Moreover, Spain when she established and foisted and protected 
the missions, also provided for their final secularization, as the following in- 
structions given Viceroy Bucarili August 17, 1773, to the comandante at San 
Diego and Monterey. 

"Article 15. when it shall happen that a mission is to be formed into a 
pueblo or village, the comandante shall proceed to reduce it to the civil and 
economical government, which, according to the laws, is observed by other 
villages of this kingdom." Other sections of the Cortes decree provided that 
"the secular clergy should attend to the spiritual wants of these newly formed 
curacies," and that "the missionary monks relieved from the converted settle- 
ments shall proceed to the conversion of other heathen." 

VALLEJO A BUSY OFFICIAL. 

The Mexican congress twenty years after followed closely the decree of 
the Cortes in a practical and humane distribution of a half of the lands and 
other property to the Indians who had for years assisted in the accumulation 
of this wealth. To protect him against himself the neophyte by law was pre- 
vented from selling, mortgaging or in any way disposing of the land or cattle 
given him. The other half of the mission holdings were for the pobladores — 
colonists — the urgent need of whom at last Mexico became conscious, and 
whom that government tried to encourage just previous to the time the United 
States took the whole proposition into her own hands. The padre's vast ranchos 
were soon covered by the big government grants and the colonist who was to 
receive a tidy little farm and many other gifts out of the mission treasury, was 
disappointed. 

Added to these disagreeable features, Jose Maria Hijar, the chief pro- 
moter of the enterprise, landed into troubles of his own when he landed here. 
He was a man of means and some eminence in Mexico and if permitted might 
have carried his colonization scheme to some success, but among a people 
where every person watched some other with fear and distrust, official or pri- 
vate interference was to be expected. When Hijar left Mexico he had in his 
pocket his appointment to no less office than that of Governor of Upper Cali- 
fornia, signed by President Farias. Shortly after the new appointee's departure, 
Vice President Santa Ana, with the promptitude of politicians in Spanish Amer- 
ica, chased his superior out of the republic and proceeded to revoke that ex- 
official's work. A horseman rode from Mexico to Monterey in forty days, 
beating Hijar and his company by sea, and when the new governor arrived 
he was again just a plain citizen. Governor Figueroa sent the colony to So- 
noma, where the families were located by the comandante on the pueblo lots, 
but among- the leaders there were dissensions and disagreements which but for 



4 o HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

the strong hand of Vallejo would have broken out in open rebellion. As it 
was, several of the adherents of Hijar went down to Los Angeles, where they 
soon had an active revolt under way — revolutions were easy and frequent in 
Los Angeles during the Spanish and Mexican periods. However, the Hijar 
insurrection subsided that same afternoon and the governor — on paper — was 
exiled. 

The colony plan of populating the territory with desirable Mexican citi- 
zens, as well as the building of the ''city" in the Santa Rosa valley having been 
abandoned, Comandante Vallejo at Sonoma found himself — for about ten years 
— a very busy official. He had the lately mission-emancipated neophytes — about 
as helpless as children — with their property to look after, also the Indians of 
his military district who had never received any mission-taming, and were 
ready at any hour to rush him and his corporal's guard of soldiers out of 
the country. With the home-seeking colonists from Mexico, bands of Amer- 
ican immigrants were finding their way into the fertile Sonoma valleys, though 
he repeatedly had been ordered by his superiors to prevent this "lawless in- 
vasion." This Spanish characteristic order, utterly absurd as well as impos- 
sible of compliance, Vallejo did not even pretend to obey, and he. was too strong 
in territorial politics to be molested. So he kept his pueblo of four leagues 
square in peace while the cheap "rebellions" of wrangling officials were troub- 
ling the country from San Diego to Monterey. In the corps of the Native Sons 
and Daughters of the Golden West may be found the names of descendants 
of the following settlers who drifted into Sonoma county during '35 and '45 : 
Mariano G. and Salvador Vallejo ; Julio, Joaquin and Ramon Carrillo ; Rafael 
Garcia ; Ignacio and Pablo Pacheco ; Nazario and Francisco Berryessa ; Felipe 
and Lazaro Pefia ; Manuel Vaca ; Domingo Suenz ; Gregorio Briones ; Juan 
Miranda; Marcos and Cayetano Juarez; Bartolo Bojorques; Francisco Duarte ; 
Fernando Felix ; Rosalino Olivera ; Victor Prudon ; George Yount ; John Wil- 
son ; James Scott; Mark West; J. B. R. Cooper; Edward Manuel Mcintosh; 
James Black ; Edward Bale ; James Dawson and Timothy Murph\ . General 
Vallejo in 1832 married Francesca Benicia Carrillo, one of the daughters of 
Joaquin Carrillo, and three prominent gringo pioneers of Sonoma, Henry D. 
Fitch, Jacob P. Leese and Juan B. Cooper, married sisters of Senora Vallejo. 
With these stalwart Yankee brothers-in-law as neighbors one may readily see 
where the Comandante got his high opinion of the Americanos del Norte. 

THE CARRILLOS IN THE SOUTH-LAND. 

The Carrillos were prominent among the old California families, settling 
first at Santa Barbara. Jose Antonio Carrillo seems to have been the "states- 
man" of the south and as such took an active part in the "capitol city" and 
other contests that kept the two ends of the state in constant wrangle. Los 
Angeles, the hot-bed of political dissension, and San Diego were geographically 
mated, and the combination could always be counted upon opposing Monterey — 
if they were not too busy opposing each other. San Francisco in those clays 
had not reached a chief-city importance, so the "capitol" pendulum swung up 
and down the state — even after the Americans "came," till it finally stood sta- 
tionary on the Rio Sacramento. In 1835 Jose Antonio Carrillo as territorial 
delegate to the Mexican Congress lobbied through that body the decree making 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 41 

Los Angeles the eapital city. Jose appears to have cut a pretty wide swath 
that session in Mexico, for next year it was learned that he had persuaded 
Presidente Bustamente to appoint his brother, Carlos Carrillo, governor of Cali- 
fornia. This pleased the Angelenos, because with a governor within their gates 
they could humiliate Monterey. But Monterey was well supplied with gov- 
ernors that year. Governor Figueroa's death left Alta California legally in 
the hands of the diputacion or territorial legislature, of which Jose Carrillo 
was the presiding officer, but being a congressional delegate in Mexico, Jose 
Castro, another member, assumed the governship pro tern. The diputacion 
then decided to meet at Monterey. 

A GOVERNOR-RIDDEN LAND. 

Four pro tern, governors passed through the office during the next nine 
months, and after the last one had been shipped back to Mexico, General Jose 
Castro and Juan Bautista Alvarado, a customs clerk and a man of considera- 
ble ability, started a full grown revolution. The diputacion declared El Estado 
Libre de Alta California — The Free State of Upper California — forever inde- 
pendent, and arraigned Mexico for crimes that made the acts of George III 
of Great Britain seem lamb-like in comparison. Then California had two gov- 
ernors, and as Mexico had revolutions of her own at home, she let the new 
free state work out its own salvation,; — and back into the Mexican confedera- 
tion. Affairs were somewhat mixed. Governor Alvarado of the north was the 
nephew of Governor Carlos Carrillo of the south and Los Angeles was for 
anybody who made that city his residence. That civic peculiarity yet may be 
observed in Los Angeles. General Castro's army of one hundred Californians 
made an imposing array on parade, but his fighting force consisted of fifty 
American riflemen under the command of a Tennesseean named Isaac Graham. 
It is not known that these men did any fighting during that campaign, but as it 
was known in both gubernatorial departments that they could and would shoot 
to kill, their mere presence on the field won the battle. Although Governor 
Carrillo and his brother, the member to Congress, were from Santa Barbara, 
that pueblo in its turn got up a revolt and he sent troops to punish the rebels, 
but this force was badly used up by Pio Pico, his brother-in-law. This sent 
his southern excellency scurrying out of Los Angeles and as far away as San 
Diego. A number of his friends did not get out in time and were caught by 
the northern governor, who sent them up to Sonoma, where Vallejo could 
keep them in seclusion for a few months, which he did although they were the 
adherents of Senora Vallejo's gubernatorial kinsman. 

Alvarado's subjugation of the southerners progressed smoothly. When- 
ever Graham's riflemen showed up before a rebellious city, that rebellion was 
over and the ayuntamiento, or city council, would issue a voluble pronuncia- 
mento in which detestation for Mexico and veneration for a "hijo del pais" 
(son of the country) in the governor's chair were pretty well mixed. Finally 
Carrillo fell into the hands of his "arribeno" (upper) rival, and Alvarado, like 
a kind nephew, turned his captive over to his aunt, who assured him that she 
would keep el tio — the uncle — out of politics and otherwise be responsible for 
his behavior. Senora Carrillo seems to have been a woman of power and 
influence, at ieast in her own home at Santa Barbara, as she kept her word, 



42 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

which was more than did the city of Los Angeles. That place with San Diego 
so annoyed Alvarado with their intrigues and plots that he passed the word 
down the coast that if they did not behave themselves he would shoot ten of 
their leading men. As he had this number in the Castillo at Sonoma with the 
key safe in Comandante Yallejo's pocket, the Angelenos and the San Diegos 
quickly concluded that Alvarado could and would do what he threatened, and 
he had no further trouble with them. But the free and sovereign days of 
Alta California were numbered. Some months before this Alvarado had 
reached the conclusion that an independent state containing a contentious pop- 
ulation and menaced by a foreign immigration could not exist. He had quietly 
"explained" to Mexico and had taken the oath of allegiance to the constitu- 
tion of 1836, and in return for handing California back to the Supreme Gov- 
ernment of Mexico, he was appointed governor. As either a salve for his 
wounded dignity or for a place of exile, the ex-governor was given the Island 
of Santa Rosa in the Santa Barbara Channel. On this western Elba, or St. 
Helena, Don Carlos Carrillo, like another Napoleon, settled down on his sea- 
girt rancho and as a typical Californian let his todays slip into the "mananas." 
Considerable space is here given to the Carrillo name because of the part 
played by members of that family not only in the lower portion of the state, 
but later in Sonoma; in connection with M. G. Vallejo, also with the settle- 
ment of the Santa Rosa valley. This digression into general history shows 
how Sonoma county on the northern frontier of the Mexican dominion played 
her role in the final act of Spain in the Californias. Sonoma is the last set- 
tlement of the Spanish crown in America if not in the world, and is the last 
colony from Mexico in California, hence the story of this county must carry 
much of the general history of the slate. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 43 



CHAPTER X. 
A FREE AND EASY PEOPLE. 

At this period in the tale, when Mexico is moving in battle-array to meet 
her great northern neighbor, and California with the tide is drifting in the 
same direction, a chapter may be given on life among the earlier native sons 
and daughters of the golden west, El hijos y la hijas del pais of Spanish blood, 
the mild and easy-going people who found on this mild and sunny coast a 
fitting and ideal place of existence. Methods and manners in the new Pueblo 
of Sonoma, just coming into civic life under the fatherly care of Comandante 
Vallejo, may be described as a fair sample of life in all California towns. Madre 
Spain gave her municipalities a government that smacked strongly of maternal- 
ism, but it was a system that suited her simple and kindly people. In the haci- 
endas and out on the ranches the later-coming Anglo-Saxon found these milder 
Iberians, and took advantage of them. The North American in California 
survived and it was a survival of the fittest, not always of the best. We 
forced Mexico into a war, well knowing that our armies would be in her cap- 
ital in a few months, and because our pro-slavery politicians were calling for 
more territory. Only in the southwestern corner of the continent was the land 
then wanted, and our neighbor republic had to be whipped into gift giving. 
And a little more delay might have let France or England into Monterey and 
have given us a harder task to whip those settlers out. 

The adobe, in which the Spanish colonist housed himself, was not a thing 
of exquisite beauty, in fact it was not anything but a structure exceedingly 
ugly, but it was easily built and comfortable when occupied. There was no 
ornamentation without or within ; but little variety, and while every man was his 
own architect and builder he "architected" and built like his neighbor. Some 
of the mission churches were imposing, while others, like the heavy dwellings 
of the people around them, were massed-up outside of every known rule of 
architecture. The Indian generally was the builder. He soon learned to cast 
the big clumsy, mud bricks, sun-drying them first on one side and then on 
the other and mud-plastering the hard cakes into walls. He was a fairly good 
workman — fairly good for that California day — and not difficult to herd onto 
his job. Plenty of carne for him when the vaqueros rode in with a fat steer, 
and a little, just a little, vino from the mission vineyard to wash the meal 
down. He never struck for higher wages, because he never received any 
wages. The white man who taught him a new tongue took care that the word 
"wages" didn't get into it. Probably he was as well off, herded with the other 
livestock of the haciendas, as he would have been running free and rounding 
up the sprightly grasshopper on the golden summer hills. From dirt-floor to 
tile-roof in the big houses there was so little wood or any combustible that the 
fire insurance business was the last thing that got over the mountains into 
California, and a full-fledged, active agent would have been considered fit for 
treason, stratagem and for spoils. Only the aristocrats could indulge in board- 



44 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

floors. A description of the gubernatorial mansion in Monterey in 1814 says 
it was floored in wood, its front door was rawhide and wooden-barred windows 
let in the sunshine and air. The front and the upper story, if la casa had 
such, were the quarters for the don and his family, which was generally a 
large one, and the other portions of the hacienda were for the ranch herders, 
house servants and the retainers and hangers-on around the place. These 
latter were Indians, mixed-breeds and world-tramps of an unknown moral 
quality. The Spanish-Californian was kind to his pensioners. Doubtless often 
in their numbers and uselessness he found them a never-ending nuisance, but 
while he had a league of rancho left or a head of cattle straying over it he 
shared with them. 

The wheat lands did not then produce as they did later under the plow 
of the gringo, but there was plenty of tortillas — thin cakes beaten into shape 
by hand and baked before the fire, — eaten at every meal. Out under a convenient 
tree, in the clear, dry air where it would keep fresh till the knife got it all, 
hung a carcass of beef, and when that was gone to the chile-con-carne pot, 
there was more on-hoof in the wild-oats on the hills. The bean — pabulum of 
the Bostonese and the proletariat — was the chief of the rancho vegetable gar- 
den; and the gaudy red-pepper — never absent from any table or dish — grew 
between bean-rows. Coffee — when the ships brought it in, — and wine — in the 
Sonoma and Santa Clara valleys where the grapes grew — for the padron's 
table ; and water, generally, for the others. While the plains were covered 
with cattle, milk and butter were unknown on a Californian's bill-of-fare. It 
was the enterprising Yankee here who went into the dairy business with the 
Spanish cow. Some of the missions had orchards hedged by willows and 
cactus, but tree-culture had little part in the early civilization of the country. 
Shade-trees, except on the alamedas along the roads leading to the churches 
or places of public resort, were not in favor. In those days when the noble 
oaks, the madrona or mother-tree, the peerless redwood or pine, the classic 
laurel, the wide-leafed maple and other princely growths made California a 
great natural garden, artificial planting was not necessary. That was to come 
when the ax and saw furthered the work of destruction among our groves — 
"God's first temples.''' 

SIMPLE CIVIC GOVERNMENTS. 

A civic government in Spanish dominion was simply and wisely handled. 
It consisted of the ayuntamiento (junta) or council, and its members were one 
or two alcaldes (mayors or judges), two or four regidores (councilmen) and 
a procurador-syndico (treasurer). The alcaldes were the presidents of the 
council. The syndico was not only the custodian of the pueblo coin, but he 
was tax-collector, city attorney, and a number of other useful and industrious 
things — for all of which he got no salary. The care of the town money was 
generally the lightest of his official duties, as taxation and expenditures were 
in constant competition for the lowest point in the town business. Most of 
the cooking was done in outdoor kitchens or ovens, consequently there were 
no flues nor chimneys in the walls to keep the fire department busy. The 
water utility was a well in the plaza where the senoras met with their ollas or 
water-jars, and the street lighting consisted of a lantern hung before the door 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 45 

from twilight to bedtime — or until the candle burned out. Street work was 
confined to occasional digging or shoveling before one's own premises. No 
member of the ayuntamiento was salaried — the office in those days sought the 
man, and held him after it found him. And as he was a sturdy old don, inclined 
to keep the municipal coin-sack tied up with a rawhide riata, there was no 
civic grafting in those adobe pueblos "before the gringo came." The few 
soldiers or a volunteer, unpaid night-watch did the policing of the town or 
village. The area of an official pueblo was four square Spanish leagues or about 
twenty-seven square miles, in square or rectangular form. The lands were 
laid out in town lots, grain lands, public pasture lands, vacant commons, muni- 
cipal lands the rental of which went to defray public expenses, and unappro- 
priated royal lands, also used for raising revenue. As under Mexican domina- 
tion in California no tax was levied on land and improvements, the municipal 
funds of the pueblos were obtained from revenues on wine and brandy ; from 
the licenses of saloons and other business houses ; from the tariff on imports ; 
from ball and dance permits ; from the tax on bull-rings and cock-pits ; and 
from petty court fines. Then, men paid for their vice and pleasure and the 
money was put to good use. The following from Professor J. M. Guinn's 
excellently written California history, from which this writer has gleaned many 
paragraphs of valuable information, will give an idea of municipal economy 
in the ante-golden times. "In the early '40s the city of Los Angeles claimed 
a population of two thousand, yet the municipal revenues rarely exceeded 
$1,000 a year. With this small amount the authorities ran a city government 
and kept out of debt, but at that time it cost little to run a city. There was 
no army of high-salaried officials with a horde of political heelers quartered 
on the municipality and fed from the public crib at the expense of the taxpayer. 
Politicians then may have been no more conscientious than now, but where 
there was nothing to steal there was no stealing. The alcaldes and other city- 
fathers put no temptation in the way of the politicians, and thus kept them 
reasonably honest, or at least they kept them from plundering the tax payers 
by the simple expedient of having no tax payers." 

NO AMERICAN TECHNICALITIES. 

The judiciary was as simple as the legislative. Among the Spanish pio- 
neers of Alta California, there were few breaches of law, and virtually no 
crime. The courts weighed the old, old questions of right and wrong, and 
not the verbal formation of a law term, and Spanish justice was not lost under 
American technicalities. There were few law libraries in California, and writ- 
ten statutes were yet in the future. Minor offenses and actions involving less 
than one hundred dollars were examined and decided by the alcalde, while 
cases of more weight or importance were passed up to the district or supreme 
courts. Either party could demand a jury, and as this body of three or five 
persons was always picked from the best and most intelligent citizens of the 
pueblo, the cases went through the court unhampered by wrangling lawyers 
and archaic rules of procedure. The jurisdiction of an ayuntamiento might be 
confined to a small village or a county, and its authority was often as extensive 
as its jurisdiction. Its members serving without pay were liable to fine for non- 
attendance, and resignations were difficult. Even under the government of 



46 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNT V 

a Spanish king, three-quarters of a century ago, California had the referendum. 
When a question of importance was before the ayuntamiento and there was a 
division in opinion, the alarma publica bell was rung and every citizen gathered 
immediately at the assembly hall. Those who failed without reason were fined 
$3. Then and there the public by the simple raising of hands voted and decided 
the question. Some of the town ordinances were unique, but seemed to have 
filled the bill even though they often appeared to regulate the social as well 
as the civic functions of the pueblo. From an old municipal record it may 
be read that "All individuals serenading promiscuously around the streets of 
the city at night without having first obtained permission from the alcalde 
will be fined $1.50 for the first offense, $3 for the second offense, and for the 
third punished according to law." That third "law" punishment must have 
been too fierce for a written municipal ordinance. A Los Angeles ordinance 
threatened : "Every person not having any apparent occupation in this city 
or its jurisdiction is hereby ordered to look for work within three days, count- 
ing from the day this ordinance is published; if not complied with he will be 
fined $2 for the first offense, $4 for the second offense, and will be given 
compulsory work for the third." It is evident these old-time city fathers 
intended to be severe in tramp-treatment, but it would be a simple-minded 
vagrant of any age that could not dodge those penalties. Just keep "a-lookhr 
and no fine, no work." 

A SONOMA SOLOMON. 

Some of these judicial alcaldes — many of them Americans — frequently handed 
down judgment as rare as the finding of an eastern cadi. A Sonoma woman 
complained to the alcalde that her husband, who was something of a musician, 
persisted in serenading another woman, and his honor ordered the accused into 
court. There was nothing in the city ordinances touching the playing of musical 
instruments, but the wise judge looked beyond the law and saw the fellow and 
his guitar at the disposal of the wrong woman, and his honor trusted that 
inspiration would lead him to an equitable adjustment of the matter. The 
man was sternly directed to play for the court the air he had played for the 
too-fascinating senora, and after he had nervously done so was fined $2 by the 
local Solomon on the ground that music so poor could only be a disturbance of 
the peace. 

Occasionally the padres got into the city ordinances measures tinctured 
like unto a Connecticut statute. Monterey in 1816 had a blue law which ordered 
that "all persons must attend mass and respond in a loud voice, and if any 
person should fail to do so without good cause he shall be put in the stocks 
for three hours." It is presumable that the good father found the attendance 
at church dropping off and took this means of reminding the unfaithful of their 
backsliding. However, there is no record that any of them ever got into the 
stocks or found the parishional regulations unreasonably severe. Tenacious 
of their ecclesiastical authority and constantly clashing with the military who 
were not loth to start "an argument" the Spanish priests maintained a very 
mild spiritual dominion over the Californians. Possibly a place where nature 
casts her gifts so lavishly, and where heaven sends a benediction in every sun- 
ray and rain-drop, cannot be governed with creed-charts. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 47 

These padres in their strong opposition to a non-Roman Catholic society 
laid the ban of the church on marriage between foreigners and native women. 
But dogma was no barrier to the pioneer American when he found one of the 
many comely senoritas willing to annex him to the Republic of Mexico, and to 
her fair self. Generally the priest was willing to baptize the gringo convert and 
then marry him to the local maiden, but occasionally something would appear 
to delay the "yoking of the daughters of the land with unbelievers," or at 
least with husbands whose new profession was of more sentiment than spirit- 
uality. 

CARRYING OFF JOSEPHINE. 

One of these cases was the runaway sea-voyage and wedding of Captain 
and Mrs. Henry D. Fitch, well known residents of Healdsburg, and original 
grantees of the Sotoyome (48,836-acres) tract in Mendocino and Russian River 
townships. The fact that the heroine of this bit of early California romance 
was Dona Josefa Carrillo, a member of the noted family of that name, also 
a sister of Sefiora Vallejo, makes the story of lively interest. It was at San 
Diego where Captain Enrique Fitch, as the Californians called this marine 
Lochinvar, met the young daughter of Don Joaquin Carrillo. He was not of 
her religion nor nationality, but faith and the flag follow love, and the dashing 
New Bedford sailor was willing and even anxious to be naturalized — baptized 
— or martyrized, if necessary. The priest received Fitch into the church but 
was afraid to perform the marriage ceremony in his own parish, though he 
offered to go with the young couple to some other country and there marry 
them. At this critical point Dona Josefa straightened out the tangle by sug- 
gesting, "'Why don't you carry me off, Don Enrique?" This was enough for 
the Captain, and the next night she was taken secretly from her father's house 
by her cousin, Don Pio Pico, afterwards governor of the state. As Joaquin 
Carrillo already possessed three American sons-in-law, it may be understood 
that he complacently looked the other way while his last daughter was annex- 
ing a foreign husband. Pico on his horse conveyed the lady to the bay shore 
where she embarked. Captain Fitch received his Josephine, and his vessel, 
like a "Pinafore," sailed away for Valparaiso, where they were married. When 
they returned from South America he was arrested at Monterey on complaint 
of Padre Sanchez of San Gabriel, and his wife was placed in the custody of her 
brother-in-law, Captain Cooper. Governor Echeandia, who was not on the best 
of terms with the ecclesiastical powers of the territory, finally released Mrs. 
Fitch, but the investigation of the Captain's "heinous conduct" dragged on for 
months, Sanchez even contemplating making the governor a party to the crime. 
After all the points of clerical law were discussed the priestly authorities 
decided that the Valparaiso marriage was not legitimate but was valid, and 
the couple were condemned to present themselves in church with lighted candles 
in their hands to hear mass for three feast days, and to recite together for thirty 
days one-third of the rosary of the holy virgin. In addition to these joint 
penances Vicar Sanchez inflicted the following penalty : "Yet considering the 
great scandal which Don Enrique has caused in this province I condemn him 
to give as penance and reparation a bell of at least fifty pounds in weight for 
the church at Los Angeles, which barely has a borrowed one." There is no 
doubt that Don Enrique, like a good churchman, did penance — till he got to the 



4 8 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

bell — for it is of record that long after the couple settled in Sonoma the church 
at Los Angeles was without its gift. 

SOCIETY ON THE RANCHOS. 

While in officialdom change followed change, often with remarkable rapid- 
ity for a people of such characteristic slowness, down in the rank and file of 
California there was •'never any hurry." Within the big adobes there was the 
same roominess, the same simplicity in furnishings and on the great ranchos 
the same old slipshod methods from year to year. The rough table, a few 
rawhide-bottom chairs, a bench or two along the wall, in the bedrooms chests 
for the family finery, a rude shrine or a cheap picture of the family saint, and 
these were the general arrangements of the dwellings from San Diego to 
Sonoma. While the Spaniard and all his race is dressy, he is loath to change 
the stvle of his fine feathers, consequently the grandfather's hat or coat could 
pass through the third generation. The weakness of "fashion" was one failing 
the early Californian did not have. That small vanity came in with the Ameri- 
can. Yet they dressed well and often richly; sometimes a don would be arrayed 
in a thousand dollars' worth of apparel — a princely sum and suit for that day. 
His shirt would be silk beautifully embroidered and a white jaconet era vet tied 
in a tasteful bow, a blue damask vest and over this a bright green cloth jacket 
with large silver buttons. Up to 1834 he would be wearing the knee breeches 
or short clothes of the last century, but after that he would be clad in the 
calzoneras the Hijar colonists brought from Mexico. These were long panta- 
loons, with the outside seam open throughout the length of each leg and on 
these seam-edges were worked ornamental buttonholes. In some cases the 
calzoneras were sewn from hip to middle thigh and in others buttoned or 
laced with silk cord. From the middle of the thigh downward the leg was 
covered by the bota or leggins. The Spanish gentleman wore no suspenders, 
but around his waist and over the pantaloons was the beautiful silken sash, 
the most picturesque article of dress the world over, and this could always be 
seen under the ornamental short jacket. Embroidered shoes or slippers for his 
feet and a black silk handkerchief gracefully tied covered his head. A wide- 
rim, high-peak sombrero, often richly and heavily ornamented with silver 
chains or braid, was the hat of this gaudy grandee. For an outer garment 
was the serapa, the common cloak of the Mexicano ranging from the cheap 
cotton and coarse serge to the costliest silk and the finest French broadcloth. 
It was really a square piece of cloth with a hole in the middle through which 
the wearer stuck his head, and this hanging over the shoulders and down the 
bodv as far as the knees made a useful as well as graceful article of clothing. 
All the world over there is no woman who can wear her clothing so well 
as the ever-graceful daughter of Spain. She may have only the simple chemi- 
sette and skirt, but the combination is becoming and there is enough lace, 
embroidery, silk and satin, flounces and drapery and brilliant color for the 
completion of the charming picture. A silk or cotton robosa or mantilla droops 
from the shoulders, the lace edge thrown across the head to fall gracefully over 
the brow, is the outer garment, and velvet or blue satin shoes are on her feet. 
The women of the Latin race, whether they hail from Genoa or Andalusia, 
alone of the world's sisterhood, have learned how to wear their hair — and that 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 49 

is without any covering. Hence the Califorriian of the last century arranged 
her black braids free of the hat or bonnet and the comeliness of her coiffure 
has not been improved upon. From her general attractiveness, to her part in 
the social destiny of this territory is but a thought and the Americans who 
wedded the daughters of the land found a pleasing cure for the loneliness and 
other ills of bachelordom. These natives made good wives, devoted to their 
pioneer homes and good mothers to their large families. Whether the for- 
eigner came from Europe or the United States, over the Sierras or from the 
Columbia River country or by the broad ocean to the westward, — if he showed 
a disposition to settle down to home-building he soon found a young woman 
favorable to the project, also a large segment of her father's big rancho for 
experimental ground. And as the Mexican don for years had been tending 
away from the narrowness and the intolerant aristocracy of Spain, to the broad 
democracy of the North American, he approved of his young daughter's choice. 

TWO GENERATIONS OF SLUMBER. 

From 1775 to 1835 the Pacific rim of this hemisphere slipped through 
sixty years — two generations of peace. Europe passed from war to war and 
the Atlantic seaboard trembled in the reverberation of hostile guns. California 
was too young, too far away and too little known, and her people between her 
mountains and her sea, left alone, eddied out of the great world's current. 
Their activities were the activities of children — a racial inheritance — and they 
were careless and free. They were fond of the fandango, always ready for a 
dance, and made the most of their religious holidays with bull-fights and bear- 
baitings. Many of them were ex-soldiers lost to the art of war and alive to 
the excitement of cattle-ranches. Except in occasional official salutes the old 
cannon on the presidio walls were silent and rusted from lack of use. The 
ex-mission Indians hanging around on the ranchos could be hired or cajoled 
into doing the little labor of the establishments and this left the people in general 
idleness. The only dissipation they had, however, was gambling and this was 
almost universal with both sexes and classes. Monte was the favorite card 
game, but anything that had in it the element of chance would be bet on. 
They accepted their good fortune without any lively demonstrations of joy and 
their losses with their characteristic childishness of mind, evidently caring 
onh for the gaming and not the winning. On Sunday afternoons, devotions 
being ended, some gay festivity was in order. With the broad, rich plains 
crowded with cattle more or less wild, the fleet horse yvas necessary, conse- 
quently there were few such riders in the world. That yvas before the day of 
that human centaur — the American cowboy. Wild horses, though every one 
had its claimant, scoured the leagues of fenceless lands, and those that were 
accounted tame would seem to any other people unbroken. Connection between 
points yvas generally by horse or pack mule and the way was over the "pony 
trail." When a don set out on a long journey frequently he took a servant and 
a drove of horses with him, and as one horse wearied under the saddle another 
was made to bear the burden. In this way a rider could daily put long dis- 
tances behind him. Of ten. the weary or worn-out animals were turned loose to 
find their home-ranch at leisure, the brand or mark of the owner on the flank 



5 o HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

generally preventing the loss of the horse — if he was of sufficient value in 
that land of almost countless bands, — to be stolen. 

NOT A BROAD HIGHWAY LEADING DOWN. 

One of the most wonderful rides in history — though it has not been told 
in verse nor set to music — was made between September 24th and 28th, 1858, 
from Los Angeles to Yerba Buena, by an American named John Brown. He 
was known among the Calif ornians as "Juan Flaco" (Lean John) and was sent 
by Lieutenant A. H. Gillespie, U. S. A., who was hard-pressed by the hostile 
California forces, to Commodore Stockton for re-enforcements. Brown made 
Monterey, four hundred and sixty miles, in fifty-two hours without sleep. He 
expected to find there the fleet, but Stockton had sailed, and after sleeping 
three hours the sturdy rider completed the remaining one hundred and forty 
miles of his great Marathon in the same speed, and delivered his call for help. 
It was not a "broad highway," like Sheridan's, nor was the road as smooth 
as that of the "Ride of Paul Revere," but was a mere bridle-path over high 
mountains, through deep ravines, around precipitous, cliffs, across wide chap- 
arral-covered mesas, along the sea-beach. He was always dodging the enemy, 
harassed and pursued, riding shoulder to shoulder with death night and day, 
losing several horses — one shot from under him forcing him to go thirty miles 
afoot carrying his spurs and riata until he could commandeer another mount, 
Juan Flaco rode on and on showing that a California man on a California mus- 
tang has outridden the storied riders of the world. 

The boy at an early age was taught to ride at a break-neck pace and to 
throw the riata with unerring skill. The Spanish saddle was an elaborate 
piece of workmanship ; the frame or '"tree," they called it, being fastened to 
the animal with a girth or "cinch" made out of the closely woven hair of his 
own tail. It was taking an unfair advantage of poor "caballo," but the hair 
cinch was stronger than any other and would not slip on his smooth coat. 
Over the sometimes roughly-made tree was fitted a wide leather cover called 
"macheres" and on the stirrups to protect the rider's feet while rounding up a 
runaway steer through the thick undergrowth and chaparral were leather shields 
— "tapaderos," and leather leggins were for the same purpose. The bridle 
and "hacamore," or halter, was always a costly, be-silvered affair of braided 
rawhide, ornamental reins, but the peculiar shape of the bit made it an instru- 
ment of torture. To the half or quarter broken mustang this bit extending 
tar within the animal's mouth compelled obedience to the slightest pull on the 
reins, in fact the horse soon learned to take his cue from the weight of these 
reins on his neck. Secured with buckskin thongs on the wide saddle cover 
the rider carried his blankets and food, and when night overtook him he made 
his camp in comfort, while his horse picketed with the riata, fed in luxury. 

SPURS OF A CALIFORNIA KNIGHT. 

And always a part of this picturesque rider's make-up was a pair of big spurs, 
generally silver, the size and metal designing the owner's social or equestrian 
standing. Mount one of these skillful vaqueros on a spirited thoroughbred, saddle 
and bridle polished and ornamented and riata hanging in graceful festoon from 
the horn, silk sash around the rider's waist and silk serapa flowing from his 
shoulders, silver-braided sombrero on his head, and then set the little bell- 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 51 

tongues on his spurs tinkling musically to the pace of his caballo, and time 
never produced a more artistic and perfect centaur. It was at the fiesta or 
fandango that troops of these caballeros would appear and take part in race or 
game, principally for the admiration of the sprightly sehorita out for a Cali- 
fornia holiday. The rodeo, or annual roundup of the stock, was the gala time 
for the vaquero when the corraling, the roping and the branding of the herds 
made the rancho throb with excitement. Then the fandangos where the guitars 
tinkled in the fantastic dances of old Spain and the satined dandy, descendant 
of Aragon bowed and "looked love" to the western heiress of Castile. 



52 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 



CHAPTER XL 

THE DIGGER IN HIS EMINENT DOMAIN. 

The Spanish pioneer found these slopes and valleys well peopled with a 
race of sturdy Indians, the mildness of the climate and the supply of game 
food in stream and forest making the country even for the aboriginal an ideal 
place of abode. Possibly the idealic characteristics of this coast existing here 
generation after generation took from this original Californian much of the 
spirit, independence and fighting attributes of his fellow redmen of the east and 
north. It was early patent to the Franciscan padres that the Pacific coast 
natives would not make loyal and valuable citizens of Spain and perhaps this 
is the reason the priestly trainers stopped trying, permitting the pupil to become 
a mere servant, and to be useful while the missions had beef and bread to 
feed their horde of retainers. Certainly they were before and after the missions 
had them, a very un-savage race of savages, except when driven by the injust- 
ice of the whites to acts of retaliation. Then their senseless work brought its 
own punishment, which hurried the grossly inferior beings along to extinction. 
Chief among the Sonoma tribes was Solano and his band whom Padre Alti- 
mira found in the Valley of the Moon. The priest named the new mission, and 
attached the Indian to the fortunes of the christianizing institution by giving 
him the same name. This provided the small settlement of whites a strong 
friend in the midst of irresponsible hostiles and early proved the missionary to 
be farsighted. After the passing of the mission and during the military regime, 
General Vallejo found the unusually intelligent Chief Solano a valuable assist- 
ant in handling the bands throughout Sonoma. From the somewhat meager 
records in mission archives it is learned that the neophytes came from the 
following tribes: Aloquiomi, Atenomac, Canoma, Carquin, Canijolmano, Cay- 
mus, Chenoco, Chickoyomi, Chocuyem, Coyayomi, Huilic, Huymen, Lacatiut, 
Lonquiomi, Libayto, Locnoma, Mayacma, Multicolmo, Malacu, Napato, Oleomi, 
Putto, Polnomanoc, Paque, Petaluma, Suisun, Satayomi, Soneto, Tolen, Tlaya- 
caraa, Tamal, Topayto, Uluato, Zadow and Utinomanoe. 

As the names of several localities can be found in this tribal list it is evi- 
dent that the Solano mission territory covered portions of Napa, Solano, Yolo, 
Contra Costa, Marin and Mendocino, and that those game-crowded valleys 
must have swarmed with Indians. And that they did not live together, inhabit- 
ing their Eden of a hunting ground in brotherly love, is known from Altimira's 
daily journal that the first unusual thing he observed on entering the new val- 
ley was a tribe of Petaluma Indians, on their own lands, hiding from their 
invading enemies, a band of Cainemeros of the Santa Rosa valley. Along the 
Russian River country were the Soteomelos or Yapos (braves), or probably 
Sotoyomos is the more correct name. However, this was a powerful and 
aggressive tribe and was able to occasionally visit and slaughter its red neigh- 
bors. Physically as well as along other lines these aborigines differ from 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY S3 

others of the continent. Both adults and children are heavy-set and clumsy, 
thick-bodied and thin-limbed, low-browed and strong-jawed, and having none 
of the stateliness, shapeliness nor dignity of demeanor of the eastern, middle- 
western or even the Nevada Indian. Unless the women have a blend of Cau- 
casian blood to tame the savagery of the wilds, to lighten the darkness of the 
skin, to make more symmetrical the lines of their bodies, they are without 
attractiveness. But at the present day the Indians in this and adjoining coun- 
ties, through association with the superior race, have improved on their animal- 
like progenitors. They have exchanged the unclean rancheria, the unwholesome 
fare, for the neater and more sanitary home near some fruit or hop ranch 
where they find employment and opportunities to imitate in dress and manner, the 
whites. Like all "animals bred and reared in captivity," a domestic instinct, 
from somewhere, appears and marks a change. 

INDIAN TABLE LUXURIES. 

Back within the wilds the native Sonoman's daily bill-of-fare was any game, 
flesh or fish, that fell victims to his bows and arrows, nets or other kinds of 
ingenious snares. Bear meat was considered a delicacy on Lo's table, or rather 
in front of his campfire, but the strong California grizzly had other uses for 
himself. Ursus Major was the king of beasts in these woods of the west and 
generally did the eating when the Indian with his crude weapons made the 
attack ; but about every other creature that roamed the hills and plains graced 
the rancheria menu. When feet and fins were too fleet for hunters and fishers 
and the vegetation store was exhausted, edible roots, seeds and grasshoppers 
filled out the depleted bill-of-fare — and the hungry Indian. A great circle of 
hombres, mahalas and papooses armed with bushes and slowly drawing to the 
center where a hole had been dug, surely drove the insect jumpers to destruc- 
tion. They were considered a luxury when other supplies ran low. The grand 
oak of California shed manna for her forest tribes. In season the acorns 
were gathered and cached for safety in the mother-tree, and when required were 
hulled. These kernels were ground or mashed in the rude stone mortars that 
may be found on the sites of long passed-away rancherias. With water heated 
by hot stones in the quaint and tightly-woven fiber baskets which only an Indian 
woman can weave, the meal is formed into batter or dough and cooked in a 
mass or baked in loaves. This "daily bread" of the wilds seasoned with ashes 
and different kinds of dirts, was not rich in nutriment nor exquisite in flavor, 
but served with a plain salad of green clover and a relish of pinenuts, or served 
alone and even in limited quantity, made the quiet family meal or howling 
tribal feast what the rustic newspaper writer calls "a sumptuous repast." Bone 
or flint spear and arrow heads were used in hunting, also in fishing when the 
finny game could not be herded into nets or traps, and chips of obsidian, a 
volcanic glass, made passable knives before the Spaniards came with weapons 
of steel. 

It is not known how many tribes occupied what is now Sonoma county, 
but creeks and mountain ranges seem to mark the boundaries between the dif- 
ferent bands, and when one entered upon the territory of the other without 
some kind of a treaty or permission the act often brought a bloody retaliation. 
There were occasional fights between the tribes or rancherias, sometimes severe 



54 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

ones where a band would practically be wiped out in a dispute over some trivial 
or childish matter. Much of the time, however, of this historical period the 
Indians in the great valley between the Rio Sacramento and the coast were at 
peace because of one strong white man. General Vallejo, Comandante at 
Sonoma, whose wise policy, much wiser than any policy ever attempted in 
California, handled the natives with a fairness that made even the distant 
tribes his friends. Of the turbulence of the southern Indians H. H. Bancroft 
says: "Turning to the northern frontier we find a different state of things. 
Here there is no semblance of Apache raids, no sacking of ranches, no loss of 
civilized life and little collision between gentiles and Christian natives. The 
northern Indians were more numerous than in the San Diego region and many 
of the tribes were brave, warlike and often hostile; but there was a compara- 
tively strong force at Sonoma to keep them in check and General Vallejo's 
Indian policy must be regarded as excellent and effective when compared with 
any other policy ever followed in California. True, his wealth, his untrammeled 
power, and other circumstances contributed much to his success ; and he could 
by no means have done as well if placed in command at San Diego; yet he 
must be accredited besides with having managed wisely. Closely allied with 
Solano, the Suisun chieftain, having — except when asked to render some dis- 
tasteful military service to his political associates in the south — at his command 
a goodly number of soldiers and citizens, made treaties with the gentile tribes, 
insisted on their being liberally and justly treated when at peace, and punished 
them severely for any manifestation of hostility. Doubtless the Indians were 
wronged often enough in individual cases by Vallejo's subordinates ; some of 
whom were with difficulty controlled; but such reports have been greatly exag- 
gerated and acts of glaring injustice were comparatively rare." 

the Indian's love for a horse. 
After the California Indian learned how useful as a means of transporta- 
tion — also as an article of food — a Spanish horse was, that animal was to him a 
burning temptation, and the profession of horse-stealing was practiced among 
the red people as well as among the whites of the territory. Notwithstand- 
ing Vallejo severely punished horse-thievery among his subjects, he was not 
always able to prevent the neighboring tribes from fighting over a band of 
mustangs whose ownership was in grave doubt. Occasionally he would have to 
get out after some aggressor with his soldiers and friendly Indians and the 
fatherly castigation he would administer generally turned the horses back to 
their rightful possessors. The important tribe of the Cainameros, or Santa 
Rosas, had long been at peace with their neighbors, but having taken upon 
themselves to recover some horses stolen by the Sotoyomes, were furiously- 
attacked by the latter tribe, who killed and wounded a large number of them. 
They appealed to Vallejo, their ally, and he quickly responded, defeating in a 
warm fight and driving back into the Geyser hills the Sotoyomes, almost 
exterminating the band. A treaty of peace with seven chiefs followed this 
outbreak and this ended the Indian internal troubles, although Zampay, head of 
the Yolo tribe, and Tobias, chief of the Guilicos Indians, tried to stir up trouble. 
Vallejo's old friend and ally, Solano, occasionally backslid from the high char- 
acter the General had built up for him, but a night in the guard-house would 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 55 

briny a morning of shame and repentance and a vow to shun in future the 
seductive "spirit-water" of Sonoma's vineyards. 

IN THE VALE OF THE ROSE. 

A stream of settlers and among them Spanish families from the south were 
beginning to flow into Sonoma valleys. The Carrillos, relatives of Sehora 
Benicia Vallejo, were of the first-comers, as was Captain Don Enrique de Fitch 
and wife— whose sea-elopement with Josefa Carrillo from San Diego was a love 
romance but a severe shock to the strict padre of that parish. It is needless 
to state that after Henry D. Fitch got settled in his adobe hacienda on Russian 
river he shed his Spanish titles and passed to the status of a plain American 
rancher. In 1859 Padre Juan Amoroso with a companion, Jose Cantua, traveled 
up the great central valley until he reached a little river called by the Indians 
Chocoalomi. The missionary induced the Indians of the rancheria in the 
neighborhood to attend divine service in his camp and succeeded in making- 
one convert, but history and subsequent events have made that service a notable 
one. The convert was a young squaw of the band, tribe name unknown, but 
the priest gave her a new and lasting one as he led her down into the baptismal 
waters of her native Chocoalomi. It is doubtful that she had the remotest idea 
what the lustral ceremony was about, but likely the kindly appearance and 
solemn manners of the white man won her childish confidence and she virtually 
left her people, their belief and traditions, and like another Ruth followed the 
stranger. When the Indian girl came out of the stream she was Rosa, a Chris- 
tian maiden and the Jordan of her doctrinal purification was Santa Rosa creek, 
the day of her baptism being the feast day of Santa Rosa de Lima. This 
occurred a short distance east from the city of Santa Rosa, where Sehora 
Maria Ygnacia Lopez de Carrillo in 1838 built the large adobe which yet marks 
the place, although the suns and storms of seventy-two years have told heavily 
on its mud walls. Near Sebastopol the ruin of her brother Joaquin's ancient 
house further marks the coming of this family to the valley. The race was a 
prolific one both in the southern and northern portions of the state — the boys 
taking part in the political affairs of the territory (Carlos Carrillo and Pio Pico 
had been governors) and the many girls marrying advantageously, or bringing 
to their husbands — mostly American — rich Mexican grants of land. And where 
these American husbands held on to the lands of their California wives, the 
Californians with characteristic improvidence let the broad ranchos which their 
own government had generously given them, wastefully slip away. Senora 
Lopez de Carrillo was granted most of the Rancho Cabeza de Santa Rosa and 
her son Julio inherited the portion on which the city of that name is located, 
while Joaquin Carrillo received a large tract of the Rancho Llano de Santa 
Rosa lying to the west. John B. R. Cooper, another Carrillo son-in-law, was 
granted Rancho El Molino, three leagues (17,892 acres) north and west »of 
Santa Rosa, while Jacob P. Leese, matrimonially of the same family, received 
two square leagues of the Rancho Huichica (18,704 acres) in Sonoma township, 
and Mrs. Carrillo-FItch was one of the owners of eight square leagues (48,- 
836 acres) of the Sotoyome Rancho in Russian and Mendocino townships. The 
"Old Adobe'" finally became the residence of Mr. and Mrs. David Mallagh, nee 
Carrillo, and her descendants were among the claimants of their grandmother's 
estate in the Imperial Valley of Santa Rosa. 



56 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

IX THE OLD ADOBES. 

Leaving the history of the family that pioneered the white immigration 
into the central and northern portion of the county the reader will be returned 
to Sonoma, where the stage is being set for the preliminary act, the curtain- 
raiser, of the short but snappy drama that passed the "California Republic" of 
the Bear Flag, to the most western star of the Umted States ensign. It was 
during this ante-bellum period that disaster fell on the Indian population of the 
locality, turning many rancherias into graveyards and many of the pretty little 
valleys into uninhabited places. It is said a soldier from the garrison at Sonoma 
was sent on duty to Fort Ross and there contracted small-pox in its most 
virulent form. Returning home he spread the pestilence abroad, and while the 
Spaniards escaped with moderate loss, the Indian having no sanitary habits 
or knowledge of therapeutics other than the unclean "sweat-house." followed 
with a plunge in cold water, under which treatment the deadly microbe struck 
right and left. So rapid and widespread was the epidemic that whole tribes 
were in a few weeks wiped out and in the territory north of the bay and west 
of the Sacramento fully 75,000 Indians died. Indeed there may have been rea- 
son for the statement that there was not enough of them left to oppose the 
coming of the whites into their lands. 

General Vallejo had made improvements on his Petaluma Rancho of seventy- 
five thousand acres, erecting with other buildings the large adobe hacienda yet 
standing at the foot of Sonoma Mountain. The General's "broad domain" 
practically extended from San Pablo Bay well up towards Santa Rosa and from 
the Napa hills to Petaluma creek. The "adobe" farm house as was usual on 
those big ranchos. was the castle of the owner where his retainers, vaqueros 
and Indians "herded," and where the don often ruled and entertained in the 
manner of the feudal over-lord. The house was generally provided with a 
large porch, or a patio or inner court, the lounging place of the establishment, 
and here these early rough-riders, when not mounted and out on the range 
rounding up a band of half-wild cattle, passed the time smoking, playing the 
guitar, repairing' a riata or plaiting a horsehair-rope, with their vicious-look- 
ing mustangs saddled and bridled patiently standing near. A call to dinner 
would hurry all hands to a long table where great platters of chile con carne, 
frijoles — the universal beans — tortillas, as the white flour cakes baked by an open 
fire are known in Mexican lands, were eaten with full-grown appetite. Then 
came the inevitable cigarette and the siesta in some shade, while the tough 
little horses standing with shut eyes by the porch apparently did the same. 
When the sun got well to the west the sleeping vaquero would lazily roll over 
and to his feet, stumble out to his horse, coil his riata on the horn of the saddle, 
see that the cinch was still holding the clumsy, wooden affair to the animal who, 
by the way. was accustomed to that and other modes of torture. By this time 
the whole gang was making a like effort to get away and in action. A Mexican 
vaquero has been said to be when afoot a lifeless thing, but when in the saddle 
one of the most animated. When the band got mounted the riders started the 
big spurs to work, swung the riatas around their heads and galloped yelling 
down the arroyo and out on the range, often for no other object than to get 
into motion and shake off the drowsiness of the siesta. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 57 

In that part of the hacienda devoted to the family of the padron or master 
there was more luxury — more furniture and more gentility. The grace and 
chivalry of Old Spain possessed by her grandees in the home land was also pos- 
sessed by their descendants wandering in the distant west, and this racial charac- 
teristic was manifested in the hospitality of the Californian homes. General 
Vallejo in his big rancho home on the eastern rim of the great Petaluma valley 
entertained his guests, American as well as Spanish and other nationalities, like 
an old-world over-lord. His authority as military chief of the territory, his 
financial position as one of the wealtiest men in the country and his popularity 
as a just and humble official made his splendid hacienda — splendid for the rude, 
adobe days — a general resort for the highest of either republic, as well as for 
the humblest Indian on the estate. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 



CHAPTER XII. 

"LACHRYMA MONTIS." 

While the General's hacienda, once the great rendezvous of the coman- 
dante's army of guests and retainers, is crumbling back to its original earth on 
the Petaluma plain, the town-home in Sonoma is yet occupied by members of 
that family. It is located in the northern portion of the pueblo, at the foot of 
the crescent mountain that walls the Valley of the Moon, which the Master 
with his cultured and artistic taste made into an ideal homestead. Here he 
entertained with true Spanish hospitality distinguished officials from Spain and 
.Mexico, governors of the Territory of Alta California, French and English 
travelers from over the sea, American naval men and pathfinders, and while 
acting as the courteous host of the latter guests he knew from intelligent obser- 
vation of the trend of political affairs that the day was rapidly approaching 
when the Stars and Stripes would be the only flag in the land. Here also he 
entertained the courtly Russians from Fort Ross despite the fact that he con- 
sidered them- the enemies of his government and called them the "pioneer 
squatters" of California. Within his doors they had broken bread with him 
and as his guests were honored as such. During one of their visits he forcibly 
prevented Chief Solano, his friend and ally, from carrying off to his mountains 
the beautiful Princess Helena, wife of the Moscovite commander, and with 
whom the Indian had become enamored. From the piazza of this dwelling one 
has an unobstructed view of the noble valley, the broad vista of bay, and 
farther to the south that other grand landmark, standing, a blue sentinel watch- 
ing over the great sweep of plain and called "Diablo" by the Spanish surveyors 
because the Indians said "Cucusuy," their tribal devil, made his home up on its 
crest. With this mountain of sulphurous title in close proximity, to the saintly 
peak on the side lines of Sonoma, Napa and Lake counties, it looks as if the 
geography people set El Diablo guarding the beautiful Saint Helena — a sort of 
Mephisto taking care of Marguerite. 

Even in the matter of a name for his home the General chose in poetical 
and graceful fitness. Near and on the lower slope of the mountain just above 
the house is a spring of water gushing clear and cold from its reservoir deep 
under ground, an everlasting fountain opened, possibly, during one of the 
volcanic uplifts that shaped St. Helena and her brood of surrounding hills or 
laid the Petrified Forest in stone, back in some pre-historic, planet-forming 
period. Whatever its origin, whatever struck the rock which held it within its 
cavern source, that flow is the town water supply, inexhaustible, life-giving. 
To the General, likely, this was a reminder of the storied spring up in the 
Sierra Nevadas of Old Granada. Its crystal waters flowing down through the 
matchless grilled arcades of the Alhambra was called by the Spaniards as well 
as by the original possessors, the Moors, the "Fountain of Tears." So within 
the pages of splendid Moorish legendary tales where waters fed from snow 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 59 

heights ripple down through the green vegas of Andalusia, or through the lat- 
ticed courts of fairy palaces, and where clashed the Christian sword of the chiv- 
alry of Spain and the Moslem scimitar of the warriors of the Arabian Prophet, 
the Californian found a title for his home — "Lachryma Montis," the Mountain 
of Tears. Sorrow has no great depth in the soul of the son of Spain — whether 
Spaniard or Moor, and tears in connection with water rippling cheerily from a 
fountain could never be associated with grief. Hence the sparkling spring of 
"Lachryma Montis." 

Mountain of Tears — not tears — 

Tears that come from the places of sadness; 
But the stream that appears 

From its mountain in ripples of gladness. 
And that stream from the heart 
Of the peak is a part 
Of the green valley's life, light and gladness. 

SONOMA IN THE ROARING FORTIES. 

Year by year and page by page has this history of the Farther West been 
followed for three centuries. Time here went slowly from 1543, when Juan 
Rodriguez Cabrillo first flew the ensign of Castile and Arragon over Alta Cali- 
fornia, to 1846, when the flag of another day and race was raised above the 
territory. Spain thus began at San Diego and finished at Sonoma. The 
"Camino Real" — royal road — started at the most southern mission and stopped 
at San Francisco de Solano, where Padre Altimira's edifice, in the long chain of 
adobe churches, is crumbling back to the soil. From "Forty" to "Forty" the 
sleeping Mexican immigration traveling the broad highway cast up by the 
pioneer priests, was reaching the "northern frontier of colonization," as the 
territorial officials defined the upper line of their jurisdiction. In fact, "forty" 
appears to be an epochal number in the story of the state and more living history 
seems to have been made in those decades of the centuries than in the other 
of the hundred years. To properly bring the reader to the "still night in June" 
when Sonoma, sleeping in her moon-shaped vale, was rudely awakened to 
become the "California Republic," there will be noted here the nearby events 
which led up to the day of the Bear Flag — that homemade standard which the 
Native Sons and Daughters of the Golden West fittingly adopted after it had 
served its time and had given place to the Stars and Stripes. 

California had been running along for several years without any practical 
assistance or advice from Mexico, and having her own political revolutions 
and official changes quite independent of those of the mother republic. Noth- 
ing was stable except the happy-go-lucky disposition of the people. Whenever 
they became excited over anything, a revolution acted as a safety-valve. Speak- 
ing of these revolutionists, Col-ton says : "They drift about like Arabs. If the 
tide of fortune turn against them they disband and scatter to the four winds. 
They never become martyrs to any cause. They are too numerous to be brought 
to punishment by any of their governors, and thus escape justice. There was 
a conservative class in the territory, made up principally of the large, landed 
proprietors, both native and foreign-born, but these exerted small influence in 
controlling the turbulent. While Los Angeles had more than a fair share of that 



60 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

useless element, other large settlements in the territory could furnish their full 
quota of that class of political knight-errants whose pastime was revolution and 
whose capital was a gaily caparisoned steed, a riata, a lance, a dagger and pos- 
sibly a pair of horse-pistols. These fellows among themselves assumed a reck- 
less daring, but if they ever got within range of a 'gringo' rifle it was by acci- 
dent." President Santa Ana, whose social intercourse with the warlike Tex- 
ans had destroyed all possible affection for the Yankees, sent Micheltorena, the 
last governor provided by Mexico, out to the territory with an "army" of 
350 men recruited in prisons. He had orders to check the American immigra- 
tion, and to clear the country of the "malditos extranjeros" — wicked strangers. 
He landed at Santiago, in August, 1842, with his band of jail-birds and finally 
reached Los Angeles, where he was accorded a warm "welcome to our city" 
by the citizens, who hated Monterey, the rival capital. They hoped that the 
new governor would choose their place for his seat of government, but his army 
turned out to be such incorrigible thieves that Los Angeles was soon glad to 
speed the parting guests. Micheltorena promised well as a governor, but the 
unpopularity and uncourageous character of his so-called soldiers and the fact 
that he was one of those Mexican "dictators" and offensive to the "hijos del 
pais" — native sons — tended toward his undoing. With promises of gifts of 
large ranchos he induced Sutter to join him, and Castro, Alvarado and Vallejo, 
leaders of the "revolutionists," native sons, to offset this "foreign legion," 
enlisted about fifty Americans to serve with their force. At the first battle these 
two companies of Americans, serving on opposite sides, withdrew from the lines 
to let the Calif ornians and Micheltorena's jail-birds fight it out alone, which 
these two forces did — not do. After some long-distance artillery-shooting dur- 
ing which a mule lost its life by foolishly feeding into the fire-zone of a gun, 
the war ended. - 

JUST BEFORE THE GRINGO CAME. 

Micheltorena and his "braves" were corralled and shipped back to Mexico 
and Pio Pico was appointed constitutional governor by the supreme govern- 
ment, which did not seem to take offense at the revolutionary tendencies of its 
subject Californians. The new executive made Los Angeles his capital, which 
pleased the southerners, and he appointed Castro comandante general, Alvarado 
customs inspector at Monterey and Vallejo to remain military comandante at 
Sonoma. Jose Antonio Carrillo, kinsman of Governor Pico, was made military 
comandante of the south. This officer, who was a nephew of Alvarado, was 
something of a governor-maker himself, and as he hated his uncle and Castro 
impartially and was intensely jealous of Pio's good luck, he was soon plotting 
against everything in sight. He was more able and more intelligent than any 
of the others, but the attempt to overthrow them was too big a job and after 
a laudable effort he landed in prison. The governor did not care to stir up a 
family row by shooting his brother-in-law, so he shipped him with several other 
conspirators to Mexico for trial. They were back home in a short time, and 
their plottings were forgotten. Pico was watching Castro but had a little side 
plot of his own. He professed much antipathy for Mexico and favored annex- 
ation to either England or France, trusting that such a change would better his 
political fortune. In the last meeting of the territorial Junta, held at the San 
Juan Mission, he had strongly advocated secession from "that mock republic. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 61 

Mexico," before their "beautiful country" became a prey to "hordes of perfid- 
ious Yankees.'' He not only regretted the passing of the "golden days of the 
Spanish monarchy" before the era of the "miserable abortion christened Mex- 
ico," but hoped for the coming of the fleet or army that would again place them 
under the wings of a monarchy. Vallejo, another member of the Junta, in an 
eloquent speech shattered this annexation proposition and California drifted, — 
into the arms of Uncle Sam. While the storm-clouds were gathering, Castro 
in Monterey, was busy plotting. He had the custom-house in reach and could 
milk it at will, but even this rich privilege did not satisfy him, for he wanted 
the governorship as well. But before his plans for the outbreak he contem- 
plated were fully matured, he was halted by the appearance of a party of Amer- 
ican surveyors, who slipped over the mountains from the east and settled down 
in the California vallevs to make some historv of their own. 



62 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 



CHAPTER XIII. 
APPEARANCE OF THE PATHFINDER. 

The leader was John Charles Fremont, then a brevet captain in the corps 
of the United States Topographical Engineers, on his third tour of exploration 
across the continent and was seeking a better route from the western base of 
the Rocky Mountains to the mouth of the Columbia River. Fremont visited 
Castro and solicited permission to take his surveyors, consisting of sixty-two 
men, through the country. Castro was all cordiality and courtesy and gave his 
word "on the honor of a Mexican soldier" that these strangers within the ter- 
ritory should not be molested. Of course, this word and promise was of little 
value, as he was immediately busy stirring up the Californians in the vicinity 
to attack the surveyors, hoping thereby to make political capital with Mexico 
and so further his designs on the governorship of the territory. He soon had 
an "army" of several hundred men, and then sent Fremont the fierce ultimatum 
of quickly getting out of the country or be destroyed. Such bombastic ferocity 
was amusing to this band of armed pathfinders, among whom were Kit Carson 
and others of like caliber, the flower of American frontier manhood. These 
tried fighters curiously looked on while Castro maneuvered his gaily clad cavalry 
in view, dashing them toward the intruders' camp but always wheeling to one 
side before they got within range of the deadly rifles they knew were awaiting 
their too-near approach. Finally Fremont grew tired of Castro's circus antics 
and moved off towards the Oregon line to finish his work. May 9, 1846, he 
was overtaken near Klamath Lake by Lieutenant A. H. Gillespie, United States 
Marine Corps, who had been dispatched from Washington the November pre- 
vious in search of him. Gillespie had held long conferences with United States 
Consul Larkin at Monterey, and then had slipped northward on the trail of 
Fremont before the Californian learned his real character or mission. "Mr. 
Gillespie, a private gentleman traveling for his health," carried messages from 
President Polk — unwritten — to prevent their contents from falling into the 
hands of the Mexicans in case they should catch the messenger. He also car- 
ried letters from United States Senator Benton, of Missouri, Fremont's father- 
in-law, and these communications certainly advised the Pathfinder of the politi- 
cal significance of the California question. It is said that Fremont sat long 
before his camp-fire that night reading those letters and consulting with Gil- 
lespie. In Congress the two parties had fought out the war of "territorial 
acquisition" and here it was transferred to the distant Pacific for final adjust- 
ment. Fremont understood, and clearly his work was cut out for him. 

Great Britain, Mexico and the United States, each from her corner, was 
watching the rich territorial prize in the center of the triangle. An English 
fleet was on the coast and the northern boundary matter was looming into 
prominence. The United States government demanded nine degrees more of 
latitude than John Bull was at first disposed to concede and "Fifty-four forty 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 63 

or fight," was a part}' watchword until both countries at issue agreed to run 
the line along the forty-ninth parallel. The North and South were "debating" 
with increasing truculence the slavery question, the latter advocating the acquisi- 
tion of territory for the negro-working plantations, and the former opposing 
with the cry of "plotting to rob Mexico." Certainly Fremont, a junior officer 
in the government engineer corps, with secret instructions or suggestions having 
the weight of direct orders, was in a peculiar position. Gillespie had been told 
to "find Fremont" and from Washington he had sailed to Vera Cruz, crossed 
Mexico in disguise to Mazatlan where he found a United States ship of war 
awaiting him, thence to Monterey and the last lap of the long search up the 
Sacramento Valley to the camp of the man who was to introduce California 
to her future family — the Sisterhood of American States. There is no doubt 
that the "hint" he received left him to consult his own judgment, a judgment 
which proved to be unerring, and which won him the perfect and flattering 
indorsement of the Secretary of State. Still he knew that a failure or a weak 
handling of the revolution he might inaugurate, or appear to inaugurate, would 
overwhelm him with reproach; and it is quite certain in that event he would 
be left to bear his "troubles alone." He had won his famous title — Pathfinder — 
cutting his way through the perils of savage-infested wilds, and he was in the 
habit of weighing small chances of success against the multi-failures always 
menacing him. He did not hesitate at this new call, but he sat long before his 
camp-fire studying the orders. Then he turned toward the south. In a few 
days the Bear Flag was floating over the Castillo of Sonoma and another star 
was due to appear in the constellation of American States^ 

THE RTDE TO SONOMA. 

It is to be regretted that history cannot record a more fitting reward for 
this work and that the pages devoted to jealousies and wrangling of his seniors, 
which made Fremont the official scapegoat, cannot be removed from the story 
of the Mexican conflict in California. He left this coast under arrest, the fame 
of his conquests blanketed by a degradation unmerited, to be court-martialed 
on frivolous charges from which he was partially vindicated by fellow-officers, 
and finally fully vindicated by the public. Stockton, Kearny and others who 
sought to crush a junior who had proved himself greater than they, left names 
to certain localities in the state, but Fremont, scientist, explorer, soldier, states- 
man and all but president, left a name written over all the mountains, plateaus 
and valleys of the wide west. 

After Comandante Jose Castro had "driven" Fremont and his "vagabonds" 
from the "Free State of Alta California," he valiantly started in to complete 
the eviction of the Americanos, also to complete the downfall of Governor Pio 
Pico. His conquest of the intruding "gringos" would make him so popular 
in Mexico and at home that the leap to the gubernatorial chair would be "easy." 
When Fremont returned to New Helvetia he found the settlers in great excite- 
ment over Castro's flaming proclamations and war preparations. The farm 
lands in the Sacramento valley gave promise of good grain crops and it was 
believed that the Indians in the neighborhood were being induced to destroy 
property of the Americans. Castro, securing all the horses he could to mount 
his cavalrv, had directed Lieutenant De Arce, of the garrison at Sonoma, to 



64 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

gather all the animals he could find north of San Francisco Bay and remove 
them to Santa Clara. That officer with a number of vaqueros drove his band 
up the Sacramento river to Knight's Landing, the nearest point where he 
could swim the horses across the stream. This was reported at Sutter's Fort 
as "two or three hundred armed men approaching," and the settlers with their 
rifles rallied to Fremont's camp. It was decided by these settlers not to let 
Castro have the horses that would be used against them, and Ezekiel Merritt, 
with twelve companions, was ordered to capture the animals. On the night of 
June 9th, they surprised De Arce's camp on the Cosumnes river, and returned 
with the horses to Fremont's camp. The seizure was made without violence, 
De Arce offering no resistance, seeing that such would be useless. 

Having gone this far the Americans felt that they could not stop here. 
The constant threat of the Mexican officials to drive them from the territory 
had grown tiresome, and there is no doubt that the advice of Fremont encour- 
aged them to "go ahead." Doubtless he evolved the entire plan from what he 
had read "between the lines" in the oral dispatches Gillespie brought him. He 
had no authority over the settlers, no war was on, and while he knew the guns 
were shotted for the coming conflict between the two republics, he remem- 
bered Commodore Jones' error at Monterey four years before, where the Amer- 
ican flag went up one day to come down the next ; and he was careful not to 
appear untimely in an act that would involve the government he represented. 
Moreover, he knew that even then Commodore John Drake Sloat in the United 
States Frigate Savannah, was sailing northward along the Mexican coast closely 
followed by Admiral Sir George Seymour in the British ship Collingwood, an 
ocean race between America and England with California as the prize. Pos- 
sibly he knew that Secretary Bancroft of the Navy Department, fully advised 
that the British Vice ' Consul was impatiently awaiting the coming of Seymour 
and the guns that were to complete the plan of annexation, had ordered Sloat 
to take Monterey and hold it. Whether or not Fremont sent Merritt and his 
thirty-three history-makers from the camp on the Feather river down to So- 
noma, the pathfinder saw them start away and their mission, to him, was no 
mystery. 

They left at 3 p.m., June 12, for their one hundred and twenty mile ride, 
reaching Captain John Grigsby's ranch in Napa valley at 9 a.m., the 13th, where 
they received more reinforcements. Here the company was organized and 
prepared for entry into Sonoma. The following list of names of the party is 
probably correct: Ezekiel Merritt, Dr. Robert Semple, William Fallon, W. 
B. Ide, H. L. Ford, G. P. Swift, Samuel Neal, William Potter, Samuel Gib- 
son, W. M. Scott, James Gibbs, P. Storm, Samuel and Benjamin Kelsey, John 
Grigsby, David Hudson, Ira Stebbins, William Hargrave, Harrison Pierce, 
William Porterfield, Patrick and James McChristian, Elias Barrett, C. Griffith, 
William C. Todd, Nathan Combs, Lucien Maxwell, Franklin Bidwell, Thomas 
Cowie, W. B. Elliott, Benjamin Dewell, John Sears, George Fowler and W. 
Barti, known as "Old Red." James McChristian, a native of New York, was 
the youngest of the party, being eighteen. With his family he lives in Sebasto- 
pol, eighty-four years old, the Last of the Bear Flaggers. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 65 



CHAPTER XIV. 

REPUBLIC OF CALIFORNIA. 

June 14, 1846, at daybreak, the company of Americans rode quietly over 
the Napa hills and down into Sonoma. All was peace in the quadrangle of 
adobes around the plaza. War was on south of the Rio Grande and already 
the tricolor of Mexico had been trampled under the hoofs of Taylor's charging 
dragoons. Santa Ana had lost Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma the month 
before, but their gun-thunders had not reached California. Even the bicker- 
ings and wranglings of the territorial officials over the meager spoils of the 
country, that kept Los Angeles and Monterey awake, were unknown north of 
the great bays. Merritt led his company across the plaza to the residence of 
Comandante M. G. Vallejo and awoke that officer from sleep. Hastily dress- 
ing himself, he admitted them to his premises and demanded their identity and 
mission. The answers were clear and brief. These visitors were not trained 
in the phraseology of war. There was no formal truce, no exchange of notes, 
as laid down in modern military tactics. Some writers have tried to make this 
important incident dramatic, while others have scolded these early morning 
disturbers. They have been described as being rude and lawless, without leader 
and without definite object. It has been said their buckskin clothing was 
"greasy," and they frightened the folk of the town. Even H. H. Bancroft, 
the eminent historian, in his faithful narrative does not appear to be over- 
pleased with their manner. But there was nothing stagy in the appearance of 
this band of "conspirators," and they were not of the rude and lawless kind. 
Vallejo was a near- American — so near that only a change of flags in the plaza 
would complete his naturalization. He had long noted the drift of American 
immigration into the territory and the drift of Mexican institutions out of it. 
He was a republican and was opposed to the plots and counter-plots of Pico 
and Castro that would annex his native land to a monarchy. He had expected 
this hour and calmly rose to meet it when he heard English words calling him 
to his door. While the company of horsemen did not produce any visual 
authority authorizing their action, they told him that they arrested him virtu- 
ally by order of Captain Fremont. They told no more, possibly they had no 
more to tell. It is likely they had not heard the details of Gillespie's message 
to the Pathfinder, but Vallejo knew of the intrepid surveyor who was mapping 
the continent, bringing the West to the East, and he was satisfied that this was 
not the irresponsible act of a mere mob. He had little or no objection to an 
arrest by United States officers, as that would relieve him of his obligation as 
a Mexican official and his desire for annexation to the Great Republic made him 
regard his captors rather as welcome visitors. The arrest of two officers, Sal- 
vador Vallejo, the comandante's brother, and Victor Prudon, and the surrender 
of all the government property in the castillo to the Americans ended Guada- 
lupe Vallejo's connection with the Republic of Mexico, and his official occupa- 



66 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

tion gone, he became the graceful host and aroused the cooks to prepare break- 
fast for his guests. 

BREAKFAST INSTEAD OF BATTLE. 

The story of the menu of that early meal — that breakfast instead of a 
battle, does not appear in the annals of the times, but from verbal accounts 
that have come down from the table, it was a gathering of peace. The pueblo 
vineyards, in that pioneer period, had purpled on the warm slopes above the 
valley level and from the richest vintage of his cellar the ex-comandante toasted 
his captors in Sonoma wine. In war or in peace, he was the host — the expo- 
nent of California's hospitality. They were the enemies of his country, and his 
flag and his soldiery sword, his city, his trust, were in their possession. They 
were not fair foes righting in the open, but were his guests and he served them. 
The flower of knighthood was in that service. Bancroft says, "those who met 
so unceremoniously, became merry companions." Dr. Semple had just finished 
modifying several pages of articles of capitulation, was satisfied with his adju- 
tant-labors and was enjoying the good things the gods — or rather, the Vallejos 
■ — provided. Merritt, who had led them to that "promised land" looked over 
the generous board and thought that war is not what General Sherman, years 
later, said it is. Knight, the interpreter didn't try to interpret; just let every- 
body eat and drink in his own mother-tongue. Ide, the new Captain, won- 
dered if the rest of the campaign would be where the blood of the Mission 
grape would be the only thing shed. It may not be true that one enthusiastic 
guest toasted the host and nominated him for the presidency of the new repub- 
lic, established just before the nominee called them to breakfast. If this took 
place Vallejo without doubt declined the doubly-dangerous honor, he having 
lost his post and yet having to reckon with the Government of Mexico for yield- 
ing without some appearance of a fight. The world has seen an army march up 
a hill and then march down again, but never before saw one come to battle 
and stay to breakfast. 

Regarding the capture, General Vallejo, at the Centennial celebration in 
Santa Rosa, July 4, 1876, said in part: 

"A little before the dawn, June 14, 1846, a party of hunters and trappers, 
with some foreign settlers, under command of Captain Merritt, Dr. Semple 
and William B. Ide, surrounded my residence at Sonoma and without firing a 
shot made prisoners of myself, Lieutenant Colonel Victor Prudon, Captain Sal- 
vador Vallejo and Jacob P. Leese. I should here state that down to 1845, I 
had maintained at my own expense a respectable garrison there, which often, 
in union with the settlers, did good service in campaigns against the Indians, 
but at last tired of spending money which the Mexican government never 
refunded, and most of the force that had constituted it had left Sonoma. Thus, 
in June, 1846, the place was entirely unprotected, although there were ten pieces 
of artillery with other arms and ammunitions of war. Years before I had 
urgently represented to the Government of Mexico the necessity of stationing 
a force on the frontier, else Sonoma would be lost, which would be equivalent 
to leaving the rest of the country an easy prey to the invader. What think you, 
my friends, were the instructions sent me in reply to my repeated demands for 
means to fortify the country? These instructions were that T should at once 
force the immigrants to at once recross the Sierra Nevadas and depart from 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 67 

the territory of the republic.' To say nothing of the inhumanity of these orders, 
their execution was physically impossible — first, because the immigrants came 
in autumn, when snow covered the Sierras so quickly as to make a return im- 
practicable. We always made a show of authority, but were well convinced 
all the time that we had no power to resist the invasion which was coming upon 
us. With the frankness of a soldier I can assure you that the American immi- 
grants never had cause to complain of the treatment they received at the hands 
of either authorities or citizens/' 

The captors immediately drew up the following guarantee, which was 
signed and presented to Vallejo: 

"We, the undersigned, having resolved to establish a government upon 
republican principles, in connection with others of our fellow-citizens, and hav- 
ing taken up arms to support it, we have taken three Mexican officers as prison- 
ers, Gen. M. G. Vallejo, Lieut.-Col. Victor Prudon and Capt. Salvador Val- 
lejo. Having formed and published to the world no regular plan of govern- 
ment, feel it our duty to say it is not our intention to take or injure any person 
who is not found in opposition to the cause, nor will we take, or destroy, the 
property of private individuals further than is necessary for our support. 

EZEKIEL MERRITT, 

R. Semple, 
William Fallon." 

spiking the british guns. 
This voluntary on the part of the invaders, revolutionists, or whatever they 
have been called, shows that they were under discipline and were intelligently 
actuated with a definite purpose. The details of the plan may not have stood out 
in relief to them but the object was in view. They respected the first rule of 
warfare — that lives and property of non-combatants be protected. Blindly, pos- 
sibly, as to the ultimate end, they were working along the way of destiny and 
they were working well. The forces of the two republics were facing each other 
below the Rio Grande and these thirty-three settlers who left their threatened 
homes in the Napa and Sacramento valleys and rode down into Sonoma early 
that -morning, were the forerunners of the war in the territory that was only 
twenty-five days distant. While Castro, plotter and blusterer, was driving the 
"perfidious" settlers, not out of the territory, but to arms, these same settlers 
capturing the Mexican battery in Sonoma were virtually spiking the guns of 
the British fleet then racing toward California. This is borne out by the fact 
that when Commodore Sloat sailed into Monterey. July 2. 1846, beating Seymour 
in their joint dash up the Pacific, he was at a standstill as to further action. 
War had been declared between Mexico and the United States but such was un- 
known on the Pacific coast. Nor did he know that Secretary of the Navy Ban- 
croft, May 15, 1846, had sent him orders instructing him with the ships under 
his command to take Mazatlan, Monterey and San Francisco, either or all as 
his force would permit, and hold them at all hazard. On his arrival in port he 
learned more of the annexation scheme. In the last conference between British 
Consul Forbes, Governor Pico and General Castro, they discussed the plan of a 
fresh declaration of the independence of California and then an appeal to Great 
Britain for protection. A British fleet was to be convenient to respond to the 
call. Mexico would be easily appeased, for California was but a troublesome 



68 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

province, and her enemy, the United States, would thus be cheated out of the 
principal prize that made war acceptable to her. Of all this, which was con- 
cealed from ^he American people in California, intimations had reached Wash- 
ing-ton through the vigilance of United States Consul Thomas O. Larkin, at 
Monterey. Another detail of the plot was the establishment of a large British 
colony in the choice portions of the territory, and grants of land for that purpose 
only needed the Governor's signature. Possibly, in general the simple Cali- 
fornians, without seeking absorption into a foreign monarchy, were seeking for- 
eign protection from that "Bogy Man,'' the Yankee, whose energy, intelligence 
and v get-ahead" characteristics made him unwelcome in a land when they sleep 
today and work manana. Whatever their real intentions while trying to get 
under the wing df the purring British Lion, they would have remained there 
and California would have been a rich security and payment for the debts due 
in Mexico to English subjects. Washington, knowing this, drew Fremont back 
to the Rio Sacramento, from where, without revealing the plans of the govern- 
ment, he sent Merritt to Sonoma, which his civil engineering training readily 
told him was a strategic point, being in touch with Sutter's Fort, the objective 
of the eastern immigration, and near San Francisco Bay, the natural naval base 
of the territory. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 69 



CHAPTER XV. 

COMMODORE SLOAT AT MONTEREY. 

While Sloat was waiting, undecided, at Monterey, he heard of the capture 
of Sonoma by orders of Fremont and assumed that the Engineer officer must 
be in receipt of the news for which they were looking. He had been instructed 
by the Secretary of the Navy not to wait for official information of the declara- 
tion of war, but at the first news of it possess California. But the Savannah 
swung idle at her anchors and the Commodore still hesitated. He knew the 
British Frigate Collingwood — slow but sure — was nearing port and now was his 
opportunity. He also knew that the administration at Washington, pretty well 
harassed by the opposition and being charged with seeking a war of conquest 
and for the acquisition of territory in contravention of the spirit of American 
institutions and in violation of the popular wishes; and to offset this there was, 
on the part of the "war" party, an inclination to "coax" California away from 
Mexico and into the Union. He had been schooled from the tyrannical text- 
book of the long-ago quarterdeck where a subordinate had no discretion and 
never dared look behind the letter of an order; and, he had seen Commodore 
Jones recalled for hoisting his flag in this same place four years too soon. His- 
tory was repeating itself, for he was now in exactly the same position as was 
Jones — on the horns of the same dilemma. If Seymour's flag got ashore first, 
then a courtmartial for Sloat; if Sloat's flag got ashore too soon, then Sloat 
would only have the fellow-sympathy of Jones. Finally, he took the dilemma 
by both horns and, July 7th, hoisted the stars and stripes for all time over Mon- 
terey. But Commodore Sloat was not satisfied with the range of affairs and, 
not without considerable reason, complained that be was being kept in the dark 
and that officers who were his juniors in rank — Gillespie being a lieutenant in 
an arm of the naval service, and Fremont in actual rank a second-lieutenant, 
the lowest grade officer in the army. And these young men were winning a 
state while he, a fleet commander, was virtually marking time and listening for 
the sound of their guns. Then it was borne in upon him that all hands were 
blundering and he ordered the two officers into his presence. It was a mem- 
orable interview. 

SETTING THE COMMODORE A PACE. 

"I want to know," said the Commodore, "by what authority you are acting. 
Mr. Gillespie has told me nothing. He came to me at Mazatlan and I sent him 
to Monterey, but I know nothing. And, I want to know by what authority you 
are acting." 

Gillespie could not answer, and Fremont saw that the worthy naval man 
was not in the plan of campaign, consequently he made the best reply possible, 
that he was acting on his own authority. "And I have acted," said Sloat, "upon 
the faith of your operations in the north, as I would rather suffer from doing 
too much than too little." 
5 



70 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY. 

Fremont then, from the deck of the Savannah, might have called the Com- 
modore's attention to the Collingwocd which had arrived in port only the day 
before, and that she was only one of the big Meet of war vessels Great Britain 
was keeping in that part of the Pacific. Also that this was a time for quick 
action and not for the unwinding of red tape. If Sloat had then known that 
the declaration of war was two months old and that an order censuring him for 
not taking Monterey sooner, was coming to him from the Navy Department, 
he might not have worried over the pace that Fremont had set him. Thus it 
is seen that the government made no mistake at that critical period when it 
directed this junior officer of the United States Topographical Engineers to move 
at his own discretion. He took part in the subsequent events — mere skirmishes 
— between the Californians and American forces, also in the skirmishes between 
himself and the fellow-officers whose malice followed him to the close of the 
conflict he began in the Plaza at Sonoma. 

PRESIDENT WILLIAM B. IDE. 

After receiving the surrender oi General Yallejo and Sonoma, the Amer- 
icans organized themselves into something resembling a municipal government, 
with William B. Ide president and Dr. Robert Semple secretary. John Grigs- 
by was appointed captain, Ezekiel Merritt, who had conducted them there, not 
wishing to retain command. Henry L. Ford was made lieutenant. In order 
that the movement should go on record as proceeding decently and regularly, 
Ide, as commander-in-chief, formulated the following declaration, which was 
published June iSth: 

"A proclamation to all persons and citizens of the district of Sonoma re- 
questing them to remain at peace and follow their rightful occupations without 
fear of molestation. 

"The commander-in-chief of the troops assembled in the fortress of Sonoma 
gives his inviolable pledge to all persons in California, not found under arms, 
that they shall not be disturbed in their persons, their property or social rela- 
tion, one with another, by men under his command. 

"He also solemnly declares his object to be: first, to defend himself and 
companions in arms, who were invited to this country by a promise of lands 
on which to settle themselves and families ; who were also promised a republican 
form of government; when, having arrived in California, they were denied the 
privilege of buying or renting lands of their friends, who instead of being al- 
lowed to participate in or being protected by a republican government, were 
oppressed b\ a military despotism, who were even threatened by proclamation 
by the chief officers of the aforesaid despotism with extermination if they should 
not depart out of the country leaving all of their property, arms and beasts of 
burden; and thus deprived of the means of flight or defense, were to be driven 
through deserts inhabited by hostile Indians, to certain destruction. To over- 
throw a government which has seized upon the prosperity of the mission for 
its individual aggrandizement; which has ruined and shamefully oppressed the 
laboring people of California by enormous exaction on goods imported into this 
countrv. is the determined purpose of the brave men who are associated under 
my command. 

"I also solemnly declare my object, in the second place, to be to invite all 
peaceable and good' citizens of California who are friendly to the maintenance 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 71 

of good order and equal rights, and I do hereby invite them to my camp at 
Sonoma without delay to assist us in establishing and perpetuating a republican 
government, which will secure to all, civil and religious liberty; which shall 
encourage virtue and literature; which shall leave unshackled by fetters, agri- 
culture, commerce and manufactures. 

"I further declare that I rely upon the rectitude of our intentions, the favor 
of heaven and the bravery of those wdio are bound and associated with me by 
principles of self-preservation, by love of the truth and the hatred of tyranny, 
for my hopes of success. 

"I furthermore declare that I believe that a government to be prosperous 
and happy must originate with the people who are friendly to its existence, that 
the citizens are its guardians, the officers its servants, its glory its reward. „ 

William B. Ide." 

This proclamation, while it w r as a laudable and intelligent effort on their part 
to set themselves right before the world, also to satisfy the people in the neigh- 
borhood that no lives or property were in peril, was somewhat crude in its word- 
ings, and in its allegations often wandered some distance from the facts. The 
settlers, the proclamation declared, had been invited to' this country under the 
promise of lands and a republican form of government and those promises had 
been violated. It does not appear in the declaration who made the promises 
and the seizure of the mission property years previous does not seem to be a 
sufficient cause of action. However, the preparation of state-papers is hardly 
the work of the pioneer and Ide was sufficiently explicit and direct for all pur- 
poses, and if his language was less splendid than the diction of Castro, who 
was issuing call after call for the Californians to arise and sweep from the 
earth the "gang of North American adventurers" who had captured Sonoma 
"with the blackest treason the spirit of evil can invent," Ide's off-hand procla- 
mation drew better and he soon had in his camp enough men well-armed, to 
police the surrounding country and run out the several gangs of desperados 
that were disturbing the settlements. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COL'XTY 



CHAPTER XVI. 
FREMONT THE MAN OF THE HOUR. 

After the insurgents found themselves with a victory on their hands they 
were confronted with the question of what to do with it. Fremont was con- 
siderable distance away and fleet vaqueros would soon carry the news of the 
capture around the territory. There was a discussion as to the disposal of the 
prisoners and it was finally decided to remove them to Sutter's Fort. As very 
friendly relations existed between captors and captives the General took part 
in these discussions and was in favor of the removal as he wished to be more 
in touch with a United States officer. He advised his people in the pueblo to 
remain quiet, that they would not be molested and he would soon return from 
Sutter's Fort. In Sonoma and while enroute he was secretly approached by 
Californians with the suggestion that they organize themselves into a strong 
force, attack the Americans and rescue the captives. Vallejo strongly disap- 
proved of this. He knew such action would only cause needless bloodshed in 
the district and he knew what even many American officers in California did not 
know — that this was the beginning of the end of Mexican dominion in the terri- 
tory. He was not obsessed with the madness that would send his simple 
vaqueros against those rifles whose discharge was the prelude of death. But he 
immediately communicated with Commander John B. Montgomery of the United 
States Sloop of War Portsmouth, in San Francisco, requesting that officer to 
use his authority or exert his influence to prevent the commission of acts of 
violence upon the inhabitants of Sonoma by the insurgents in that community. 
By order of Commander Montgomery the following reply was written by Lieu- 
tenant W. A. Bartlett, U. S. N., to Don Jose de la Rosa, Vallejo's representative : 

"Sir: You will say to General Vallejo, on my part, that I at once and 
entirely disavow this movement as having proceeded under any authority of the 
United States, or myself as the agent of my Government in this country, or on 
this coast. It is a movement entirely local, and with which I have nothing to 
do ; nor can I in any way be induced to take part in the controversy which 
belongs entirely to the internal policies of California. 

"If they are Americans, as they avow themselves, they are bevond the laws 
and officers of the United States, and must now take all the responsibilities in 
which they have placed themselves, being answerable to the laws of Mexico and 
California. 

"I have now for the first time heard of this movement and in making the 
most positive disavowal, for myself and for my Government, as having in any 
wise instigated or aided this, I also disavow the same on the part of Captain 
Fremont, United States topographical engineer, now in the country for scien- 
tific purposes. 

"If my individual efforts can be at any time exercised to allay violence or 
prevent injury to innocent persons, it shall be exerted ; but as an officer of the 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 73 

Government of the United States I cannot have anything to do with either 
party. They must take the responsibilities of their own acts. From what has 
already transpired I think it clear that no violence will be committed on any one 
not found with arms in their hands. You will assure General Guadalupe Val- 
lejo of my sympathy in his difficulties ; but I positively cannot interfere in the 
local policies of California." 

ALL DISAVOWED FREMONT. 

Commander Montgomery was clearly within the scope of his official duty 
— as he had not been sought by Gillespie — but his disavowals gratuitously re- 
peated, showed an ' interest strongly personal. At that period there was con- 
siderable disavowing" of Fremont's work, on the part of United States officers. 
Sloat had to stir himself and follow the Pathfinder's lead and take Monterey, 
then he disavowed, and resigned his naval command in the Pacific, which did 
not save him from the departmental reprimand he received for his delay. 
Stockton took his place, and in the intervals between some tough fights with 
the Californians in the southern portion of the state, did his share of the dis- 
avowing. General Phil Kearny, the conqueror of New Mexico, marched into 
California late, but early enough to disavow Fremont's action. Shubrick. 
another commodore, had his ship on the coast long enough to also do some dis- 
avowing. Colonel R. B. Mason came last and disavowed, but as he was inspec- 
tor of troops possibly this was somewhat along the line of his duty. However, 
they all did more or less disavowing of each other. At one time during the 
conflict, California had two military governors, and as they were antagonistic 
to one another, the territory appeared to be back in its normal condition under 
Mexican rule. Colonel Philip Cooke, one of the latest arrivals, amusingly de- 
scribes that prevailing condition : "Colonel Kearny is supreme somewhere up 
the coast. Colonel Fremont is supreme at Pueblo de los Angeles, Commodore 
Stockton is supreme at San Diego. Commodore Shubrick the same at Mon- 
terey ; and I at San Luis Rey ; and we are all supremely poor, the government 
having no money and no credit, and we hold the territory because Mexico is the 
poorest of all." 

Commander Montgomery, who had not been schooled in the "secret work" 
of the administration, might better have remained aboard the Portsmouth and 
"attended to his knitting," instead of questioning without knowledge the action 
of an officer in another branch of the service ; as it was he assumed an unten- 
able position, and so places himself on the general record of official error. As 
his government and that of Mexico were then busily at war, — and he should 
have been in the "trouble" — his technically-blameless inactivity, his caution, 
assumption, and hurried proclamation of his government's California policy, 
show weakly before Fremont's soldierly activity and unerring judgment. The 
Pathfinder found a broad path by which California walked into the American 
Union while his brother officers were disavowing him. Yet to Montgomery's 
credit he supplied the Bear Flag people with United States powder from the 
"Portsmouth." 

To more fully acquaint himself regarding the situation in Sonoma, Mont- 
gomery sent one of his officers, Lieutenant John S. Missroon, to that town. 
His observation on conditions appears in the following portion of his report : 



74 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

"It only remains, sir, for me to add that, so far as I could judge and 
observe, the utmost harmony and good urder prevail in the camp, and that 1 
have every reason to believe that the pledges of kind treatment toward all who 
may fall into their hands will lie faithfully observed. I also enclose copy of a 
letter which I addressed to the Alcalde while [ was at Sonoma, which copy is 
as follows : 

"'Sonoma, June 17, 1846.. 

'Sir: As you were informed yesterday, through my interpreter, my visit 
to this place is of a strictly mediatorial character, and was induced bv the appli- 
cation of General Yallejo to Captain Montgomery, requesting him to adopt 
measures for the protection of the females and peaceable inhabitants of Sonoma. 

'I have the pleasure to assure you of the intention of the foreigners now in 
arms and occupying Sonoma, to respect the persons of all individuals and their 
property, who do not take up arms against them, and I leave with you a copy of 
the pledge which the commander of the party has voluntarily given to me, with 
a view to the pacification of all alarm.' I also enclose copy of Commander 
William B. Ide's pledge : 

1() Till-: ALCALDE OF SONOMA. 

'I pledge myself that I will use my utmost exertion to restrain and prevent 
the men in arms under my command, all of whom present acknowledge my 
authority and approve the measure of forbearance and humanity, from per- 
petrating any violence, or in any manner molest the peaceable inhabitants, in 
person or property, of California, while we continue in arms for the liberty of 
California. (Signed) Wm. B. Ide. Commander.'" 

While the naval commander at Yerba Buena in an unofficial way sought to 
counsel kindness and moderation on the part of the Americans toward the peo- 
ple of the pueblo, there was not at any time the slightest danger that the Sono- 
mans would be ill-treated. William B. Ide, a man of sterling worth and con- 
siderable culture, seemed lo shape and control the conduct of those under his 
command. And this was no simple task, as his force largely included men 
unaccustomed to restraint and not sufficiently posted as to the cause and object 
of the movement and consequently often disposed to oppose measures they did 
not understand. Ide was a native of Ohio, came across the plains, reaching 
Sutter's Fort in October, 1845. Military Governor R. B. Mason, June 7, 1847, 
appointed him land surveyor for the northern district of California and in addi- 
tion he was Justice of the Peace at Cache Creek. He received the grant of 
the Rancho Barranca Colorado, in Colusa count}-. Ide practiced law and was 
elected County Judge of Colusa county, September 3. 1851. He died at Mon- 
roeville. December 18, 1852, aged fifty years. 

COUNTRY WITHOUT A FLAG. 

After General Yallejo and the other captured officers had been dispatched 
to Sutter's Fort under the escort of Captain Ide. Merritt, Grigsby. Hargrave, 
Kit Carson and several others, the "squatters" as General Yallejo might have 
called them, started out to look over their claim. They were new at State- 
making — that is when the fabric is built up in a night, or in a morning — before 
breakfast. It was an accomplishment somewhat larger than stocking a rancho 
or furnishing a farm. As to her defensive properties Sonoma was not a 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 75 

Gibraltar, and the several hundred shelf-worn muskets and other weapons in 
the place, seemed anything but dangerous to the Americans whose long rifles, 
many of them, had been tested in places where a miss meant the finish of the 
shooter. The chief government building in a Spanish town is called a citadel 
— castillo ; a Spaniard may run shy on many accomplishments but he may be 
trusted to fill in on names. The investigators found the battery — nine or ten 
old brass cannon, each piece lying prone across the adobe wall as if the soul 
of war within the gun was dead. Vallejo almost to the tear-point had pleaded 
for better armament for Sonoma and the northern frontier, as protection against 
undesirable immigration, and the Supreme Government of Mexico had ordered 
him to shoot pronunciamientos at the invading strangers. But out on the plaza 
this board of inspection found something more alive — the national ensign of 
Mexico. A soldado viejo of the southern republic had stolen out in the half- 
light and hoisted the bit of bunting to the top of the staff. Fox hours, unno- 
ticed by the strangers passing below, the little flag, still faithful to the cause it 
served but could not save, saucily flaunted its eagle and its red, white and green 
in their faces. 

This reminded them that they were yet without a government standard. 
They were North Americans and would have raised their red, white and blue 
when they lowered the red, white and green, but Fremont had advised them 
not to do so, fully knowing that as they were not acting under the formal 
authorization of the United States government, such action would raise the 
ever-ticklish question of neutrality. Mexico had fiercely complained of the 
raising of the American flag at Monterey, four years before, and Commodore 
Ap Catesby Jones, U. S. N.. had been made the convenient scapegoat — faithful 
government servants frequently are — to appease the Mexican minister at Wash- 
ington. So the Pathfinder, when he induced the historical Thirty-three to visit 
Sonoma that June day-dawn knew, — even though he was obeying a secret 
order, its official existence not to be revealed, the office and the honor of the 
scapegoat for him was a strong possibility. But he anticipated the interference 
of the United States naval forces on this coast and again his judgment averted 
what would have been to the revolutionists an awkward international situation. 
This does not infer that their situation apparently was not tending in that direc- 
tion, or that Captain Fremont in his surveyors' camp on the American river 
was not anxiously listening for a gun-salute to an American flag waving over 
Yerba Buena. If the expected war had not taken place it is possible that pres- 
ently the rough-riders of the Bear, with their cub-republic, born at break o' day, 
would have been moving out of the pueblo with President Santa Ana's Mexican 
cavalry in the vicinity. Not only is all's well that ends well, but, at least in this 
case, all's well that begins well, for an American army was then fighting its way 
toward the City of Montezuma. The insurgents, revolutionists, filibusters 01 
whatever they may be called, had "guessed" aright, and the California grizzly, 
strolling (en passant) leisurely along the folds of their flag, was umpired in 
— safe. 

Yet this movement, new and in advance of the wisdom of the period, this 
forerunner of the change that was to awake the sleeping territory to progress, 
came in for adverse judgment from the politicians orbing around the national 
capital. The inconsistency of this decision can be seen in the receptions of the 



76 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

two states that came to the northern republic during that decade. Texas, not 
menaced by a foreign power, and barely justified in her action, won complete 
independence from Mexico and then almost immediately offered herself to the 
Union. She was admitted, a slave state, by a whig administration whose cen- 
tral creed was anti-slavery. California, a ripe plum falling to a British squad- 
ron, her long length of ocean-shore to become a line of foreign fortifications 
whose guns would train eastward toward the American frontier and her then 
miserable system of government promising to be a constant thorn in the side of 
her neighbor over the wall of the Sierras, was encouraged to separate from the 
southern republic by a democratic administration in the face of a strong pro- 
test from these same whigs. The protesting statesmen, after the war, pro- 
posed that California be sold back to Mexico for $12,000,000, and if agreeable 
to the other party, the United States to retain San Francisco, shore and bay, 
allowing Mexico $3,000,000 on account. As this government by the treaty had 
assumed a Mexican debt of fifteen millions of money due American citizens, 
these diplomats of finance considered that they were proposing a highly profit- 
able real estate deal. Shortly after this, Marshall, digging a sawmill ditch in 
Coloma creek, struck his pick into a nest of nuggets and next day California's 
market value went up to nearer twelve hundred millions in gold, and to a moral 
figure that can never be estimated. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 77 



CHAPTER XVII. 

PAINTING THE BANNER OF THE BEAR. 

When the Thirty-Three Immortals in Pueblo Sonoma, June 14, 1846, 
found themselves — a full-grown state with no flag to fit it. they made one, as 
they had made their commonwealth, — immediately and with the material at 
hand. The result was the Bear Flag. It was a domestic production, and it 
was not inglorious, if home-made. It was a symbol, — in the rough, but the true 
article, of liberty, justice and peace. And it readily gave place to its proto- 
type, the Stars and Stripes, when the little Sonoma republic was merged into 
the Great Republic of the North American States. In fact the Bear Flag's 
single red bar and star is one of the thirteen stripes and one of the thirty-one 
stars that shone on the national flag after California had been admitted to the 
Union. And this fact which Native Sons may remember : California's star 
now on the blue field of the American ensign, first appeared on the Bear Flag. 
This rudely-fashioned standard of a small state that lived but a brief period 
beyond its inception, is more than the mere caprice of a leaderless band of 
American immigrants. It arose over the plaza in Sonoma at a critical time, 
and it cleared the air for the other flag, and the way for American occupancy. 
Commodore Sloat with his squadron had beaten Admiral Seymour's British fleet 
in the sea-race from Mazatlan, but the Yankee naval officer was lying at anchor 
in the harbor of Monterey hesitating to take possession of the port, and the 
entire territory. He had heard rumors of war being on between Mexico and 
the United States, but he feared to move before he had received official con- 
firmation of the news. And well he might hesitate. His predecessor, Com- 
modore Ap Catesby Jones, four years previous placed in a like position, had 
raised his flag over the old adobe custom house in that city, and had to haul the 
colors down next day, learning that he had been too rapid. His indiscretion 
had brought about his recall, to appease angry Mexico ; hence Sloat's timidity. 
The two republics were then at war, though this was unknown on the Pacific 
coast. Captain John Charles Fremont, surveying across the continent, had re- 
ceived secret instructions from the administration — instructions that were ver- 
bal and have never been filed or published — to use his own judgment, taking all 
responsibility, even concealing the participancy of the national government, and 
forestall any occupancy of California by France or Great Britain. He sent 
the Bear Flag party to Sonoma, and when Sloat heard of the work in that 
pueblo and of Fremont's actions in other portions of the territory, he con- 
cluded that the "Pathfinder" was acting officially. Then he took possession of 
Monterey and directed Montgomery in the "Portsmouth" to possess Yerba 
Buena, also to raise the American ensign at Sonoma. It is a matter of history 
that Sloat afterwards acknowledged that he made his first move only when he 
had become convinced that Fremont was working under department orders 
which he (Sloat) had not vet received. And as additional evidence of the 



/S HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

important part played here by the Pathfinder, by the Bear Flaggers and their 
flag, Sloat was severely reprimanded by the Navy Department, the administra- 
tion holding that his timidity with the British fleet in the vicinity ready to work 
in conjunction with the annexation-scheme of the Mexican government, jeopar- 
dized the claims and intentions of the United States. Alas, poor Sloat. He 
was punished for doing too little, while Jones received the same punishment 
for doing too much, on the same job. 

THE GRIZZLY PASSANT. 

In the knightly diction of heraldry the Bear Flag is: A grizzly passant 
on field argent; star at right dexter point; legend "California Republic" in 
lower half ; horizontal bar gules from base to base. As an armorial bearing the 
bear is a suitable choice. Often he has been met on his eminent domain, and as 
a true native son — representative of the wild west, he has qualified. His ordi- 
narily mild manner and willingness to be let-alone, also his latent prowess in 
argument when driven to the battlepoint, are well known. His high moral and 
physical standing in the animal settlements of the American continent make 
him socially fit for a place on anybody's flag. Though a carnivora. he has no 
objection to a huckleberry meal, but only dire famine will drive him to a diet 
of Digger Indian. And it is true that no Digger has ever eaten him. The 
single star is a reflex of the lone luminary that lighted Texas in the night of 
her deadly struggle, and the red colonial bar along the lower edge of the white 
cloth represents the California Republic's single colony. Mrs. John Sears fur- 
nished the square of white sheeting and Mrs. John Matthews, the Mexican 
wife of an American, contributed a flannel petticoat for the red stripe. Some 
unchivalrous historian has tried to establish the version of the various Bear 
Flag stories that one of the hunters of the party donated his only shirt for this 
purpose, but as the nameless patriot never acknowledged the honor and the 
sacrificial red shirt, the alleged incident must be left out of the record. Chiv- 
alry, modesty and self-denial are the cardinal characteristics often found in 
heroes, so possibly he was a life-sufferer from all three of these virtues, and 
died unknown, unhonored and unsung. 

Here it may not be inappropriate to insert the inspiring verse of George 
Homer Meyer, a native of Sonoma county, and the first President of Santa 
Rosa Parlor, N. S. G. W. It was read on the occasion of the Admission Day 
celebration held in Santa Rosa, September 9, 1885, and attended by repre- 
sentatives from every Parlor in the State : 

THE STRIPES AND THE STARS. 

With the flag of all others we love and revere, 

And whose stars float above us today. 
Let us blend the Bear Flag of the brave pioneer, 

While we wreathe them with laurel and bay. 
With the names of our fathers its white folds engrave, 

No dishonor its history mars. 
And today do we hold it as fitting to wave 

By the side of the Stripes and the Stars. 

Unseemly and rude on that far June-day morn 
Was the banner they lifted in air. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 79 

Yet the deed marked the hour when an empire was born. 

And the Spirit of Freedom was there. 
So they raised up that Hag by the westernmost sea — 

The flag of the grizzly, the star and the bar. 
Its sponsors were Men and its folds floated free — 

The Flag of the Stripe and the Star. 

AND GENERAL VALLEJO SAID "BUEi-.'U." 

The immediate need of a flag was borne in upon them by the following 
incident: Early that morning after General Vallejo had been notified by his 
captors that he, his sword, the old brass guns on the wall, the rusty muskets in 
the Castillo and everything else possessed by Mexico in Sonoma, were prisoners 
of war, the old Don batted his eyes once or twice, said "bueno," and invited 
the fierce Americanos to stay for breakfast. Sefiora Vallejo stirred up her 
Indian cooks, and soon the General's dining hall — that was never closed to a 
stranger, especially to an American, was thrown open, and on the tables were 
loads of chile con carne, frijoles, tortillas, and wine from the mission grapes 
growing out by the old church of San Francisco de Solano. Needless to say 
that banquet given by the Premier Native Son of the Golden West was a 
notable one. It has been reported that during the latter part of the feasting 
some of the invaders were swearing "Viva la Mexico," and that General Val- 
lejo was offered the Presidency of the new republic. During the festivities an 
old Spanish soldier had stolen out into the plaza and raised the Mexican flag. 
He could not annihilate the hated gringos, but he could flaunt his country's 
ensign in their faces. This they found it doing when they issued from the 
banquet room. 

William Lincoln Todd, nephew of Mrs. Abraham Lincoln, was the artist 
of the Bear Flag. Henry Ford, one of the party, carefully outlined the general 
appearance of the grizzly, and then Todd insisted that he w r as an animal- 
painter, in fact a Landseer. His comrades told him to go ahead, and hurry. 
With a pen and ink he laboriously drew the figure of the bear on both sides of 
the white sheeting. By that time the "committee on flag" scouting around town 
had found and commandeered some linseed oil, lampblack and a can of red 
paint. These the "Landseer" of the republic mixed and spread on the cloth. 
In color the result was more cinnamon than grizzly, but the new state was not 
seeking mere color and the work was accepted. Various art-writers have tried 
their pens on that result. It has been called a bear rampant, — meaning, possi- 
bly, on the rampage ; also a bear regardant, — regarding the landscape in an 
effort to locate a dinner. But these heraldic descriptions were not so practical 
as the criticisms of the curious town-people who looked, laughed and said it 
was "el porcino;" and an English sailor present voiced in his natal vernacular 
that idea when he said that it was "nothing so like a bloomin' red 'og." 

Todd had no difficulty getting on what passed for a five-point star, but 
when he came to the inscription he found his first snag. This is recorded in a 
letter written from Los Angeles, January n, 1878. in which he says: "Mine 
was a grizzly bear passant, painted red ; the flag mentioned by Hittell, the his- 
torian, with the bear rampant, was made. 1 believe, in Santa Barbara, and was 
painted biack. The flag I painted will be known by a mistake I made in tint- 



So HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

ing in the words 'CALIFORNIA REPUBLIC The letters were first lined 
out with a pen, and I forgot the 'L' and put the 'C in its place. Afterwards 
I put the T over the - C,' which made the last part of 'REPUBLIC look as if 
the final two letters were blended." 

LONG MAY THE RED FLANNEL PETTICOATS WAVE. 

Red flannel petticoats have an honored place on American flags. The 
seven red stripes of the first national ensign flung to the winds were donated 
by the wife of an American soldier, who sacrificed her petticoat for that patri- 
otic purpose. James McChristian of Sebastopol, the survivor of the Bear Flag 
party, saw the "flag committee" at their work. He says that Jack Randsford, 
Peter Storm and John Kelly were told off by Captain Ezekiel Merritt to do 
the "heavy" work. These three men, being sailors and necessarily sea-tailors, 
were supposed to know much about sails, flags and other fabrics. In their 
cruisings around the pueblo they found Mrs. John Matthews, a native of Cali- 
fornia, and the wife of the American express-rider between Sutter's Fort and 
Sonoma. She provided the flannel band and Randsford sewed it on the white 
sheeting below the bear passant. That bear may be a "native son," but the red 
petticoat-stripe is more distinctly "native daughter," and the N. D. G. W. may 
logically plead their stronger claim to the Bear Flag as an emblem of their 
order. Josefa Matthews — woman of Spain — wife of an American — is the 
Bear Flag daughter of the golden west. 

Los Osos — the bears — as the Californians called the Americans, were 
highly pleased with Todd's labors, and Todd was correspondingly highly 
pleased with himself and their tributes to his handicraft. He wanted to in- 
crease his output of flags while he was about it, he said, but he had been so 
wasteful with his color-supply that there was no more in the California Repub- 
lic, and the one ensign had to do for the whole state. Captain Stephen Smith 
at Bodega made a fair copy of the original — fair enough for working purposes 
— which he used till the republic was lost in the American commonwealth. 

When the warpaint on the white-sheeting was sufficiently dry to stay where 
Todd had put it, the California Republic took her stand in the north-west cor- 
ner of the Sonoma plaza for the first flag raising. They did not use the old 
brass battery for a salute, as they did not know whether or not the ancient guns 
could be fired without bursting and destroying the new state. Moreover, pow- 
der was scarce. 

Then the Banner of the Bear 
With its single stripe and star 
Went aloft. 

And the brave little ensign of Mexico that had waved defiance all day to 
the invading gringos, its red, white and green rising and falling on the soft, 
saline winds that came up from the valley from the sea, dropped down from 
its place and out of history. 

Regarding the exchange of ensigns by Lieutenant J. W. Revere of the 
U. S. Sloop of War "Portsmouth," the following incident is told by James 
McChristian : "After the Bear Flag had been unbent from the staff-halliards 
and Revere was fastening Old Glory to the rope, Midshipman John E. Mont- 
gomery, the son of Commander John Montgomery of the "Portsmouth," care- 
fully folded the square of sheeting into a neat package and placed it in his 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 81 

coat-pocket, saying, 'this is worth taking care of.' The lad at that time was just 
my own age — 18 — a fine, manly fellow, and nobody objected to his action." The 
gallant middy of the old-time Yankee navy, who appreciated and cared for the 
passing Bear Flag, gave his life in the service of his country and this State, as 
he was killed in a fight with hostile Indians near Sutter's Fort soon after this 
event. McChristian, seventy-four years old, the last of the Bear Flaggers, 
remembers clearly the stirring times in this county during the "roaring forties." 
He was employed by Revere to haul two 18-pounder brass guns from Sonoma 
to the Embarcadero, where they were to be shipped to the "Portsmouth," at 
Yerba Buena. The officer had found them on the wall looking frowningly 
across the valley, and he intended to have them mounted at the Annapolis naval 
academy as object-lessons for the cadets. McChristian's two-yoke of oxen 
balked on the job, and his claim for the work has slept in the War Department 
for sixty-three years. 

BEAR FLAG YET ON DUTY. 

Though the Bear Flag passes from the Sonoma plaza, it does not pass 
from further history. Its adoption by the California Republic June 14, 1846, 
makes its anniversary identical with that of the ensign that supplanted it, as 
June 14, 1777, Congress adopted the thirteen stars and thirteen stripes as the 
national flag. Its adoption by the Native Sons, June 8, 1880, makes it the 
standard of their order, and its adoption by the Legislature, March 3, 191 1, 
makes it the State Flag. Its lone star was the star of Texas, and is now the 
star of California on the national ensign. Its bear, at the request of Major 
J. R. Snyder of Sonoma, was placed on the great seal of the state. The Bear 
Flag is yet in active service, and not one feature on its folds is idle. Its polit- 
ical-life was only twenty-five days, but during twenty-three of them it was the 
sole American flag of any description in this territory, and its presence at 
Sonoma was a deterrent to the foreign powers hesitating to move for posses- 
sion. Its presence at Sonoma finally moved the hesitating United States naval 
commander at Monterey to send the Stars and Stripes ashore and seal Cali- 
fornia to Uncle Sam forever. What more honor and distinction could it have? 
Every Native Son and Daughter of the Golden West may proudly wear the 
little emblem of the bear, for in the world of heraldry there is no more knightly 
symbol. 

The only ceremony other than the cheers of "Los Osos" and the attention 
of the Sonomans who viewed the proceedings with mild curiosity, was the 
flag-raising oration of Lieutenant Henry L. Ford, who with First Sergeant 
Granville F. Swift and Second Sergeant Samuel Gibson composed the official 
staff of the grand army of the new republic. The lieutenant's oratory was 
remarkably deficient in metaphorical flights and full-rounded periods, but it 
went directly to the point. There was a faint allusion to the alternative of 
disaster, but about it there was the old "we-must-hang-together-or-we-will- 
hang-separately" spirit of the Declaration of Independence. In all its rugged 
beauty and brevity here is the address in full : 

"My countrymen, we have taken upon ourselves a damned big contract. 
We have gone to war with the Mexican nation, and that will keep us busy for 
some time. We are bound to defend one another or be shot. There is prob- 



82 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

ably no half-way place in the matter. To make our object good and take care 
of ourselves we must have order, we must have discipline. Each of you has 
had a voice in choosing your officers. Now that they have been chosen, they 
must be obeved. This is business, and there is no back-out from it." 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 83 



CHAPTER XVIII. 
BRINGING ORDER OUT OF THE WILDS. 

In the history of the invasion of Sonoma there is recorded no instance of 
violence, not one overt act against the order and discipline as insisted upon by 
the orator of the flag-raising celebration. Among the many adventurous men 
that were attracted there by the probabilities of war and the possibilities of gain, 
doubtless there were characters difficult to manage, but in the hands of those 
managers ready to use a loaded rifle as the last argument, if such appeared — 
they were managed. The grizzly on the cotton-sheeting may have been a far 
cry from the real thing ruling in his wild ravines, but the spirit symbolized in 
Todd's oil painting was the sturdy spirit of California's forest king, — and Cali- 
fornia's gringo republic. 

The garrison was divided into two companies — First Rifles and First Artil- 
lery. The Rifles broke out from the armory all the small arms they could find 
amid the rubbish of the place, cleaned them up and loaded all that would hold 
powder and lead. The Artilleries went to work on the battery. They scraped 
the rust and muck off the pieces, and would have improved the appearance of 
the gun-carriages but Todd had used all the paint on the flag. But they were 
all captains of industry for the rest of the day, and after they had finished, the 
old cannons lying across the wall looked more shiny and more ferocious. Sen- 
tries were posted with strict orders regarding the approach of strangers and the 
military family of the republic set up a system of orderly housekeeping. Sup- 
plies were purchased for the use of the defenders on the credit of the new' gov- 
ernment and accounts were opened for regular rations of beef, flour and other 
necessities. Prohibition was early established — whiskey made contraband, with 
a little martial law to keep it so. This was not a political measure but a munic- 
ipal precaution. The citizens of the pueblo, who greatly outnumbered their new 
governors, were closely looked after. Among them were many old Mexican 
soldiers and able-bodied men that could have put up a warm fight should some 
energetic leader stir them up and the "Bear Flaggers" didn't intend to be caught 
dreaming in the drowsy, summery climate of Sonoma. 

FIERCE WAR WORDS. 

The mail service in the territory at that period was an indefinite affair and 
mail reached Sonoma when some accommodating vaquero acting as pony-ex- 
press brought it. Few natives in the country could read or write, even Lieut. - 
Col. Castro of the Mexican Army and Acting Comandante of the Department 
of California, was without that accomplishment, but some humble secretario 
penned the fulminations that occasionally filtered into the pueblo, furnishing 
news and amusement to the "adventurers" he so longed to rise en masse and 
destroy. This is a sample translation of the high-color war-words of a Mex- 
ican statesman : 



8 4 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

"Fellow Citizens — the contemptible policy of the agents of the United 
States of North America in this department has induced a number of adven- 
turers who, regardless of the rights of men, have designedly commenced an 
invasion, possessing themselves of the town of Sonoma, taking by surprise all 
the place, the military commander of that border, Col. Don Mariano Guadalupe 
Vallejo, Lieut-Col. Don Victor Prudon, Captain Don Salvador Vallejo and 
Jacob P. Leese. 

"Fellow countrymen, the defense of our liberty, the true religion which our 
fathers possessed and our independence, call upon us to sacrifice ourselves rather 
than lose those estimable blessings. Banish from your hearts all petty resent- 
ments. Turn you and behold yourselves, these families, these innocent little 
ones, which have unfortunately fallen into the hands of our enemies, dragged 
from the bosoms of their fathers, who are prisoners among foreigners and are 
calling upon us to succor them. There is still time for us to rise en masse, as 
irresistible as retribution. You need not doubt that Divine Providence will 
direct us to the way of glory. You should not vacillate because of the smallness 
of the garrison of the general headquarters, for he who will first sacrifice him- 
self will be your friend and fellow-citizen. Let the fortunes of war take its 
chance with these ungrateful men who, with arms in their hands, have attacked 
the country. I have nothing to fear, ray duty leads me to death or victory. I 
am a Mexican soldier and 1 will be free and independent or I will gladly die for 
those inestimable blessings. 

"Jose Castro." 

But as the captured Sonomans, their families and their innocent little ones 
were getting along quite nicely with their captors, and no prisoner was calling 
for succor, no Californian hastened to sacrifice himself, and even Castro did not 
appear anxious to show up at the sacrificial point. So, the guns in the silent 
battery at Sonoma went on gathering dust. 

MURDER OF COWIE AND FOWLER 

But the occupation of this -portion of the territory was not destined to be 
bloodless and the first homicide was a foul murder. Soon after getting his 
garrison into ship-shape Lieutenant Ford found the powder running low and 
sent two of his men, Cowie and Fowler, to the Sotoyome Rancho, where Moses 
Carson would supply them with the needed war commodity. They were captured 
near Santa Rosa by a band of cut-throats and desperados under the leadership 
of one Juan Padillo, a native of New Mexico. In the band was a notorious 
character known as "Three-Fingered-Jack," his hand having been mutilated in 
one of his bloody personal encounters, who with Padillo, decided the hideous fate 
of the Americans, though it is said the rest of the Californians wished to spare 
them. Next morning the prisoners were taken into the hills northeast of the 
town, stripped and lashed naked to a tree. After amusing themselves throwing 
knives at the bare bodies of the helpless victims, they were mutilated and 
butchered by the inhuman monsters with Apache-like fiendishness. It is a 
pleasure to record that the murderers paid with their lives for that morning's 
entertainment. An Indian named Chanate witnessed the deed from the bushes 
in the vicinity and quickly notified Carson, who hurried to the place where he 
found the remains. Carson dug a grave and buried the bodies where he found 
them ; the spot is near Chanate or Pleasant Valley, but the exact location is 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 101 

and the long, fierce agitation over the extension of slavery and the successful 
outcome of the conflict with Mexico tended to the popularity of the party more 
identified with these events, and this made its candidate almost invincible. Fre- 
mont re-entered the service as a volunteer during the Civil War and was mustered 
out at its close as Major General. He died in New York, July 13, 189x3. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 



CHAPTER XXII. 
VALLEJO IN CALIFORNIA HISTORY. 

The raising of the American flags in California released General Yallejo 
from Sutter's Fort. It is difficult to understand why he was kept in custody one 
hour. Certainly his universally kind treatment of the Americans who wandered 
into Sonoma when he was probably the most powerful military officer in the 
territory — at times not excepting the governor himself — should have won for 
the General kindlier treatment in return. His known desire for annexation to 
the United States, which could not advance him in the affection of his confreres 
and the government of Mexico, moreover, his moral standing in California should 
have gained him more courteous attention. However, it is probable that neither 
Merritt, Ide nor Fremont was acquainted with the high character of their 
prisoner. The following extracts from Bancroft's Pioneer Register, written be- 
fore the General's death, give interesting details from the life of M. G. Yallejo : 

"In 1834 he was promoted to lieutenant, sent to secularize Solano mission, 
besides being intrusted with the preliminary steps toward establishing a civil 
government at San Francisco, and being elected a substitute member of the 
Mexican congress. In 1835 he was the founder of Sonoma, being made 
comandante and director of colonization on the northern frontier, and engaged 
also in Indian campaigns ; and from this time was indefatigable in his efforts to 
promote the settlement and development of the north; efforts that were none the 
less praiseworthy because they tended to advance his own -personal interests 
From this time (1835) he was the most independent and in some respects the most 
powerful man in California. Then 1S36 brought new advancement, for though 
Lieutenant Yallejo took no active part in the revolution, such was the weight of 
his name, that under Alvarado's new government he was made comandante 
general of California, and was advanced to the rank of colonel. In the sec- 
tional strife of '37-9, though not personally taking part in military operations, he 
had more influence than any other man in sustaining Alvarado. The new 
administration being fully established General Vallejo gave his attention to" the 
development of his frontier del norte ; but to an attempted reorganization of the 
presidial companies in anticipation of foreign invasion, and to the commercial 
interests of California, insuperable obstacles were encountered, the general's 
views being in some respects extravagant, the powers at Monterey not being in 
sympathy with his reforms, and a quarrel with Alvarado being the result. After 
several years of controversy with the government, and large sacrifices of private 
means in fruitless efforts to serve his country, he induced the Mexican govern- 
ment to unite the military and civil commands in one officer from abroad, and 
turned ever his command to Micheltorena. In '43 he was granted the Soscol 
rancho in payment for supplies furnished the government, and his grant to the 
Petaluma rancho being extended. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 103 

HIS IMPRISONMENT A BLUNDER. 

"From this time the general clearly foresaw the fate of his country and be- 
came more and more dissatisfied with the prospects, though still conscientiously 
performing his duties as a Mexican officer. In the movement against Micheltorena 
in '44-5 he decided to remain neutral, unwilling and believing it unnecessary to 
act against a ruler appointed through his influence, and still less disposed to en- 
gage in a campaign, the expense of which he would have to bear, in support of 
a treacherous governor ; but he discharged his soldiers to take sides as they 
chose, and warmly protested against Sutter's acts in arming foreigners and In- 
dians against his country. Meanwhile, he was a faithful friend to the immigrants. 
In the spring of '46 he was an open friend of the United States as against the 
schemes for an English protectorate, and in June-August, perhaps because of his 
devotion to the cause of the United States in its more legitimate form, he was 
cast into prison at Sutter's Fort by the Bears, being rather tardily released by 
the United States authorities, and even awarded some slight honors, and a con- 
siderable amount of his California claim- being later allowed a partial recompense 
for his losses. Still mindful of the interests of his section, he gave the site on 
which Benicia was founded, the town being named for his wife. In '49 he was 
a member of the constitutional convention, and next year, of the first state senate 
From that time he was engaged in brilliant and financially disastrous schemes to 
make Benicia the permanent capital of California. 

HIS GENEROSITY HIS ONLY FAULT. 

"In later years he continued to live at Sonoma, often called upon to take 
part in public affairs, though reduced financially to what, in comparison with the 
wealth that once seemed secure in his grasp, must seem like poverty. That he 
has been from '30 one of the leading figures in California annals is clearly shown 
in the records. Flere it must suffice to say that without by any means having 
approved his course in every case, I have found none among the Californians 
whose public record in respect of honorable conduct, patriotic zeal, executive 
ability and freedom from petty prejudices of race, religion or sectional politics, 
is more evenly favorable than his. As a private citizen he was always generous 
and kind-hearted, maintaining his self-respect as a gentleman and commanding" 
the respect of others, never a gambler or addicted to strong drink. In the earlier 
times he was not in all respects a popular man among his people, by reason of 
his haughty, aristocratic, overbearing ways that resulted from pride of race, 
of wealth and of military rank. Experience, however, ami long before the 
time of his comparative adversity, affected a gradual disappearance of his least 
pleasing characteristics. He is in a sense the last survivor of old-time Cal- 
ifornians of his class, and none will begrudge him the honor that is popularly 
accorded, even though the praise sometimes degenerates into flattery. He is a 
man of literary culture, and has always taken a deep interest in his country's 
history. His collection of California historical documents, which he kindly 
placed at my service, is a contribution of original data that has never been 
equalled in this or any other state." 



104 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 



CHAPTER XXIII. 
CALIFORNIA THE MECCA OF A MIGHTY PILGRIMAGE. 

Tn the foregoing pages, the history-proper portion of this work, the writer 
places Sonoma county in her true position, the center of California history. 
White men first landed on Upper California soil in 1542 and on Sonoma's domain 
in 1775. and between these dates sleepy Spanish civilization had been crawling 
up the coast. It took two hundred and thirty-three years from San Diego to 
Sonoma, though time became speedier after reaching that farthest north. Events, 
slow moving before, began to crowd one another. The Russians in 181 1. from 
their Alaskan waters following the sea-otter, found Bodega, and in 1812 Ross, 
and in their wheat fields the whiskered pioneers were harvesting the ocean and the 
shore. In 1823, the tireless priests — Spain's cowled and corded preacher-pioneers 
— always seeking a place for prayer, saw from the waters of the San Pablo, 
green hills arise from greener vales where Sonoma's streams were threading their 
ways seaward, and there the mission cross arose. Then came other history-makers'. 
The southland had dozed fitfully for two hundred and fifty years — a century and 
a half longer than the nursery fairy princess and her kingdom — but she awoke 
with the northland, awoke when the North American, the western wave of the 
restless Saxon flood, began to pour over the mountains and down into the sweep 
of valley between sea and sierra. The three names first and oftenest heard in 
the history of central California, are names closely connected with Sonoma. 
Through Vallejo, Sutter, Fremont, the student traces the history of the county 
back into the earlier annals of the state, as well as to the contemporary events 
in other portions of the country. The people of a locality cannot get too much 
of its history. Its first days, its early steps taken when it began its onward and 
upward progress should be the first lesson of that patriotism necessary for the 
organization and the upbuilding of a commonwealth. What more auspicious 
event than when the pioneer hews his way into a newly discovered country and 
there prepares to construct a state. The most interesting period in the life of 
a building is the ceremonious laying of its cornerstone. In the beginning is the 
grand soul of the builder, whether in the basement of the coral isle far under the 
sea, or in the foundation of the marble fabric lifting its rounded dome in air. 
Hence the value of the past. The present we have with us — always — but the 
past is only in the records that men have written. 
"across the plains." 

Between 1542 and 1824, two hundred and eighty-two slow-moving years, 
Spain's kingly standard waved over Pas Californias. Sonoma, founded in 1823, 
had one Year only of the mother dominion, before Mexico's tri-color and eagle 
appeared above her plaza. They remained aloft twenty-two quiet years, and 
went down at the raising of the bear flag, which in twenty-five days gave way to 
the tri-color and eagle of the Great Republic. Then a brighter and clearer day 
began to break over the farther west, and the lure of the newer flag drew the 
"Teat columns of immigration toward the Pacific. Mexico was a battleground. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 105 

but the prize of all north of the Rio Grande and from ocean to ocean would 
soon be within the lines of the United States. At the capital of the nation, 
political parties wrangled in lesser war over the acquisition of territory, but the 
wagon-trains rolled on and on to the empty places awaiting a people. The story 
of that great traverse of a continent, "the thousand miles of harness and of yoke," 
is an epic in itself. The perils of defile, dark and unknown, of peak snowy and 
trackless, of desert blistering and waterless, and of the long, weary stretches 
through wilds where savage foes ambushed the passing pioneer, cannot all be 
told. That history, unwritten, is lost in the lost graves that border the way. 
"Across the Plains," a term fraught with tragic significance, long meant much in 
the California homes, but now it is seldom heard. It was spoken in the valley, 
on the slope, and down by the sea. The winds that blew over the wheat, whis- 
pered among the pines and swept the ranges, carried the words — "across the 
plains." The California-born children around their mother's knee, heard her tell 
of the soul-trying trek into the new-found Occident, but their children seldom 
hear the story. 

THE HIGH SIERRAS EAR THE WAV. 

And after the plains — the wilderness of their wanderings, were passed, the 
Sierra, rearing its mighty walls, barred the way to the west. Over these rugged, 
wintry hills lay the valleys, fertile and fair in their golden summers, like the 
wonderful vales of the Palestine of old. Beyond these Nebo-heights was the 
Promised Land, the quest of the ages. Who has forgotten the Donner party? 
That saci narrative, because of its scene near the end of the journey, and because 
of its attendant horror, must be remembered. The large train of eighty wagons 
reached the mouth of the Truckee Pass in the Sierra Nevada mountains, October 
31, 1846, one month too late for the winter snow-fall, and that snow-fall then 
coming several weeks earlier than usual, the dreadful inevitable was upon them. 
Repeatedly this heroic band of men and women assaulted the wintry barriers be- 
fore them, but they were driven back to the starting point. The days were 
going and death was gathering in every soft, fleecy flake that fell around them. 
The party divided, one division, farther seeing, built cabins for shelter and some 
protection against the bitter cold and awful storms of that savage region, and 
butchered their teams for food, knowing the animals would perish before the 
spring sun warmed the pass. The other division, led by Donner, with fatal per- 
sistence containued their efforts to cross the mountains till one night in an un- 
usually heavy storm their cattle strayed away from the camp and were lost 
under the snow. Thus were left in rude cabins, affording little shelter, eighty 
castaways, among whom being thirty women and several children, to face No- 
vember's thirteen days of falling snow, December's eight and Januarv's same 
number of days when the white death dropped its pallid sheet upon them, and 
buried their cabins deep under its chilling mass. They could ward off the freez- 
ing, as the great pines that hung over them generously gave from their rough 
boughs, fuel for the camp-fires when the stormbound people could crawl up 
through and over the snow to the trees, but food was running short, and relief 
must come. 

UNDER THE WHITE DEATH. 

It was death in the camp under the snow or death out in tke mountains on 
the snow and there was no particular preference, so a party was made up to 



106 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

break their way over the chain into California. This band of last resort was 
composed of eight men, five women, and two Indians who had been caught with 
ihe whites, to guide them through the Pass and down on the other side below the 
snow line. The horrors of that struggle are almost indescribable. They wore 
snowshoes, but often into the soft, feathery mass they sank at every step, making 
their progress difficult and slow. On the highest point of the great mountain 
chain the snow lay twelve feet deep, but they pushed on. Exhaustion and 
starvation were dropping them by the way. and within the first week three of 
their number were left with the pines standing sentinel over their snow-graves. 
For days during the heavy snow storms they would lie in their blankets under 
the snow. By the evening of the tenth day they had been four days without 
food and three more bodies were dead on the snow. The feet of the living were 
frozen and ever} - step as they limped on their way was marked with blood. Only 
the buckskin strings of their snowshoes were left to eat. and to devour these 
was to sink in the snow and die. Then was the final resort of starving humanity 
— they stripped the flesh from the frozen bodies of the dead and dragged on up 
the interminable steeps. January first they were again without food. On the 
fourth the Indians having seen the ravenous and significant glances of the whites 
often resting upon them, wisely deserted the party. Next day a deer was shot 
but the small, thin carcass was little relief to the starving people, one of whom 
died while trying to eat his meager share. Then the deaths occurred more fre- 
quently and the wretched survivors fed oftener on their hideous rations. Finally 
this no more tended to sustain life in their over-burdened bodies and they laid 
down on the snow to await the end. One, however, of a little more heroic mold 
than his fellow-heroes, would not die. Dragging onward alone he fortunately 
met two Indians who almost carried him down the mountains, reaching a settle- 
ment on Bear river that evening. By midnight a relief party had found the few 
survivors, sent them down to the settlement, and were hurrying on to the camp 
at Truckee Lake. 

ix donner's dreary glen of death. 
Quickly the news flew down the valleys to New Helvetia, and soon as a 
nude train could be packed Captain Sutter was in the saddle. This was a labor 
just to the hand of the gallant Swiss officer and he was off for his dash over the 
snowy mountains and down to the perishing immigrants on the other side. Other 
expeditions with food from San Francisco and the naval vessels in the harbor 
were hurriedly dispatched to the scene. At the two camps ten were found dead, 
the survivors having lived by eating hides during the last days of their starva- 
tion. The relief party left with the immigrants, too weak to travel, all the pro- 
visions they could spare and started back with the others, the relievers carrying 
the children on their backs. Indeed, through all that awful period even as they 
perished, the women and children fared best, such was the nobility — the true 
knighthood — of the men of the golden age circling around the Storied Forty- 
Nine. The second relief party reached Truckee Lake March I, and started back 
with seventeen of the rescued, but a fierce mountain snow storm forced them to 
temporarily abandon their charges on the way. Days after, when they were re- 
lieved, three had died and the remainder had again reverted to cannibalism. The 
last relief train reached Donner's camp in the iatter part of April and all except 
a solitary survivor were dead. Thev had not only prolonged life in the hideous 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 107 

alternative, but there was evidence that some had been killed that the wretched 
survivors for a brief period might lengthen life. Mrs. Donner, who was a woman 
of culture and native refinement, had carefully wrapped her husband's body in 
a sheet before she died — it is believed a victim of the semi-starved, half-insane, 
wolfish appearing man who met the party at the door of the hut where in a 
kettle he was then cooking his gruesome meal. Twenty-two males, twenty-two 
females were sayed, and thirty-six perished. General Kearny on his way east in 
1847 collected and buried the mummied remains and burned the cabins with their 
contents. Under the auspices of the Native' Sons of the Golden West the place 
of this mountain tragedy has been marked by a monument telling for all time the 
story of Donner's dreary glen of death. 

There where the wild gales of the Nevadas boom their deep organ-bass 
through the pines, they lie, these lost argonauts who perished within sight of the 
garden of the golden fleece they sought. And around their common grave stand 
the eternal-sentinel peaks that barred them back to a doom that thrills' and 
saddens when its tale is told. In Homeric verse Joaquin Miller, the "Poet of 
the Sierras", that noble minstrel of the western peaks and pines, has written of 
the first Overland Train : 

"The plains, the shouting drivers at the wheel ; 

The crash of leather whips ; the crush and roll 
Of wheels ; the groan of yokes and grinding steel 

And iron chain, and lo ! at last the whole 

Vast line that reached as if to touch the goal. 
Began to stretch and stream away and wind 

Towards the west, as if with one control ; 
Then hope loomed fair ; and home lay far behind ; 
Before, the boundless plain, the fiercest of their kind. 

"The dust arose, a long dim line like smoke 
- From out a riven earth. The teams went by, 
The thousand feet in harness and in yoke, 
They tore the ways of ashen alkali, 
And desert winds blew sudden, swift and dry. 
The dust, it sat upon and filled the train. 
It seemed to fret and fill the very sky. 
Lo ! dust upon the beasts, the tent, the plain, 
And dust, alas ! on breasts that rose not up again. 

"My brave and unrerncmbered heroes, rest ; 

You fell in silence, silent lie and sleep. 
Sleep on unsung — forgotten, this is best, 

The world today has hardly time to weep; 

The world today will hardly care to keep 
In her plain and unpretending brave ; 

The desert winds, they whistle by and sweep 
Above you, browned and russet grasses wave 
Along a thousand leagues that lie one common grave." 



io8 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

JOHN A. SUTTER AND HIS FORT. 

It is the constant effort of the" history-writer to bring his readers face to 
face with other days, that they will readily understand in detail the conditions 
then existing. As time continues its work of obliteration the past grows more 
difficult to recall. The living figures of the once lively motion picture are dim, 
and blank spaces show where was life and action. The mountains and the val- 
leys and the seas of a locality are only an early result of its far past, not a 
living record. The records of a land are in its men and their works. What 
they thought, said and did, is a revelation thrown forward through the years. 
Among the stalwart California characters none are just like John A. Sutter. A 
soldier of fortune, he had adventured over two continents, an enthusiastic 
servant alike of king, emperor and president, and finally settling down in the 
broad vale where the Rio Sacramento ran silvery to the sea, ere the miner 
muddied its waters. A Mexican citizen and loyal to that government, he dis- 
obeyed his orders — as did A'allejo — to discourage and check the coming of 
American immigrants into the valley. He was told to force them back over the 
Sierra Nevada, but he took them into his fort and fed them. The Russians at 
Fort Ross, having cleaned the wealth-producing otter out of the coast-waters, 
weary of the constant nagging of the Spanish-Mexican officials — whom they 
did not fear, and knowing from the spirit of the Monroe Doctrine and the trend 
of American territorial acquisition that no foreign government could acquire 
a claim on the California coast, offered to sell out. Sutter bought, and lost 
money in the deal. But he took the junk up to New Helvetia and used it trying 
to make the place more attractive. The following letter written by the Captain 
to a correspondent in Sonoma, not only pictures the true conditions of the time 
and place, but shows that the writer was fully awake to those conditions : 

New Helvetia, Jan. i, 1845. 

Sir and Dear Friend : — My reason for not writing sooner is that I lacked 
an opportunity, since your man was afraid of bad weather. 

"I was in hopes all the time that perhaps I might have the pleasure of see- 
ing you at Yerba Buena. 

"I spoke to Mr. Snyder and Alamans, who both promised to go to Sonoma 
and pay you a visit. The representation, etc., for Mr. Castillero, I have left in 
the hands of Mr. Forbes, and hope that the former will have received them 
before his departure from California to Mexico. I was astonished to hear over 
there the news that I had sold my establishment to the government, and in fact, 
Mr. Estudillo told me that you had gone to see those gentlemen at the Moque- 
lumne river, so that it seems that they have not kept the matter secret. What 
is your opinion about it, sir? Do you think that the government will buy it? 
I wish I was certain of that, so that I might take the necessary measures. In 
case the government decided about this purchase, do you think it would be pos- 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 109 

sible to obtain a part of the sum on account, enough to pay a part of my debts? 

"I could put them in possession of the establishment at the end of the 
harvest. It seems to me that the government ought not to neglect that affair; 
for next autumn many immigrants are bound here from the United States, 
and one thing confronts me, that there will be many Germans, French and 
Swiss amongst them. I have received letters to that effect from a few friends, 
through the last little party of ten men. 

(Sutter was in debt from bad deals and speculations and he was particularly 
anxious to sell New Helvetia to the Mexican Government and clear himself 
financially. He knew that sooner or later American troops would be marching 
up and down the valleys of California, and they, if not the California forces, 
might not use the property as its owner desired. But knowing the hungry 
condition of the Mexican treasury and the sparseness of that country's re- 
sources, he was anxious regarding payments.) 

"Among the immigrants who intend coming are gentlemen of great means, 
capitalists, etc., by some letters I have received from New York, I see that one 
will bring over all the machinery fit for two steamers ; one is destined to be a 
coaster, while the other will sail the bay to Sacramento. The Russians will 
also bring a little one for the Captain Leidesdorff, and the Russian Captain 
Leinderberg, my friend, has made me a present of a little machine large enough 
for a sloop, which he had made for his pleasure ; that will be very nice for the 
river. The Dr. McLaughlin, at Vancouver, has retired from the Hudson Bay 
Co., and intends to come and live here. He will give a new impulse to busi- 
ness ; he is a great protector of agriculture. A ship is going to bring us print- 
ing material, and I intend to have a newspaper published, half Spanish half 
English. Such progress is made throughout civilization, and here we are so 
much behind. Even in Tahiti, there is lithography, and a newspaper is pub- 
lished — L'Oceanic Francaise. 

"We expect a ship from New York in the course of about a month; it will 
bring us all the necessary implements of .agriculture selected on purpose for 
our valleys, comprising many plows, with farmers' garments, etc. The ship 
would enter without paying the custom house duties, if the thing was possible, 
or, at least pay them at a moderate rate ; cr do you think that arrangements 

could be made with Mr. by paying him four or six thousand dollars, 

that he might let the ship enter for the benefit of the inhabitants of Sacra- 
mento. This would render him quite popular among us ; the advantage derived 

for the country would be great ; the inhabitants of would have the 

same advantage as we. In April will arrive another ship with another cargo 
well suited for our valley. The proprietors of these two ships are very rich, 
and form one of the wealthiest firms in New York and London. They contem- 
plate buying a lot near the Bay or Sacramento River, to open warehouses, and 
keep a stock of articles we may need. They would sell on credit to all the 
farmers who would desire their trust, and take in payment, wheat or any other 
product of the country, as well as a great quantity of salted salmon. The other 
merchants who transact business in this unfortunate country refuse to receive 
anything but leather and tallow. This is the rule of the country. If there was 
such a market and such a competition open, you would soon see a great differ- 
ence. 



no HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

(The reader will doubtless note how practically the writer reasons. Had 
there been more such in California, her dash towards prosperity would have 
taken place sooner than it did. ) 

"I hope you will find some means of having that ship enter: perhaps Mr. 

can assist you in the matter ; indeed I have heard that he was on very 

good terms with the jovial captain, and that affair ought to have as much inter- 
est for his as for us. 

"I regret very much being so far from you, and not having more oppor- 
tunities of corresponding, which is especially the case this winter. 

"I wish you could write to me as soon as possible, for I feel convinced 
that you could easily settle these affairs, since your position as secretary to 

• , and your friendly terms with Captain rue advantages 

which would soon lead us to enrich ourselves, with good management. 

"The Captain Fremont of the United States Army, has gone to meet his 
other company, commanded by Captain Walker (under his orders) who had 
been sent after the discovery of another passage through the mountains, more 
to the south ; I expect them daily. They will spend the winter here, and depart 
again in the spring for the Columbia. 

"Another small party of ten men has arrived since from the United States; 
this will be the last ; they were fortunate in escaping the snow which fell in 
great abundance in the mountains at their arrival. 

"Samuel Smith has been here during my absence in Yerba Buena, and un- 
fortunately I forgot to leave orders for his arrest. They told him that I had 
orders to detain him as prisoner, and he answered that he did not care to be 
a prisoner. Since then he has not returned. 

HE FORGOT TO ARREST SMITH. 

(The captain does not appear to be a fierce martinet. Some one in author- 
ity — Fremont, Vallejo or Castro — had ordered him to arrest one Samuel Smith 
whenever that "gringo" found it convenient to visit Sutter's Fort ; but Sutter, 
when he set out for Yerba Buena had forgotten to make the necessary arrange- 
ments for Mr. Smith's reception. Somebody kindly acquainted Samuel of Sut- 
ter's intention, but lie declined to remain, and he departed saving he would 
come some other time and be arrested with the captain present to enjoy the 
entertainment. The writer reports : '"since then he has not returned." which 
omission on the part of Samuel Smith does not seem very remarkable. Other 
men have declined to be arrested. What he had done is not known, but as the 
Smith race is noted for the mildness of its generic disposition, it cannot be 
that Sam's offense was of a more desperate character than imbibing more 
aguadiente than he could carry like a gentleman and a soldier. But the incident 
is evidence of John A. Sutter's kindly nature. He declined to mistreat the newly 
arrived immigrants, and he forgot to arrest a petty offender.) 

"Among the people in the upper valley are a few bad characters who stole 
some of my horses, and some mares and cows of Mr. Corelua's. They are dis- 
posed to steal a great deal more, and intend coming near Sonoma before their 
departure, to steal as many cattle as possible. We must try to imprison some of 
the principal ones, and I hope I can depend on Capt. Fremont and his men. 
He will doubtless enable me to make his countrymen prisoners, for, to look 
over such acts, would be the worst influence for the future. However, in case 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY in 

Mr. Fremont refuses to assist in the capture of the worst of his countrymen, 
I shall try to do it alone ; and if I have not sufficient power to succeed, 1 shall 
write to Mr. Vallejo for an auxiliary, etc. 

(From this leaf of unwritten history we learn that not all of the country- 
men of Mr. Fremont in California were of the highest order of respectability, 
and not all the sinners of the territory were among the natives. There is no 
doubt that Sutter and Vallejo were constantly annoyed by the bands of Amer- 
ican stock and other brands of thieves drifting over the country. The danger- 
ous criminals of early California were not the Californians, hut were the Amer- 
icans, English and French adventurers that had floated in from all points of 
the compass. Joaquin Murietta has been written up in all shades of red tint 
as a sample of bloody California bandit, but this ordinary Mexican took up that 
role only after he had been maltreated, robbed, his brother lynched and his wife 
outraged by Americans to whom he was only "a greaser.") 

"It is with the greatest displeasure that I heard from Mr. Wolfskill, 
who came here from Los Angeles, of that bad rascal Fluggs not being dead, 
but hope you will do your best to secure that lot of ground which will prove, 
no further than next year, a fortune to you. I hope that Mr. Covarrubias will 
assist you. 

"In a few weeks the launch will come to Sonoma with some of Beaulieu's 
garments, and will bring at the same time some tanned leather for Mr. Vallejo. 
I therefore beg you that you would deliver the ten fanegas of wheat to Main- 
top (captain of the launch). If you have any corn I shall buy some. As for 
the deer skins which you have, I shall write by the same means and tell you 
whether I shall take them or not. 

"How inconvenient it is for us in the north, that the capital (Mexico) 
should be so far dstant. It takes at least four or five months before receiving 
an answer; it would almost be as well not to write at all, for it tires one so 
much. 

"I make no more reports to the government, except to Mr. Castro, as he 
is the nearest, and he can make his statement to the government it he judge 
it necessary. 

"I have not yet received an answer from the Padre Real about the letter 
that you were kind enough to write for me about fruit trees and vines. You 
know that Mr. Castro has given me the permission of receiving as much as I 
needed. Advise me, if you please, on what I can do. Will it be possible to 
receive some vine trees in Sonoma? If you could have them ready in about 
three weeks, something like 2,000 of them, 1 would pay as much as they cost. 
If I have vines here, you can have them quite near your farm. 

(The Sacramento Valley is practically one great orchard, and summer after 
summer her million trees stand fruited full, and here is read the letter of the 
pioneer orchardist pleading for young trees and vines wherewith to plant the 
first orchard on that great plain.) 

OFFICIAL LOCUSTS THAT DEVOUR THE EARTH. 

"Leidesdorff is appointed agent of the company (American-Russian) to 
receive the products from me and buy from them. I had the pleasure to see 
the Captain de Lion, Air. Bonnet, who told me the troops alone in Marquesas 
and Tahiti, leaving out the inhabitants, consume 650 arobas of flour a day, and 



ii2 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

that the government would prefer to send here for provisions, if we can sell 
them at the same price, as in Chile, $4 the quintel ; we could very well compete 
at that price if this cursed custom house ceased to exist. If this country derived 
any utility from the custom house one would not complain so much, but it is 
only good to provide for a lot of useless officers who devour the very marrow 
of the country. If at last a paper could be published that would unseal the blind 
men's eyes. I trust that you may take a part and interest in that affair of 
printing. 

(In the foregoing paragraph is heard the cry of ages — "How long, how 
long, will the official locust devour the earth?" At that period California virtually 
produced nothing for trade but what grew on the carcass of a steer, and no 
foreign horns, hide and tallow were competing with any domestic sale or export 
of these. Yet she had her custom house, to stand in the way of commercial 
progress and give her imported officials something to squabble over. But there 
were no public papers then to tell the truth — and be abused for so doing — and 
"unseal the blind men*s eyes." While Captain Sutter was writing this letter 
his plows were preparing the pioneer wheat fields of the Pacific coast for the 
coming summer, and this thrifty farmer was looking out over the world for 
a market, for which his successors are still looking.) 

"I am now constructing a mill with two pairs of mill-stones, for a great 
quantity of flour will be needed next autumn when the Immigrants arrive. 

(Castro had ordered him to drive the immigrants back over the Sierras, 
but instead, he was grinding flour for them. John A. Sutter shows up better 
the more one sees of him, or reads of him.) 

"A much better road, some four hundred miles shorter, has been discovered, 
and the Captain Fremont has also found in the last chain of mountains a much 
easier passage than the one known so far ; every trip they make some new dis- 
covery. I can assure you that in five years more there will be a railroad from 
the United States here. I can see that. Already the Rocky Mountains com- 
mence to be peopled, where eight years ago I could see nothing but deserts 
with Indians, and where now stand considerable cities. The crowd of immi- 
grants now arriving in the United States increase the population to such an 
extent that it will find its way even to the Pacific shores. A year or two more 
and no power will be able to stop this immigration." 

(The railroad was slower than the time of the Captain's prediction, but" his 
prophecy regarding the immigration was even then coming to pass. With 
Fremont finding paths, Sutter finding a safe place to camp after their long 
journey across the plains, and they, themselves, finding a goodly land unfenced 
and free, with climate made to order, what power could stop their coming. In 
the hundreds of ages, what has ever stopped the westward immigrating Aryan ? ) 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 113 



CHAPTER XXV. 
WHEN THE STATE OP CALIFORNIA WAS NOT A STATE. 

For Sonoma war was over. Lieutenant Revere, who had been of great 
assistance to the Bear Flag republic, was placed in charge of the garrison, and 
John H. Nash assumed the civil portion of the government by being appointed 
alcalde. The Vallejos, Jacob Leese, Julio Carrillo and other Californians re- 
leased from Sutter's Fort returned to their homes and peace became an ever- 
lasting settler in the Valley of the Moon. General Vallejo easily transferred his 
allegiance from one republic to the other and from the first was a good American 
citizen, even as he had been a citizen of Mexico. His paternal influence among 
the Indians was strong, and the United States authorities placed him in charge 
of the natives of this section of the territory. This gave him a semi-military 
position under the government and often in the absence of the commander, the 
General would again be the Comandante, exercising authority over the northern 
frontier. Whenever the Californians became disposed to resent the sometimes 
too dictatorial manner of their conquerors, the Americans, and trouble was in 
the air, General Vallejo's methods of dealing with the questions, his advice and 
counsel of moderation generally cleared away the difficulty, and smoothed the 
way for order and good government. He afterwards served as a member of 
the first constitutional convention, which met at Monterey ; and was Sonoma's 
Senator in the pioneer Legislature of the country, the historic "Legislature of 
a Thousand Drinks." The nickname did not come from the bibulous practices 
of the members, in fact, it was an unusually sober body, the majority of the mem- 
bers being above the average in intelligence, temperance and patriotism. They 
were not there for pay or political preferment, but for their adopted state 
and they labored conscientiously for her benefit. However, if they drank 
well they worked well, and no later legislature in California holds their record 
— the record of these stalwart lawmakers of '49. Senator Green from Sacra- 
mento, a roystering fellow who had been elected in the spirit of a joke, con- 
tinued a joke through the session. He was a most hospitable chap and kept 
a full supply of liquors at his quarters, and when they would adjourn he would 
call, "Come boys, let us take a thousand drinks.'' 

California was a nondescript — a civic problem — but members of the Legis- 
lature of the "Drinks" were equal to the occasion. They organized a state gov- 
ernment and put it into successful operation without permission from Wash- 
ington. Officials, state, county and town, were elected and sworn to support 
the constitution of the state of California, and yet there was no state of 
California. This was "nervy" but dangerous. There had been no new state 
admitted into the Union. Governor Burnett advised them to go ahead, and 
they did, though for nine months they were running only a state de facto. 
California went to housekeeping without a cent. She didn't have a quire of 
paper, a pen or a bottle of ink. After worrying along debating the perplexing- 
financial problem the legislature passed an act authorizing a loan of $200,000 



U4 HTSTMRY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

lor current expenses, and later on another act was passed authorizing the 
tending of the state for $300,000, with interest at the rate of three per cent 
a month. And to get in some ready cash, passed laws for the collecting of 
revenue, taxing all real and personal property and imposing a poll of five 
dollars on every male person between the ages of twenty-one and fiftv vears. 

STARTED THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 

When California's request for admission reached Washington, virtually 
the War of the Rebellion began. The sixty senators in Congress were equally 
divided between the free and slave states, and the two new senators from 
the far west — John C. Fremont and William M. Gwin — who would take their 
seats when their state, with her tree constitution, came into the Union, would 
destroy the balance of power. The southern states bitterly fought the proposed 
admission. After months of conflict a compromise was affected and August 
13, 1850, California was admitted by the Senate, thirty-four ayes to eighteen 
noes, though Senator Jefferson Davis and his pro-slavery extremists fought 
— as they did fifteen years later — to the last ditch. The House passed the 
bill one hundred and fifty ayes to fifty-six noes, and President Fillmore signed 
California into statehood de jure September 9, 1850. 

So, again the Goddess Minerva — who is the lady of the miner, and the 
Sonoma-flag bear, and the Sierra sunrise on the State Seal — sprang full-grown 
and full-armed and if not literally this time from the brow of Jove, she landed 
ready for business, and she has been busy every hour since. She had no 
childhood, no probation of any character, but was a woman from the start just 
as she is seen in the sunrise of her golden birthday — September-Ninth-Fifty. 
It is not known whether the ''Eureka" which always appears in her picture, 
refers to what she had individually "found" before she sat down to look at 
the surrounding country, or to what the miner or bear had just dug up. How- 
ever, the designer of the seal, Major R. S. Garrett, U. S. A., says the typical 
grizzly is eating grapes — possibly Sonoma grapes, and the Greek motto, "1 
have found," applies either to the principle involved in the admission of the state, 
or to the success of the mother-lode seeking miner. General Vallejo, one of 
the convention — surfeited with bears, — remembering June 14, 1846, wanted 
el oso (whom he recognized) chiseled off the seal, or at least have the animal 
lassoed by a vaquero to keep it from starting another Bear-flag revolution in 
the scene. But Minerva of the Romans — Athena of the Greeks — in the role 
of Califa the amazon queen of an old Spanish romance, sits on the shore of 
her western sea, with her medusa-head shield at her knee and calls to the 
world — "Eureka." It is a far cry from Athens to Yerba Buena, but the di- 
vinity of the Attic academies, as originally designed, went on the Seal and 
she cost the new State one thousand dollars. 

CALIFORNIA FORCING HER WAV INTO THE UNION. 

As several men of Sonoma played star parts in the stirring drama of 
California's entry into statehood, and as Sonoma had been closely connected 
with affairs that deeply affected the state, a few pages will here be devoted 
to the events that led along a new trail up to the first Admission Day. And 
no other state ever came in as did California. She blazed her own way. And 
in view of the exciting election (1910) through which this state has just 
passed, California's first dash into American politics may not be told amiss. 



HISTORY OF' SONOMA COUNTY 115 

Moreover, one's own state in the great body politic, like that state's star on 
the flag, is of first interest in the pages of a country history. Scott and Taylor, 
having finished the work laid out for them in Mexico, a treaty of peace was 
formulated at Guadalupe Hidalgo, February 2, 1848 ; and was attested by 
Secretary of State James Buchanan, and promulgated by President James K. 
Polk as a part of the Fourth of July patriotic festivities of that year. Con- 
gress adjourned the last of that month, still fighting over the question of 
admitting California with or without slavery. This was a bitter disappoint- 
ment. Ever since the end of the war the people of California had been living 
under Mexican laws mixed with army rules administered bv Mexican-born, 
American-born officials and army officers, and the human mind could hardly 
devise a poorer system of government. An American in his own country will 
not tolerate Mexican laws, and nobody except an enlisted soldier can exist 
under the straight-jacket code known as military law. When Congress ad- 
journed the deadlock was still on and California was hanging in the air, neither 
a state, territory, military department nor school district. President Polk in- 
formed the Californians that they already had a government de facto, and he 
advised them to submit to it, and not question the authority of the army officers 
who were governing them. But Senator Benton, who probably was better 
posted on far western affairs than his brother-senators, had different advice 
for the Californians, and that advice he sent them in a letter through Colonel 
Fremont. He held that the right to issue letters expository and advice was not 
exclusively with secretaries of state and with presidents, hence he assured 
them that by the treaty they were United States citizens, competent to govern 
themselves. He pronounced the edicts of Governors Kearny and Mason, "each 
an ignoramus," null and void, and warmly advised them to call a convention 
and provide themselves with a governor and all the necessary officials for self- 
government. Brigadier-General Bennett Rile}, though acting as a sort of 
milito-civil governor, was anxious to correct the prevailing impression that 
California was governed by the War Department, and he approved of Benton's 
suggestion to form a provisional government pending something from Con- 
gress. The newspapers took up the matter and public meetings were held in 
different places, but nothing was accomplished except much talking. Finally 
Sonoma — frequently it was Sonoma in the lead when there was something 
doing — without waiting took the initiative and elected delegates to the con- 
vention. This started the work and General Riley ordered a constitutional 
convention to meet in Colton Hall, Monterey, September 1. 1849. Sonoma's 
contribution to that illustrious company of forty-eight pioneer statesmen were 
M. G. Yailejo, Dr. Robert Semple, Joel Walker and L. W. Boggs. The con- 
vention elected Dr. Semple its chairman. There were no individuals to award, 
no party axes to grind, no time to waste, consequently the}' did things during 
the six weeks of their stay in the old pueblo of Junipero Serra. Framed a 
constitution, fixed the boundary lines, prohibited slavery, and adopted a new 
state seal. True, the vote for delegates had been alarmingly small, and on 
election day in some precinct polling places it looked as if the voters would 
have to be lassoed and dragged in, as Senator Dayton in Washington had 
predicted, but there were enough ballots in the boxes — some of them prob- 
ablv were dropped there by — bv accident. However, there were some big 



n6 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

people in old Colton Hall during that term. Among these illustrious names 
were those of Captain H. W. Halleck, afterwards Commander-in-Chief of 
the United States armies; Captain John A. Sutter, who kept open house in 
the Sacramento A^alley when the American immigrants, footsore and weary 
from across-the-plains, needed him most; Thomas O. Larkin, first and last 
United States Consul in California, and the confidential agent who did so much 
to smooth the Californian's way into the family of their new Tio Sam ; John 
McDougall, second governor of the State; Charles T. Betts, editor of a Demo- 
cratic paper afterwards published at Sacramento ; Mariano de Guadalupe Val- 
iejo, at home with his new "gringo" brothers, and Dr. W. H. Gwin, afterwards 
United States Senator. 

DRAWING THE NEGRO AND THE BOUNDARY LINES. 

William G. Marcy was the secretary, Caleb Lyon and J. G. Field, assist- 
ants and J. Ross Browne, the world known writer, official reporter. The 
membership which had been increased to forty-seven, was cosmopolitan. The 
convention represented seventeen states of the Union, and five foreign countries. 
Seven were native Californians, and quite a number did not understand the 
English language and addressed the body through an interpreter. But there 
was not much verbiage, repetition or irrelevant matter in those debates even 
if the oratory was not flowery with eloquence. Dr. Gwin had several copies of 
the constitution of Iowa for reference, and for awhile, some member said, it 
looked as if California and Iowa would be doing business at the same stand. 
But as the session went on the New York constitution more frequently became 
the guide, making it appear that the Empire State was to be taken into the 
organic-law partnership. The dimensions of the proposed state was a cumber- 
some question, not only because of the natural bigness of the new addition to 
the Union, but because of its geographical relation to the slavery zone. After 
getting the "darky" safely out of the proposed constitution the convention started 
in on the boundaries. The western had been fixed — unknown ages ago — and 
the Pacific would continue to take care of that side of the state. We couldn't 
get any further south than Mexico — the treaty stood there — and Oregon blocked 
all extension on the north. But the east was wide open, without bounds and 
without ownership, an opportunity and a temptation. The committee reported 
a line that would have taken in what is now the State of Nevada, while Mr. 
McDougall proposed the one hundred and fifth meridian of longitude, which 
would have pinched off a large slice of Kansas and Nebraska. Dr. Gwin 
seemingly was not so far reaching, and wanted the eastern boundary line to 
give California the Mormon settlements around Salt Lake. But the Doctor's 
scheme was soon apparent, and it showed that the negro was on hand — liter- 
ally ready to step across the boundaries as soon as they were drawn. Gwin 
and his plan would create a state with about four hundred thousand square 
miles of area, an enormous territory, the admission of which as free soil would 
draw the fierce opposition of the South. This probably would split the un- 
wieldy state in two pieces, the line of cleavage being the old slave parallel of 
thirt\ -six-thirty, putting Southern California in the South. As the great national 
question stood fifteen slave to fifteen free states, any new admissions must be 
shaped to preserve the politico-industrial equilibrium. When Gwin's plan became 
known there was a jumble of the lines. Dr. Semple of Sonoma, appeared to 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 85 

unknown. No stone nor any object marks the place where these two pioneers, 
practically forgotten, lie. 

A member of the Carrillo family was one of the band and his connection 
with the affair caused his brother Julio to strongly assert that Ramon Carrillo 
was in nowise responsible for the killing of the two Americans. The young man 
after made a sworn statement that Three-Fingered Jack stole out and barbar- 
ously slaughtered the prisoners while the rest of the band were deliberating over 
their disposal. There is not the slightest doubt of the story in its hideous details 
even to the tearing out of the jawbone of one of the unfortunates and the un- 
printable mutilation of both men as noted by the party that found the remains 
under the pine tree where they had been butchered. Yet H-. H. Bancroft, whose 
pro-Mexican leanings frequently warp the pages of his splendid California his- 
tories, says : "In the absence of positive original evidence to the contrary, I 
choose to believe that Cowie and Fowler were killed in an altercation, in an 
attempt to escape, or by an individual desperado." The altercation, or attempt 
to escape, or individual desperado, in nowise moderates the revolting character 
of that horrible butchery. 

TODD SPEAKS SPANISH. 

Several days after this, William Todd while out some distance from Sonoma 
seeking his straying horses, was surprised and captured by the same band. 
Padillo and bloody coadjutors were for immediately executing the prisoner as 
they had finished Cowie and Fowler, but Todd could understand their Spanish 
words as they discussed his fate, and he took part in the discussion. He told 
them in that tongue that if he were killed the Americanos would shoot Vallejo 
and hang every greaser in Sonoma valley. This saved his life and his captors 
carried him to Olompali, an Indian rancheria, now Burdell's, Marin county. 

Upon the failure of the two men to return from Sotoyome Sergeant Gibson 
and four of his company were sent on their track. They first got the story of 
the murder of their comrades, and then they got the powder for the retaliation 
they determined to visit upon the murderers. It is hardly necessary to state 
that Ford and his mounted riflemen were soon on the war-path, but this was 
no new experience with them, most of whom had won their spurs in hard ad- 
ventures, Indian fighting and privations that try the endurance of men. There 
was no special glory in shooting common cut-throats but there was a score to 
be evened up. At the head of twenty-three picked men Ford first sought the 
Padillo place on the Rancho Robler but the band' had gone toward San Rafael. 
In that vicinity he suddenly ran into the combined forces of Captain Joaquin 
de la Torre, who had been sent across the bay by Castro to retake Sonoma ; also 
Padillo's band. Ford formed his fourteen men, having left the others at dif- 
ferent points, in a convenient brushy ravine and was ready for the charging 
Californians. He had no doubt as to his ability to whip them, for by actual 
count, whiie they were maneuvering, he found they numbered only eighty-five. 
Ford stretched his little dismounted squad among the willows of the arroyo, in- 
structing them not to fire till each one was ''sure of his men." The Californians, 
as usual, were not disposed to crowd against the "gringos" and their terrible 
guns, and the only one who got hurt was a chap who. crawling through the 
underbrush to get a pot-shot at the malditos Americanos, inadvertently got 
within range of Old Red's rifle, which weapon was never known to miss target. 
6 



86 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

The spectacle of the Calif ornian rolling down the hillside with the bullet in his 
stomach evidently was no entertainment for his comrades and they scattered 
down the ravine as fast as their mustangs could carry them. The injured man 
was treated aboard one of the war vessels until he recovered. Several historians 
have tried to make this meeting into a battle, with a considerable number of 
natives killed and wounded ; this is one of the weaknesses of the California his- 
tories. What went into the pages as battles were not even skirmishes. An 
American force of any size seldom could get the Californians close enough to 
shoot them. The natives could maltreat unarmed and helpless prisoners who 
fell into their hands ; they might swagger in the absence of danger, but there 
was no big fight in them. In most of the "battles" a few shots satisfied the 
"army" and the Generals in charge literally fought one another for the honor of 
leading the retreat. Then, after getting "safe" the valorous leader would get out 
a report of the affair that would be a literary masterpiece and a pronunciamento 
that would flash lightning. Here and there through the population of the terri- 
tory was scattered a "better class," a small minority whose Spanish blood was 
not mixed with Mexican or California Indian and these from their ranchos 
looked on listlessly as the cheap adventurers among the official and irresponsible 
classes wrangled, plotted and revolutioned for the spoil the poor country pro- 
duced. California, her boundless possibilities not even dreamed of, was destined 
for the North Americans and they collectively committed a grievous sin of 
omission every clay they left the territory in Mexican hands. 

CLEARING OUT THE COUNTRY. 

Ford's party found Todd in the vicinity, uninjured, as just before the attack 
upon his captors an Indian woman had cut his bonds and set him free. The 
Bear Flaggers were unable to get the murderers of Cowie and Fowler, but in 
a few years most of the band had gone down before the bullet. Three-Fingered- 
Jack — his true name was Barnardino Garcia, was shot and killed with the no- 
torious Joaquin Murietta when Captain Harry Love rounded up that band of 
bandits six years later. Padillo was shot by the vigilantes in the southern por- 
tion of the state in the early sixties. He was the man who stole into the camp 
of the Americans escorting the prisoner officers to Sutter's Fort. No guards had 
been posted, such not being considered necessary, as Vallejo was quite anxious 
to meet Fremont ; in fact he wanted to travel all night, but the others were too 
weary. Padillo quietly awoke the General and proposed that his band attack 
and kill the Americans who were sleeping so soundly, but Vallejo sternly or- 
dered him away because of the savage and treacherous character of the pro- 
posed action, and because of the red retaliation he knew would be visited upon 
the Californians. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 87 



CHAPTER XIX. 

CASTRO ON THE WAR PATH. 

Castro, by the usual conscription and other methods of enforced enlist- 
ment, had raised his force to about three hundred men. Soldiering in Cali- 
fornian armies was sans pay, sans glory and most of the time sans anything to 
eat unless the high-private put in his off-duty hours begging or stealing. But 
notwithstanding the non-military character of the eligibles for the ranks, the 
comandante general of the department was a skilled recruiter. He kept himself 
posted on the social matters in the vicinity and when he corraled a fandango 
or fiesta where he knew all the pleasure-loving men would be gathered, he would 
first secure their horses, which no gay caballero would be without, and then 
force the owners to volunteer in the work of driving back the savage Americanos 
who were coming to murder everybody. He now showed faint signs of re- 
deeming his promise to re-capture Sonoma, and moved up the Santa Clara valley 
as far as San Leandro. This, with Torre around San Rafael, stirred up the 
Bear Flag folks to the preparation of a fitting reception for the visitors. On 
June 23rd Harrison Pierce, a Xapa Valley settler, rode from Sonoma to Fre- 
mont's camp at the Sinclair Ranch on the American River, with one change of 
horses, and that change at the John R. Wolfskill ranch on Putah creek. He 
reported that Castro with a large force was north of the bay and was threat- 
ening to retake Sonoma and hang every rebel on the place. Just as soon as the 
Pathfinder could get his men in the saddle they were riding southward and no 
grass was growing under their horse-hoofs. There were many nationalities in 
that band of ninety men but every one was a tried warrior, versed in woodcraft, 
skilled and daring and their rifles were always loaded. They rode into Sonoma 
at two o'clock on the morning of June 25, 1846. 

After a short rest from their forced march Fremont had his troop mounted 
again and away after Torre. For several clays the nimble Californian and his 
men dodged around the Marin hills keeping out of sight of the Americans. 
One evening an Indian messenger was captured and he carried a letter purport- 
ing to be from Torre to Castro in which the writer stated that he would reach 
Sonoma and attack it in the morning. Gillespie and Ford insisted that the letter 
was a trick to draw the Americans away, that the Torre force could escape to 
safety across San Francisco bay. Fremont and others were inclined to this 
opinion, feeling that Torre would have no reason then to advise any one of his 
movements, but Sonoma was insufficiently garrisoned for any assault and could 
not be left in danger. Better risk the loss of Torre than the loss of Sonoma. 
While they were debating they were moving- towards home and about midnight 
rode into the town finding all safe and that they had been hoaxed. It was a 
clever trick and reflects credit on the Californian who escaped the Pathfinder. 
After a few hours' rest for the men and horses the troop was again in the saddle 
and away towards Sausalito. where it was known the retreating enemy would 
cross the bav. Year Tiburon several scouts in charge of Kit Carson arrested 



88 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Jose Berryessa and Ramon and Francisco de Haro, as the three men landed 
from a boat, having come from San Francisco. The party shot the prisoners. 
Carson says that they were armed, were spies and carried letters from Castro 
to Torre urging that officer not to spare any Americans who fell into his hands. 
The Bear Flag force had started out to avenge the butchery of Cowie and 
Fowler, and thev were not men accustomed to mild methods when dealing with 
an armed enemy. Kit Carson and the greater part of Fremont's hunters were 
in the habit of using the argument of the rifle to settle all disputes as well as 
to preserve life, but while these facts may somewhat mitigate the offensiveness 
of the act, nothing can justify it. Mr. Bancroft chooses to doubt the reports of 
mutilation and other savage orgies around the dying Cowie and Fowler, and 
accepts without question every detail of testimony that will stamp the shooting 
near Tiburon as an atrocious murder, and a part of the work of Fremont and 
his band of "filibusters" who captured Sonoma. Many versions of this unfor- 
tunate event have been published, but Bancroft selects the story that best fits 
his general character of the Bear Flag men ; yet the historian admits that the 
statements most unfavorable to Fremont first appeared at the time of that officer's 
court martial in Washington, two years after the Marin war. Torre reached 
the bay far enough ahead of his pursuers to find boats, embark his force and 
escape. He joined Castro at the Santa Clara Mission. 

HOW THE PATHFINDER LOOKED. 

Captain William D. Phelps of the American bark "Moscow," lying at anchor 
at Sausalito during that period, gives the following account of his visit to Fre- 
mont's camp, also of his meeting with and of his impression of the well-known 
explorer : 

"The Americans camped opposite my bark, and they were early astir next 
morning when I landed to visit Captain Fremont, and all were variously em- 
ployed in taking care of their horses, mending saddles, cleaning arms, etc. I had 
not up to this time seen Fremont, but from reports of his character and ex- 
ploits my imagination had painted him as a large-sized, martial looking man or 
personage, towering above his companions, whiskered and ferocious looking. 

"I took a survey of the party, but could not discover any one who looked as 
I thought the captain to look. Seeing a tall, lank, Kentucky-looking chap (Dr. 
Robert Semple) dressed in a greasy deerskin hunting shirt, with trousers to 
match, and which terminated just below the knee, his head surmounted by a 
coonskin cap, tail in front, who, I supposed, was an officer, as he was giving 
orders to the men, I approached and asked if the captain was in camp. He 
looked and pointed out a slender, well-proportioned man sitting in front of a 
tent. His dress was a blue woolen shirt of a somewhat novel style, open at the 
neck, trimmed with white, and with a star on each point of the collar (a man- 
of-war's-man's shirt) trimmed and fringed, which had evidently seen hard times 
or service, his head unincumbered by hat or cap. but had a slight, cotton hand- 
kerchief bound around it, and deerskin moccasins completed the suit, which if 
not fashionable for Broadway or for a presentation at court, struck me as being 
an excellent rig to scud under or fight in. A few minutes' conversation con- 
vinced me that I stood in the presence of the ''King of the Rocky Mountains." 
sutter's fort of refuge. 

About that time Lieutenant Joseph W. Revere and several other officers of 
the United States sloop of war Portsmouth ascended the Sacramento river and 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 89 

visited Sutter's Fort. Revere gives the following description of the place destined 
to be the capital of the sovereign state of California : 

"On our arrival at the embarcadero, or landing, we were not surprised to 
find a mounted guard of Sutter's hunters who had long been apprised by the 
Indians that a boat was coming up the river. These Indians were indeed im- 
portant auxiliaries to the revolutionists during the short period of strife between 
the parties contending for the territory of California. Having been most cruelly 
treated by the Spanish race, murdered even, on the slightest provocation, when 
their oppressors made marauding expeditions for servants and when captured, 
compelled to labor for their unsparing task-masters, the Indians throughout the 
country hailed the day when the hardy strangers from beyond the Sierra Nevada 
rose up in arms against the hijos del pais. Entertaining an exalted opinion of 
the skill and prowess of the Americans and knowing from experience that they 
were of a milder and less sanguinary character than the rancheros, they antici- 
pated a complete deliverance from their burdens and assisted the revolutionists 
to the full extent of their humble abilities. 

"Emerging from the woods lining the river, we stood upon a plain of 
immense extent, bounded on the west by the heavy timber which marks the 
course of the Sacramento, the dim outline of the Sierras appearing in the distance. 
We now came to some extensive fields of wheat in full bearing, waving grace- 
fully in the gentle breeze like the billows of the sea, and saw the white-washed 
walls of the fort situated on a small eminence commanding the approach on all 
sides. 

"We were met and welcomed by Captain Sutter and the officers of the gar- 
rison; but the appearance of things indicated that our reception would have been 
very different had we come on a hostile errand. 

"The appearance of the fort with its crenated walls, fortified gateway and 
bastioned angles : the heavy-bearded fierce-looking hunters and trappers, armed 
with rifles, pistols and bowie-knives ; their ornamental hunting-shirts and gar- 
tered-leggings, their long hair, turbaned with colored handkerchiefs ; their wild 
and almost savage looks and dauntless and independent bearing ; the wagons 
filled with golden grain ; the arid yet fertile plains : the caballados driven across 
it by wild, shouting Indians, enveloped in clouds of dust, and the dashing horse- 
men scouring the valley in every direction ; all these accessories conspired to 
carry me back to the barbarous east ; and I could almost fancy again that I 
was the guest of some powerful Arab chieftain in his desert stronghold. Every- 
thing bore the impress of vigilance and preparation for defense, and not without 
reason, for Castro then at the Pueblo de San Jose, with a force of several hun- 
dred men, well provided with horses and artillery, had threatened to march 
upon the valley of the Sacramento. 

"The fort consists of a parallelogram, enclosed by adobe walls fifteen feet 
high and two feet thick and their embrasures so arranged as to flank the curtain 
on all sides. A good house occupies the center of the interior area, serving for 
official quarters, armories, guard and state rooms, also for a kind of citadel. 
There is a second wall on the inner face, the space between it and the outer 
wall being roofed and divided into workshops, quarters, etc., and the usual offices 
are provided, and also a well of good water. Corrals for the cattle and horses 
of the garrison are conveniently placed where they can be under the eye of 



9° 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 



the guard. Cannon frown from the various embrasures, and the ensemble pre- 
sents the very ideal of a border fortress. It must have 'astonished the natives' 
when this monument of the white man's skill rose from the plain and showed its 
dreadful teeth in the midst of those peaceful solitudes." 

THE CALIFORNIA REPUBLIC OBSERVES THE "FOURTH." 

Fremont remained in camp at Sausalito until July 2. hoping for the ap- 
pearance of Castro. He sent a squad across the bay and spiked the guns in the 
presidio at Yerba Buena. These pieces were old. not of much use, and the 
magazine was without powder, but the visitors did their work so well that Com- 
mander Montgomery had considerable difficulty getting the spikes out a few- 
weeks later, when he took possession of San Francisco. But the party did not 
come away altogether empty handed, as they captured Port Captain Robert 
Ridley and sent the prisoner to Sutter's Fort. Among the war claims presented 
in Washington during the after years was one by Captain Phelps of the "Mos- 
cow." He wanted $10,000 payment for providing the boat or boats that ferried 
the party from Sausalito to San Francisco and return. He was allowed $50. 
The northern portion of the state being cleared of California forces the "Osos" 
returned to Sonoma, desiring, as one of them said, to have their first Fourth of 
July at home, in their California Republic. Out on the plaza they read the 
Declaration of American Independence under their Bear Flag — not having a 
United States ensign in the entire new state — spoke an oration, enjoyed a bar- 
becue, and the old battery on the wall bellowed a salute to the separation from 
the mother kingdom across the eastern sea. It was a remarkable observance — 
the only one of its kind in history. The guns of the Mexican republic fired by 
the California Republic to celebrate the birthday of the American Republic. It 
was a republican voice of thunder from Forty-six speaking to Seventy-six. Over 
the space of seventy years, over the space of a hemisphere, rebel called to rebel, 
brotherhood to brotherhood, one flag — one blood, after all. 

It was also a remarkable observance to the Californians who were then 
attending a "Quarto de Julio" for the first time in their lives. But it was some 
kind of a fiesia, and they all had been invited, so they turned out in their 
native finery. Because of the flag and guns they knew the gathering was of a 
patriotic character, but the literary exercises in the English language were mysti- 
fying. The Declaration seemed to be a pronunciamento against somebody ; they 
understood pronunciamentos, and when the reader fiercely hurled his denuncia- 
tion at King George III, they felt war in the air. and smiled at the anticipated 
enjoyment of witnessing an Americano revolution, — seeing the gringos get up a 
fight among themselves. 

The July celebration probably reminded the Bears that independence only 
could be while there were arms behind it. consequently the next day the Cali- 
fornia Battalion of Mounted Riflemen, two hundred and fifty strong, was or- 
ganized. Brevet-Captain John C. Fremont, Second-Lieutenant of U. S. Topo- 
graphical Engineers, was chosen Commander: First Lieutenant of U. S. Marines. 
Archibald H. Gillespie, was elected Adjutant and Inspector, with the rank of 
captain. Thus it will be noticed that the two leading officers of the organization 
were commissioned officers in the United States service, indicating how near the 
Sonoma republic stood to Uncle Sam's great Rancho. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 91 



CHAPTER XX. 
COUNTRY DRIFTING TO UNCLE SAM. 

Naturally, the approval of Mexico to these important changes was not ex- 
pected, nor did it manifest itself in any of the florid proclamations or accounts 
of the revolution. The following is one of the official reports of the Bear Flag 
rebellion : 

"About a }ear before the commencement of the war with the United States, 
a band of adventurers, proceeding from the United States, and scattering over 
the vast territory of California, awaited only the signal of their government to 
take the first step in the contest for usurpation. Various acts committed by 
these adventurers in violation of the iaws of the country indicated their inten- 
tions. But unfortunately the authorities knew not how to arrest the tempest. In 
the month of July, 1846, Captain Fremont, an engineer of the United States 
Army, entered the Mexican territory with a few mounted riflemen under the pre- 
text of a scientific commission, solicited and obtained from the Comandante- 
General, Don Jose Castro, permission to traverse the country. Three months 
afterwards, on the 19th of May, that same force and their commander took pos- 
session by armed force and surprised the town of Sonoma, seizing all the ar- 
tillery, ammunition, armaments, etc., which it contained. 

"The adventurers scattered along the Sacramento river, amounting to about 
four hundred, one hundred and sixty having joined their forces. They pro- 
claimed for themselves and on their own authority, the independence of Cal- 
ifornia, raising a rose-colored flag with a bear and a star. The result of this 
scandalous proceeding- was the plundering of the property of some Mexicans 
and the assassination of others — three men shot as spies by Fremont, who, faith- 
ful to their duty to the country, wished to make resistance. The Comandante 
General demanded explanations on the subject of the Commander of an Amer- 
ican ship of war, the Portsmouth, anchored in the bay of San Francisco ; and 
although it was positively known that munitions of war, arms and clothing were 
sent on shore to the adventurers. Commander J. B. Montgomery replied that 
'neither the Government of the United States or the subalterns had any part 
in the insurrection, and that the Mexican authorities ought, therefore, to punish 
its authors in conformity with the laws." 

fhe account lias the usual Mexican flavor and is slightly astray in dates, 
but on the whole is fairly correct and especially true is the reference to the 
authorities then existing being divided among themselves. This division may 
be said to have existed in California from the dawn of Mexican officialdom to 
the hour the American forces changed the administration of the territory. 
When Fremont first appeared in the valley near Monterey, the northern and 
southern ends of the country were engaged in a civil conflict, and when Sonoma 
fell they were still at it. When Castro called on the south to forget old scores 
and sores and help him expel the invaders his political foes around Los Angeles 
considered his olive-branch offer a clever trick. Commodore Sloat took posses- 



92 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

sion of Alta California, but they did not seem to awake to the full significance 
of the thing' till the American riflemen began to mix in their internal troubles. 

THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER ALOFT. 

But a change in the Bear Flag party's plans was coming near. July 6th, 
the riflemen set out by way of Knight's Landing on the Rio Sacramento to 
reach Castro in the Santa Clara valley, where the comandante general was as 
intently noting Pico in the south as he was watching Fremont in the north. 
At Sutter's Fort they learned that California was United States territory, Com- 
modore Sloat having raised the American flag at Monterey the 7th. And by 
his order, dispatched to Yerba Buena the day previous, Commander Mont- 
gomery of the United States sloop of war Portsmouth, had hoisted that vessel's 
ensign in the plaza that bears her name, and the noble harbor of San Francisco 
belonged to the Stars and Stripes. They also learned that Lieutenant Joseph 
Warren Revere, U. S. N., of the Portsmouth, July 9th, had raised the United 
States flag at Sonoma. On the nth, the national ensign floated over New 
Helvetia. 

Commodore Sloat with his fleet had been lying at Monterey since the 2nd 
inst, undecided as to action. He was a brave and faithful officer, careful and 
conscientious to a fault — but the fault was indecision, and that trait of charac- 
ter was his undoing. According to his departmental instructions he had long 
been in a position to go ahead and raise his flag over the ports of California 
and according to departmental opinion he should have done so. Twice the 
rumors of hostilities on the Rio Grande decided him to act, but instead of doing so 
he announced his intention to wait till he heard that the gulf squadron had 
commenced offensive operations. All this was noted at Washington, and 
months later, even after he had placed the territory safe under the American 
flag, he was advised of official disapproval by the following severe reprimand 
from the Secretary of the Navy : "The Department willingly believes in the 
purity of your intentions ; but your anxiety to do no wrong has led you into a 
most unfortunate and unwarranted inactivity." 

SLOAT DRIVEN TO ACTION. 

Next day after the receipt of this communication the commodore was re- 
lieved from command — at his own request — and for other reasons. As has been 
seen, he finally raised his flag at Monterey, and directly up went the colors at 
Yerba Buena, New Helvetia, Sonoma and Bodega. Sloat has acknowledged 
that he was guided more by Fremont's activities than by the Navy Depart- 
ment's orders, and while it may give some unmerited credit to the topographical 
engineer, the commodore's blunder was an unwise one. But had he blundered a 
week earlier he would have escaped the departmental reprimand. On the night 
of July 5th, a council of war was held on board the flagship Savannah and the 
officers of the fleet advised immediate action. Sloat, still irresolute, was called 
to a sense of his personal clanger by Captain Mervine of the United States sloop 
of war Levant, who angrily told the commodore that it was more than his 
commission was worth to hesitate in the matter. The Portsmouth's launch 
had just arrived from San Francisco bringing advices of Torre's retreat from 
the vicinity of Sonoma, of Fremont spiking the guns at Yerba Buena and 
showing some sign of extending his war-zone even as far south as Monterey — 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 93 

all these activities called for motion on Sloat's part and on the 6th, he sent the 
following dispatch to Commander Montgomery by the returning launch: "I 
have determined to hoist the flag of the United States at this place tomorrow, 
as I would prefer to be sacrificed for doing too much than too little. If you 
consider you have sufficient force, or if Fremont will join you, you will hoist 
the flag at Yerba Buena, or any other proper place, and take possession of the 
fort and that portion of the country." 

"Flag Day," at Monterey, as well as at the other points in California where 
the stars and stripes went over the land, were days of peace and the ceremonies 
of raising the colors were short and simple. Just bent the ensign to the hal- 
yards, hoisted it aloft, fired the gun-salutes and read the proclamation in two 
languages, telling everybody what Uncle Sam proposed to do regarding their 
inalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and that was all. 
The Californian attended the show with the same apathy that had always 
marked his attitude when destiny or politics sent him a fresh batch of masters. 
True, he could always be induced to observe the official change with a fandango 
or a fight — he would dance or lance equally with little or no thought of cause 
or consecjuences. He was a good vaquero, but wasn't strong on other features. 
His wants were too few, too simple to make him covetous, — a prime virtue of 
his race. One never finds among the Spanish peasantry the choice frailties of 
the Saxon poor. However, the Californian was not an intolerable fellow even 
if his mind seldom got higher than the back of his mustang, and his world 
could be encircled with his riata. 

PASSING OF THE BEAR. 

There was not on the program of flag-day exercises the feature-ceremony 
of lowering or publicly exhibiting the "conquered colors," with the victors at 
salient points on the stage, for there were no Mexican flags present to grace 
the occasion. Monterey and Yerba Buena had been colorless for months — sup- 
plies worn out, and Sutter at New Helvetia did not pay close attention to flags. 
Born in Switzerland, a naturalized Mexican citizen, and an American in sym- 
pathies, his nationality was somewhat mixed. At Sonoma the flag of "Los 
Osos" was lowered and the Portsmouth's ensign was substituted just as soon 
as Lieutenant J. W. Revere of that war vessel arrived from San Francisco 
with the colors. That was not a hostile point and the change of flags, giving 
full satisfaction, called for no formal ceremony. Lieutenant Revere sent an- 
other flag out to Bodega, but Captain Stephen Smith did not need it. He had 
kept the ensign of his old bark and that with a small bear flag had been flying 
quite brotherly from the same tall redwood pole. When the patriotic old mar- 
iner received the news the little bear came down and the stars and stripes alone 
waved over "Smith's Ranch." At SutteCs the news and flag were received with 
wild joy, and the men proceeded to wake the old Rio Sacramento with their 
celebration. They loaded the historic brass gun — purchased with the Fort Ross 
junk and renamed "Sutter." as even the Captain couldn't pronounce the original 
Russian name — and saluted until Sutter ordered "cease firing" to save his entire 
powder supply and the cracking adobe walls of the fort. So the noted piece 
of ordnance, cast in Russia for the destruction of the vandal Bonaparte, and by 
him captured at Austerlitz and used with telling effect on its late owners, re- 
turned to the Russians by treaty, made a part of the Fort Ross equipment, sold 



94 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

to Sutter with the Russian holdings in California for $30,000 (poor deal for the 
captain ) roared out welcomes of peace to the flag of a Newer California until 
it broke every window in New Helvetia. Likely its spirit of destruction nur- 
tured on twenty battle fields when eagle clashed with eagle over Europe, was 
not whollv dead. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY y5 



CHAPTER XXI. 

THE HISTORIAN CONTINUES THE CONFLICT. 

The modest little republic of Los Osos ended as it had begun — without 
making a stir among the old established governments of the world. To one ob- 
serving from afar it seems to have been a company of American pioneers in 
the California territory seeking conditions more favorable to settlers of their 
nationality, forcibly took possession of the town of Sonoma. In the minds of the 
leaders this was preliminary to the conquest of the Mexican territory bv the 
United States government, which conquest was widely anticipated and which 
conquest — unknown here — was then in progress. The observer, still observing 
from his place afar, does not see that during that twenty-five days the "Osos," 
insurgents, revolutionists, filibusters cr whatever title may best fit them, checked 
or changed the march of events, whatever accomplishment may have been within 
their intentions. During that brief regime, law and order were in the pueblo, 
and no resident there suffered because of the new-comers. That the revolution- 
ists — at least the leaders and principal members — were of the stuff from which 
good citizens are made, their after-lives in this and adjoining counties have 
proved. No impropriety of act, no impropriety of intention has been established 
against these men, and in view of this fact one wonders why Hubert Howe 
Bancroft in his excellent work, the "History of California," wrote the following 
peculiar tribute to the passing men of the Bear Flag. 

"It will be remembered that Grigsby and about fifty men had been left as 
a garrison, the main force of the insurgents having gene to the Sacramento. 
This fact, perhaps, accounts in part for the commonplace, matter-of-course way 
in which the Bear Flag gave place to the Stars and Stripes. But while 
under the former regime with Ide in command, such an event might have 
been attended with more diplomacy, speechmaking and general excitement, 
there is no reason to believe that there would have been the slightest opposition 
by the revolutionists. Doubtless some of the leading spirits would have preferred 
that the change should have come a little later, accompanied by negotiations which 
might give themselves more prominence ; and many adventurers saw with regret 
their chance for plunder in the near future cut off; but there were very slight, 
if any, manifestations of displeasure, and no thoughts of resistance. The natives 
were naturally delighted at the change; and as is usual in such cases, thev were 
disposed to exaggerate the chagrin experienced by the hated 'Osos.' " 

ON THE TRAIL OF THE BEAR. 

Thus has Mr. Bancroft followed and camped on the trail of the Hear Flag 
party from the night they raided Castro's horse corral on the Cosumnes river, 
to the morning Lieutenant Revere hoisted the Portsmouth's ensign on the plaza 
at Sonoma. With tireless persistency, through his pages, he pursues the quarry, 
exults over the fallen bear, and discharges a Parthian arrow at closing, when he 
refers to the unholy joy of the natives over the change, and over the chagrin 
they imagine is experienced by the hated "Osos." The historian repeats his 



96 HISTORY OF SONOMA C< >UNTY 

assurance that ihere was no thought of resistance on the part of the revolution- 
ists — an assurance so needless that one wonders why so eminent an annalist 
made it. Mr. Bancroft apparently did not learn that never was there any inten- 
tion to resist the raising of the United States flag at Sonoma. Among the large 
number of men. roughened in the severe school of their wild life, in Sonoma that 
day, there were doubtless "irresponsibles," but if one of them for a moment con- 
templated an act so unspeakably foolish as resistance, his thought does not merit 
a single reference in the History of California. It would be interesting to know 
what personal prominence would have satisfied the vanity of the leading spirits, 
and what greater gain in any form could have come to these leaders, possibly, 
if Sloat had waited inactive longer in Monterey bay ; and what chances for 
plunder — and what kind of plunder — in the near future were cut off when the 
American eagle superseded the California bear. It is true, plunder was the main- 
spring of action on the part of the Mexican governors and other territorial 
officials, and their continuous struggling for the pitifully small loot the country 
then afforded, kept the state about as progressive as a prairie-dog settlement 
But to such pioneers as Merritt, Ide, Semple, the Grigsbys. the Elliotts, Sears, 
Ford, Todd, Knight. Gregson and others, mere prominence and plunder would 
have been too cheap for the sacrifice they were ready at all times to make in their 
labor of upbuilding a commonwealth. The only "plunder" possible to them was 
land, and that was "cheap as dirt," in fact, that popular comparison grew from 
California's market-valueless soil. And the cattle — the only other possibility for 
plunder — "the cattle on a thousand hills" were as cheap as the hills. 

ONLY A DEEP, DEEP SEA YARN. 

Having made fragments of the theory or belief that John Charles Fremont. 
United States Topographical Engineer, was secretly inspired by the administra- 
tion, or political power in Washington to anticipate the near-approaching war 
by inducing the American settlers to capture Sonoma, a frontier point easily 
held, and the western terminus of the great immigrant route, the historian turns 
and strips the Pathfinder of all patriotism, strips him of the results of faithful 
service in years of exploration, in two wars, in the United States Senate, in the 
gubernatorial chairs of California and Arizona, and leaves him a self-seeking 
filibuster, a cheap adventurer; and the Bears stripped of cause and object, hang- 
ing in the air limp as their rude flag. Fremont, seasoned soldier, trained scientist, 
and a politician schooled by no less a master than Thomas Hart Benton, who 
learned his own lessons during the thirty strenuous years in the United States 
Senate. — Fremont, a government officer possessing full knowledge that the 
United States Government was moving irresistibly to possess Alta California, 
is represented as craftily encouraging a company of immigrants to plant a toy- 
house state in the path of the Great Republic of the North. The alarm of Great 
Britain over the encroachment of the American government on the Mexican 
frontier, was a false alarm ; the ship-building Briton whose sails crowd the 
Seven Seas had no interest in the grand harbors of the California coast, and 
the historical ocean race from Mazatlan to Monterey, the Savannah leading 
and the Collingwood at her heels — or at least not ahead — is a deep, deep sea- 
varn. We younger Californians — native sons and daughters — have clung to 
that story. Not only is it the last record of a Yankee ship beating a Britisher, but 
it is our storv, and one that critics cannot destroy, nor the Atlantic steal. Even 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 97 

the bear's title to distinction is clouded. In fact. Mr. Bancroft's route through 
this period of California's history may be traced by the broken idols that line 
the way. 

NO PEN CAN OBLITERATE THE PATHS HE FOUND. 

No history of the American West can be written without the name of John 
Charles Fremont. Between the Missouri and the Pacific, from the Colorado to 
the Columbia, over peak and mesa, over dale and desert stretch away the trails 
he has found, and along these trails passed the pioneers who reared an empire 
on the shores of the sundown sea. Hence to him came the title "Pathfinder," 
and it could fit no other man, and the paths he mapped are as lasting as the 
continent he traversed. As Jessie Benton Fremont, who lives in Los Angeles, 
the honored occupant of the beautiful home the women of that city gave her, 
wrote in the story of her famous husband, "the pathfinder may be forgotten but 
the paths he found will never be lost." And the pathfinder was not forgotten, as 
was shown when the popular voice reversed the military court that sought to 
deprive him of his sword. He was named for the presidency not because of his 
training in statecraft or of his party standing, for he was without either qualifica- 
tion. He did not possess in any degree temperamental or technical fitness for 
that exalted position. Simmered down, the court martial affair was a mere ques- 
tion of rank, of which officer wore the widest stripe of yellow lace ; and the 
public not only brushed the whole matter out of sight, but in its place left a re- 
buke for the gilt-braid system that placed etiquette above worth, decorum above 
valor. 

With the other American forces operating in California, Fremont and his 
riflemen took part till the end of the war. As a surveyor mapping the country, 
as a soldier fighting for it, and as a governor ruling it, he was the faithful 
servant of the republic, yet he returned home to be tried on charges that were 
practically trivial. When Brigadier Stephen W. Kearny, U. S. A., reached 
California after his conquest of New Mexico, he was equipped with a volume 
of "discretionary" orders from the war department, one of which instructed 
him to leave the naval and other forces in their control of the seaports, and for 
him to organize for the country a civil government. The war-secretary's long- 
distance view of the situation was not a clear one, as he assumed that Stock- 
ton and his sailors, with some help from Fremont were keeping the peace in 
Yerba Buena, Monterey and San Diego, the interior was like a big unfenced 
rancho over which the guerilla forces of California were riding free. 

The near-war began just as soon as Stockton saw Kearny's instructions, 
the Commodore holding that the work was all completed, the coast corralled, 
the interior not quiet but scon would be, and the civil government which he 
had organized under his own instructions from Washington, pretty well estab- 
lished. So he stood by his theory that Kearny's contingent instructions had been 
superseded by events, since he and Fremont had already done the things which 
later the new-comer had been directed to do. Under the question of rank- 
Brigadier General Kearny was senior to everything on this side of the conti- 
nent, Commodore Stockton's relative plane being no higher than that of a colonel, 
and Fremont being a lieutenant-colonel, but the doughty navy man insisted in 
the consideration of the circumstances that had unexpectedly changed the sit- 
uation — which to the civilian mind seems not unreasonable. Moreover, he held 



98 •HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

that he did not want to be relieved of any duty until his reports had been acted 
upon at Washington. Kearny was further checked from precipitating an officer- 
fight by the disastrous result of one he precipitated at San Pasqual a day or two 
after entering the state. "With remarkable and inexplicable indiscretion for 
an officer of his experience, but perhaps to commemorate his first appearance 
with a won-battle. — he attacked a superior force of well mounted Californians, 
and when the enemy got his men. worn and weak from desert-travel, into a 
position for safe assault, they charged and lanced at will. The brush was short 
and sharp, and when it was over a large number of the Americans were dead 
or disabled, and among the latter was Kearny, who received two lance-thrusts. 
Gillespie also was painfully wounded and several of the principal officers were 
killed. 

The unfortunate force was extricated from its predicament by Stockton, 
hence Kearny*s reluctance for a personal quarrel, so soon, with the man who 
had undoubtedly- saved him from capture, and had lifted him out of the muddle 
of his own sheer folly. He not only then declined to force the question to the 
test of an authoritative decision, but actually offered to and did serve on Stock- 
ton's staff as aid. In fact, at the trial in Fortress Monroe, Kearny gave this 
testirnonv : "At San Diego Commodore Stockton said to the officers, 'Gentle- 
men. General Kearny has kindly consented to take command of the troops on 
this expedition. You will therefore look to him as your commander. 1 shall 
go along as governor and commander-in-chief in California.' I exercised no 
command over Commodore Stockton (continued Kearny in his testimony), nor 
did he exercise anv over me." Mr. Bancroft, from whose work this extract of 
testimony is taken, and who cannot be accused of any tender leanings towards 
Fremont, further says: "Kearny's distinctions in this portion of the contro- 
versv are too finely drawn to be satisfactory to the mind not imbued with mil- 
itary technicalities, and the testimony that Stockton acted practically as com- 
mander-in-chief is overwhelming." 

PLACING FREMONT BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE SEA. 

All the officers in California apparently were deceived by Kearny's seeming 
acquiescence, but it was afterwards known that there was in his mind even a 
recourse to arms, and that only the fact that the force he could call his imme- 
diate command of the one hundred dragoons he brought with him kept him 
from extreme measures, even to plunging the territory into the spectacular 
display of an American civil war. A master of craft, a tactician as well. Kearny 
made two tests in one motion. During a short absence of Stockton he suddenly 
directed Fremont to disregard an important order from Stockton relative to 
a movement of the troops. He wished to try Fremont's loyalty to the commo- 
dore, also to keep these soldiers where he could control them in case of a fight 
with Stockton's force. So he placed a subordinate who had no personal inter- 
est in the quarrel, between the devil and the deep sea, and that officer chose 
the deep sea and got the courtmartial — also the devil. Stockton presently was 
transferred to another station and the rank-question dropped, but Fremont 
was left to learn in full how unwisely he had chosen. With the commander- 
in-chief his avowed enemy, the subordinate officers could easily bring them- 
selves to a jealous dislike for the man called "the pathfinder." Then ensued a 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 



99 



period of "currying down," running from a personal insult to official indigni- 
ties. Kearny had to use his authority to prevent two duels that might have 
been attended with fatality. Fremont asked for permission to return to his 
surveying duties, which request Kearny refused. Public or government con- 
tracts and obligations into which he had entered when he was in an independ- 
ent official position, but which had not been settled or finished, were questioned, 
ill-considered or repudiated by Kearny and his subordinates. This action nat- 
urally placed Fremont in a position perilous to his reputation, and forced him 
at the trial to the additional labor of defending his personal honor. 

kearny's poor statesmanship. 
Among the official acts of Fremont which Kearny suspended or modified, 
was the important treaty of Couenga, which Fremont made with the Califor- 
nians January. 1847. By ' rs w i se an d reasonable provisions Fremont gained 
the surrender of the enemy's entire force and brought about peace for the ter- 
ritory without hurting the super-sensitive feeling of a conquered people. It was 
a remarkable agreement, guaranteeing equal rights and privileges to Ameri- 
cans and Californians alike, without the requirement of an oath of allegiance 
from the latter until the establishment of peace between the United States and 
Mexico. All paroles were canceled, and their conditions annulled, and the 
Americans agreed to protect the life and property of all Californian and Mex- 
ican officers and privates, whether they took up arms while on parole or other- 
wise. The Californians gave up their arms, and returned to their homes well 
satisfied with the terms, and the war was ended. Fremont's critics have de- 
lighted to recall his alleged rude methods of "coaxing" the country, — such 
methods evidenced by the Bear Flag invasion and other "savage" acts, — yet his 
treatment of the Californians during his brief periods as military commander 
and civil governor in general, won that people's affection and confidence. Even 
Mr. Bancroft of the treaty, says, "the wisdom of granting such liberal terms 
cannot be questioned : since a rigorous enforcement of military laws by inflict- 
ing due punishment on officers who had broken their paroles would have done 
great harm by transforming a large part of the native population into guerilla 
bandits." After this decision the historian seemingly changes front, with this 
statement: "Fremont's motive was simply a desire to make himself promi- 
nent and to acquire a popularity among the Californians, over whom he expected 
to rule as governor." The wisdom of questioning the motives of a measure 
the wisdom of which cannot be questioned, is not only in grave doubt, but would 
subject the questioner to a charge of asking frivolous questions, or a trial court 
to a charge of fitting evidence to a pre-determinecl judgment. 

WAR OF THE COLD TiRAID. 

Stockton's idea of seniority received a slight shock when he saw the treaty, 
as he considered that as commander-in-chief he should have handled the matter. 
However, he sent the document to Washington unsigned by himself, but stating 
in the accompanying letter : "I have thought best to approve it." Kearny had 
urged its recognition and Stockton having a quarrel with Kearny on his hands 
was too shrewd to disapprove. Just at that time neither officer could afford to 
quarrel with the man who made the treat}', but Kearny, just as soon as he had 
the power, abrogated the agreement, and the Californians choosing to consider 



ioo HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

such act an injustice and a gratuitous insult, were soon in lighting humor. While 
Fremont did not commit any new overt act of insubordination there is no doubt 
that under the stress of the petty persecution to which he was then subjected, 
his manners were not lamb-like, he doubtless "struck back" to his technical dis- 
credit. When the two officers, relieved from duty in California, marched each 
with their respective escorts, Fremont was not officially under arrest, yet he knew 
that charges had been filed for the coming court martial; but Kearny, as his 
superior, and virtually his custodian, made his subordinate feel an inferior and a 
degraded position every mile of the way till they reached Fort Leavenworth. 
And the irony of it, — Fremont had found and surveyed the very trail back which 
die was traveling, a prisoner for his trial. The civilian cannot understand the 
helplessness of the soldier, especially the officer, whose position places him be- 
tween two fires that never menace the private. Discipline for the officer in the 
United States military service today is the discipline of the pink-tea circuit com- 
pared with the case-hardened, automatic tyranny of the system of fifty years 
ago. Ruin, absolute, inevitable, even instant death, stood ''at attention" close 
to the subaltern who was contemplating disobedience of a superior order. Fre- 
mont was placed on trial before the military court at Fortress Monroe charged 
with mutiny and disobedience and a number of minor offenses. He was ably 
defended by his brilliant father-in-law, Senator Benton, and his equally able 
brother-in-law, William Carey Jones. Kearny's military position was upheld and 
the accused was found guilty of disobedience. Franklin Tuthill, the historian, 
says, "On this trial Fremont behaved with spirit and pleaded his cause with an 
eloquence that made the people of the State reverse the decision so soon as they 
had read the proceedings. The court recommended him to the clemency of the 
President, on the grounds of his past services, and the peculiar position in which 
he was placed when the alleged disobedience took place." It is shown in the 
defense that Fremont's offense was in nowise premeditated, this conclusion of his 
written reply (produced at the trial) to Kearny's order, establishing such evi- 
dence: "I feel myself, therefore, with great deference to your professional and 
personal character, constrained to say that until you and Commodore Stockton 
adjust between yourselves the question of rank, where I respectfully think the 
difficulty belongs, I shall have to report and receive orders as heretofore from 
the commodore." H. H. Bancroft, after a close review of the case does not 
bring himself to justify Fremont, but relative to the charge, says: "True, the 
colonel's act was declared later to be technically mutinous disobedience of a 
superior's orders, but this amounts to little, and is all that can be said against 
Fremont." 

TO THE LIMT.O OF FAECES. 

After this acquittal — practically an exoneration and virtually an assertion 
that the affair was nonsensical — coming from so intelligent a judge, a judge not 
predisposed toward the accused officer, the great case should be permitted to 
pass from memory and into the limbo of farces. President Polk relieved Colonel 
Fremont from arrest and directed him to report for duty with his regiment. 
But he refused the President's clemency and resigned from the army. He 
afterwards represented California in the United States Senate, and was one term 
governor of Arizona. In 1856 he was the Republican nominee for the presidency 
against Buchanan and received a popular vote of 1.341,264. and 114 electoral 
votes. It was a "Democratic year," the presidential election before the rebellion 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 117 

be the only one able to strike the right point, and he did so when he proposed 
the boundary line pretty nearly where it runs today. 

UNCLE SAM'S GRAND LAND DEAL. 

The convention sensibly declined to make their state of imperial dimen- 
sions and hemispherical bulk under the argument that the California of Mexicc 
was of this grand area and it was unbecoming to cut her up. The members 
could see no wisdom in taking up the white man's burden of governing a vast 
territory of deserts and wild lands, much of which was then worthless, nor 
of gathering in the Mormon problem which was becoming a territorial menace, 
nor of making a new Northern State so large that the South would mass all 
her powers to fight its admission. So the discussion ended with the present 
line starting from the forty-second parallel of latitude and running south 
along the one hundred and twentieth meridian of longitude to the thirty-ninth 
parallel ; thence southeasterly to the Colorado ; thence along that river to the 
Mexican line. This was supposed to have taken in everything received from 
Mexico that was of earthly value — giving us plenty of land — one hundred and 
eighty-eight thousand, nine hundred and eighty-one square miles of it. Besides 
some fighting, we paid Mexico $25,000,000 for the strip of land southwest 
from the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific ocean — a good real estate deal ; paid 
$15,000,000 to the French for the Louisiana Purchase — Napoleon wanted war- 
money ; bought Florida from Spain for $6,500,000 and Alaska from Russia 
for $7,200,000 — neither government knew that it was throwing away a king- 
dom. So for $53,700,000 cash, thrifty Uncle Samuel "traded" for a 'Tew 
ranchos" as additions to his original holdings, the real value of which additions 
is beyond the comprehension of finite mind. 

GOVERNOR "PETE*' BURNETT. 

Lotteries were adjudged an offense to public morals, and dueling, the 
cowardly code of Mississippi and Tennessee, was also prohibited. The capital 
was fixed at San Jose, but could be removed at any time at a two-thirds vote 
of each house of the legislature. The expenses of that first session of Cali- 
fornia's governmental body is an interesting item, and the amount is not large 
considering that in these "days of gold" a dollar to be of any account must be 
accompanied by three or four of its brothers. The secretary of the convention 
received for his six weeks' labor twenty-eight dollars per diem; assistants and 
engrossing clerk, twenty-three each; copying clerk, sixteen; doorkeeper, twelve; 
two chaplains, Protestant and Catholic, sixteen dollars. The reporter, J. Ross 
Browne, was paid $10,000 for preparing and delivering daily, the printed pro- 
ceeding of the session. November 13th, the constitution was adopted by the 
people in a vote of 12,064 to 11 ballots against it, about 1200 ballots being re- 
jected because of an error in the printing. Peter J. Burnett was elected gover- 
nor, with 6,716 votes, his competitors came out as follows : W. Scott Sher- 
wood, 3,188; J. W. Geary, 1,475; John A. Sutter, 2,201; William M. S. Stewart, 
619. The five candidates spread the fourteen thousand votes over considerable 
surface giving Burnett a good lead. John McDougall was elected lieutenant 
governor, and George W. Wright and Edward Gilbert were elected to Con- 
gress, with five or six thousand votes apiece. This general vote result from 
a claimed population of over a hundred thousand, was not calculated to fill the 
local politicians with enthusiasm nor make a favorable impression in Congress 



n8 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

where the matter of statehood would finally be threshed out. And they were 
glad when Governor Burnett decided that no more special legislation would 
be needed for some time, and incorporated the cities of San Francisco, Sacra- 
mento, San Jose, Monterey, Los Angeles, San Diego, Sonoma, Benicia and 
Santa Barbara without any more elections. 

HOW SONOMA CAST HER FIRST VOTE. 

Stephen Cooper was Judge of First Instance for the District of Sonoma, 
and Richard A. Maupin, long an old resident of Sonoma, Judge of the Superior 
Tribunal. The district of Sonoma polled at this first election five hundred and 
fifty-two votes, all but one hundred and twenty-eight being for Burnett, whc 
was a candidate on one of the two People's tickets. General Vallejo went to 
the Senate and J. S. Bradford and J. E. Brackett to the Assembly. Vallejo 
came near losing his election by a clerical error in which the returns from 
Larkin's Ranch gave Rev. James Spect, his opponent, twenty-two votes in- 
stead of two, the correct number. The roster of that legislature is worthy of 
insertion here, and as they have all passed over the "Great Divide," this list 
may be In Memoriam. 

Senators: Selem E. Woodworth; Davis F. Douglass; Elean Heydenfeldt: 
M. G. Vallejo; Pablo de la Guerra; Thomas Vermeule ; W. D. Fair; Elisha O. 
Crosby; David C. Broderick; Dr. E. Kirby Chamberlain (President pro tern.); 
J. Bidwell ; H. C. Robinson ; Benjamin S. Lippincott. Assemblymen : Thomas 
J. White (Speaker); Elam Brown; J. S. K. Ogier ; Dr. E. B. Bateman; Ed- 
mund Randolph ; E. P. Baldwin ; A. P. Crittenden ; Alfred Wheeler ; James A. 
Gray ; Joseph Aram ; Joseph C. Morehead ; Dr. Benjamin Cory ; Thomas J. 
Henly ; Jose M. Covarrubias ; Elisha W. McKinstry ; George B. Tingley ; John 
S. Bradford. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 



CHAPTER XXVI. 
SACRAMENTO CORRALS THE STATE CAPITAL. 

Under the Spanish and Mexican regime the capital of California was of 
a roving disposition, and it might be said to have been wherever the. man who 
happened to be governor at that particular period hung up his hat. The pref- 
erence, however, was for Monterey and Los Angeles, and between these two 
points the distinction swung with pendulum-regularity. The first city being 
a seaport had the custom house — no small item to a governor whose' salary 
generally depended on what he could extract from the revenues of the country. 
But the City of the Angeles was gayer — more given to the world and the flesh 
and the devil — and the swell fandangos of the southern capital kept the execu- 
tive and his official family from going to sleep — when a revolution in the north 
was not keeping them awake. After the Americans got the country and the 
offices, Monterey acted as capital for a brief period, and Colton Hall was the 
state house. Then San Jose had an opportunity to entertain the first legisla- 
ture, but the two-story adobe building which she proposed to donate to the 
stale was slow in construction and generally unsatisfactory when constructed, 
consequently the governor and his party decided to move again. During the 
year 1850 Senator Vallejo laid out what is now the navy yard city of his name, 
but which he called "Eureka" and where he offered to locate the state capital 
free of charge. To his fellow legislators the offer looked all right, but the 
title of the town was too classical. Greek mottos might do for state seals but 
not for state capitals. So they persisted in calling the place Vallejo in honor 
of its founder, and the Senator perforce accepted the change. He proposed 
to give the state twenty acres for a Capitol and grounds. 

This was only the beginning of his munificence, as he also proposed to 
give the state one hundred and thirty-six acres for other public buildings and 
grounds, as follows: Governor's residence, ten acres; other state offices, should 
they not be placed in the capitol, five acres ; State Library and Translator's 
office, one acre ; Orphan Asylum, twenty acres ; Male and Female Charity 
Hospitals, ten acres each ; Blind and Deaf and Dumb Asylum, four acres each : 
Lunatic Asylum, twenty acres; four common schools, eight acres; State Uni- 
versity, twenty acres ; State Botanical Garden, four acres ; and a State Peni- 
tentiary, twenty acres. 

VALLEJO MAKES A GOLDEN OFFER. 

As General Vallejo was a wealthy man in the matter of acres, owning all 
the land in the vicinity, the proposal was a small affair to him, but he followed 
this up with an offer that made his brother legislators suddenly sit up and gasp 
for breath. Within two years after the acceptance of his proposals he would 
pay to the State three hundred and seventy thousand dollars, to be apportioned 
as follows : For the building of a State Capitol, one hundred and seventy- 
five thousand dollars ; furnishing same, ten thousand dollars : Governor's house, 
ten thousand : furnishing same, five thousand ; State Library and Translator's 



120 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

office, five thousand ; other offices, if separate from Capitol Building, twenty 
thousand two charity hospitals and five asylums, twenty thousand dollars each; 
State University, twenty thousand; scientific furnishing, sixteen thousand; four 
common school buildings, ten thousand ; books therefor, one thousand ; Lunatic 
Asylum and Penitentiary, twenty thousand each; State Botanical Garden, three 
thousand. 

Proving that the Senate from Sonoma was very much in earnest when he 
made his offer, worthy of a prince of the realm, he further proposed in his 
memorial address to the legislature, that in the event of the State declining 
his offer, that the proposition be put to a popular vote at the general election 
held in November of that year. Plis arguments were simple, direct and strong. 
He believed "the location indicated to be the most suitable for a permanent 
seat of government because it was the true center of the State, the true center 
of commerce, the true center of population, and the true center of travel; that, 
while the Bay of San Francisco is acknowledged to be the first on the earth, 
in point of extent and navigable capacities ; already, throughout the length 
and breadth of the wide world it is acknowledged to be the center between 
Asiatic and European commerce; the largest ship that sails upon the broad 
sea could, within three hours, anchor at the wharves of the place proposed as 
the seat of the State government; from this point by steam navigation, there 
was a greater aggregate of mineral wealth within eight hours' steaming, than 
existed in the Union besides ; from this point the great north and south rivers 
San Joaquin and Sacramento — cut the State longitudinally through the center, 
fringing the immense gold deposits on the one hand, and untold mercury and 
other mineral resources on the other; from this point steam navigation ex- 
tends along the Pacific coast south to San Diego and north to the Oregon 
line, affording the quickest possible facilities for our sea-coast population to 
reach the State Capitol in the fewest number of hours ; this age, as it has 
been truly remarked, has merged distance into time ; in the operation of com- 
merce and the intercourse of mankind, to measure miles by the rod is a piece 
of vandalism of a by-gone age ; and that point which can be approached from 
all parts of the State in the fewest number of hours, at the cheapest cost, is 
the truest center." 

LEGISLATURE ACCEPTS. 

The memorial received in the Senate, a nattering reception and a report 
on the matter to the President contained these words : "Your committee can- 
not dwell with too much warmth upon the magnificent proposition contained 
in the memorial of General Vallejo. They breathe throughout, the spirit of 
an enlarged mind and a sincere public benefactor for which he deserves the 
thanks of his countrymen and the admiration of the world. Such a proposition 
looks more like the legacy of a mighty emperor to his people than the free 
donation of a private planter to a great State, yet poor in public finance, but 
soon to be among the first of the earth." The matter was presented to the 
Senate by Senator David C. Broderick of San Francisco, finally accepted, and 
the necessary act signed by the Governor. Vallejo's bond for the performance 
of his portion of the contract was accepted, his solvency was approved by a 
committee appointed by the Senate, and a favorable report of the commission- 
ers sent to mark and lay out the tracts of land to be donated, was adopted. 
The next Legislature — the third — met at the new capital. Vallejo. January 5, 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 121 

1852, but on account of the lack of accommodations in that place the members 
were not generally pleased with the locality. It did not possess the social life 
of the other cities which had in turn acted as capitals, Sacramento being on 
the broad trail from the Bay to the mines, was making a quiet struggle for 
the prize, and many of the State government officers were anxious to get into 
near proximity to the golden store. 

SACRAMENTO FLEALESS IF NOT FLAWLESS. 

Suddenly, one sleepy afternoon of the session, the Assembly with a re- 
markable unanimity jumped up a bill for the removal of the session to Sacra- 
mento. So unusually harmonious was this usually combative body over the 
removal "up the river," that people were generally mystified. Such, a half 
century later would have suggested bribery, but in that day there was nothing 
in the country with which to bribe an official. It may be surmised that the 
lawmakers left the new capital because Vallejo, in his provision for their com- 
fort, hadn't got around to feather beds and table napkins. The bill went to 
the Senate where it was bitterly opposed, and beaten by one vote. Next day 
a Senator Anderson moved reconsideration, and the fight was on again. It was 
reported that the Senator, after one night in Vallejo. had been persuaded that 
Sacramento was fiealess, if not flawless. Whatever the argument, in a few 
days the whole government from State seal to House gavel was a-sailing 
through the Straits of Carquinez, their carpetsacks checked for New Helvetia. 
That was a proverbial Sacramento winter and the members of the Legislature 
put in much of their time keeping above high-water mark and from being 
flooded out of the latest capital. When it adjourned, it adjourned to meet at 
Vallejo, where the floods were the ocean tides and of regulation height, while 
the Sacramento river, in winter, never could be depended on. 

SAN FRANCISCO AT LAST — GETS A NAME. 

January 3, 1853, the government was in business at Vallejo, but Sacra- 
mento was not idle. She appears to have entered into a treaty of offense and 
defense, sub rosa, with Benicia, a new town laid out by Thomas Larkin and 
Dr. Robert Semple on the Straits of Carquinez, seven miles from Vallejo. 
General Vallejo, who never refused a donation from his leagues of land, had 
given the two men one mile square for the site of what they intended to be the 
chief bay-city. They had on tap for a name, "Francesca," which was one of the 
several pretty christian names of Senora Vallejo, and was also from the name 
of St. Francis de Assisi. But before the city of Francesca was ready for her 
name and the glory that was to come to her as the chief metropolis of Cali- 
fornia, Alcalde Bartlett, of Yerba Buena, squatted on the title. Long years 
ago the Spanish found a few sprigs of mint growing on an island in the bay 
and called the insignificant little plant and the island "Yerba Buena." The 
Spanish, who are good at names, as the noble and saintly titles up and down 
this coast show, couldn't seem to find some word or sentence suitable for the 
matchless port and harbor which is now the wonder of the world, and the name 
of the silly little weed came out of the bay and lent itself to the place. When 
the Alcalde was casting about for something fitting the grand locality, and some 
name the Americans wouldn't mangle trying to pronounce, he said, the padre 
in charge of Mission Dolores suggested the name of the head of the Franciscans, 
and the name stands — San Francisco. Thus at almost the last moment St. 



122 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Francis, whose faithful missionaries had put in centuries in an ill-rewarded 
effort to christianize the dull Californian Indians, was given the distinction of 
a city — but such a city, a golden city, worthy of a prophet's vision. And when 
the "Yerba Buena" got back to its island home it found its claim jumped and 
its title clouded by the plebeian name "Goat." But Doc Semple on the shores 
of Carquinez, just substituted another name of La Senora Benicia Francesca 
Carrillo-Vallejo, and Benicia it went into the geographies. 

GOES UP THE RIVER. 

But it was a sorry trick Sacramento played upon her confederate. It was 
easier to pry the capital from the little town on the Straits than from Vallejo, 
so Benicia got the gubernatorial people and the distinction for a session of the 
legislature, as they passed drifting up the river. Then the Sacramentoans 
built a levee around the state institution to prevent their river from washing 
it back to the bay. Vallejo tried to provide the buildings in accordance with 
his splendid offer, but was financially unable to do so. The city lost the state 
capital but she gained a navy yard, and that gave her a national standing. 
Benicia is geographically located for the seat of the state government but 
lost to the superior attractions of the great valley town and of the pleasures 
of steamboat rides up the noble stream that rolled deep and clear from mountain 
to sea before the hydraulic miner shoaled and muddied its waters and almost 
ruined it for navigable purposes. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 123 



CHAPTER XXVII. 
SONOMA COUNTY SETTLES DOWN TO HOUSE-KEEPING. 

When California passed into the possession of the United States govern- 
ment, Sonoma meant considerable area ; she was called a "district" and her 
boundary lines ran a sort of go-as-you-please anywhere except out in the 
Pacific, and they enclosed a space within the beach, Oregon, Rio Sacramento, 
San Pablo Bay and Marin. With all that land-grab it is remarkable that 
little Marin nook of soil on the southwest escaped her. The legislative act 
of April, 185 1, drew in these wide lines to nearly the present limits, with the 
exception that on the north the line beginning at the mouth of the Russian 
river followed up that stream to the Mayacmas mountains, thence leaving the 
river it struck easterly across-country to Mount St. Helena, the northwestern 
corner of Napa county. This made Sonoma county about half her present 
size, but by a peculiar provision of the act Mendocino county was "attached 
for judicial and revenue purposes" to Sonoma until a county government could 
be organized for her. Consequently this county mothered Mendocino until 
1859, kept her from straying away and getting lost in her own wild forests, 
decided her lawsuits, taxed her, trained her to govern herself — and in fact, 
raised her to county womanhood through a probation of eight years. Then 
Sonoma grabbed a piece of her, enough to double the grabber's area and 
spread her north line to the Valhalla river, and then let Mendocino set up 
housekeeping for herself. Before the establishment of boards of supervisors 
the county government was vested in a court of sessions, consisting of the 
county judge and two justices of the peace as associates. These governmental 
duties passed to the boards of supervisors by the act of March 20, 1855. In 
1851 the town of Sonoma was made the county seat. During the earlier time 
there were known to be four townships in the county — Petaluma, Sonoma, 
Bodega and Russian River — not surveyed or lined out, but just "guessed" for 
geographical convenience. That quartet has grown to fifteen well organized 
townships, namely : Analy ; Bodega ; Cloverdale ; Glen Ellen, Knight's Valley ; 
Mendocino ; Ocean ; Petaluma ; Redwood ; Russian River ; Washington ; Salt 
Point ; Santa Rosa ; Sonoma and Vallejo. 

On September 3, 1851, California had her first election as a real state — 
as one of the great civic sisterhood with representation in Congress and a new 
white star on the flag. John Bigler was chosen governor with twenty-three 
thousand seven hundred seventy-four votes, over P. H. Redding with twenty- 
two thousand seven hundred and thirty-three. Martin E. Cook represented 
the Eleventh Senatorial District, which was composed of the counties of So- 
noma, Solano, Napa, Marin, Colusa, Yolo and Trinity, and this Assembly Dis- 
trict, composed of Sonoma, Marin, Napa and Solano counties was represented 
in the Legislature by John A. Bradford and A. Stearns. The population of 
Sonoma county at this time numbered five hundred and sixty-one. The new 
counts - officers were Tudsie C. P. Wilkins ; sheriff, Israel Brockman and Dr. 



I2 4 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY. 

John Handly, clerk and recorder. Philip Thompson and A. C. Goodwin were 
appointed associate judges. The first board of supervisors for this county 
met at Sonoma July 5, 1854, and was composed of David O. Shattuck, chair- 
man ; William A. Hereford ; L. P. Hanson, and James P. Singley ; W. O. King 
succeeded L. P. Hanson. At the election that year E. -W. McKinstry was 
chosen judge, district judge; J. M. Hudspeth, senator; H. S. Ewing and James 
McKamey, assemblymen. In 1853 the elections resulted as follows: Senator, 
J. M. Hudspeth; assemblymen, J. N. Burnett and W. B. Hagan ; county judge, 
Frank Shattuck, in place of P. R. Thompson ; sheriff, Israel Brockman ; county 
clerk, N. McC. Menefee ; treasurer, G. W. Miller ; district attorney, Ashael 
Clark, succeeding J. A. McNair ; assessor, R. F. Box, succeeding J. A. Reynolds; 
public administrator, Coleman Talbot ; coroner, Dr. Elisha Ely ; supervisors. 
H. G. Heald, James Singley, S. L. Fowler, and Alexander Copeland. Among 
the unsuccessful candidates that election was Captain Joe Hooker, a resident 
of Sonoma, who had been nominated for the assembly. The Captain was after- 
wards "Fighting General Joe Hooker" in the Union army during the Rebel- 
lion. James N. Bennett of Bennett Valley was Hooker's running mate and 
fellow loser in the race for the legislature. However, the Captain was ap- 
pointed roadmaster and improved the condition of the cow-trails of the county 
during his incumbency. 

WHEN "ORO, ORO," WAS HEARD AROUND THE WORLD. 

Between '48 and '53 the golden lure swept great floods of people into 
California, the mining counties getting not only the metal-mad immigration, 
but pretty much of the settlers of the other portions of the state. However, 
"Marshall-Coloma-1848," is not the true record of the first golden discovery 
on this part of the coast. In 1841-2 the yellow mineral was mined in the San 
Feliciano Canon, Los Angeles county, and during those years these placers 
produced a large amount of gold despite the shiftless method of the Cali- 
fornians. In fact, it was an Indian from these mines who happened to be at 
work in Marshall's sawmill site at Coloma when the discovery-nuggets were 
shoveled out of the creek. Sutter and Marshall tried to keep the character 
of the find a secret but the Indian caught sight of it and his loud cry -of "Oro! 
Oro!" was heard around the world, and the Great Stampede was on. Yet 
there were people in California not blinded by the yellow haze that drifted down 
from the "diggings," and the ranchos continued to receive their share of the 
new-comers. Some were even mining gold on the newly discovered farms. 
A German settler named Schwartz, on a few acres near Sacramento, sat in 
his doorway and saw the droves of men wildly plunging northward. They 
cheerily called him to join the rush, but he calmly smoked his pipe and let 
them pass on. From his small farm he raised and sold in Sacramento that year 
$30,000 worth of watermelons. In the rich, virgin soil of that incomparable 
vallev his melons grew to $5 and $8 sizes and the would-be eater, with his 
"dust" was there to buy, though many miners returned poorer than they went. 
And Herr Schwartz was only a sample of the stones that did not roll and 
gathered moss. While in the aggregate, California volcanoed out the golden 
millions from her subterranean treasury, flashing a yellow gleam across the 
world, the individual average winnings from her great lottery were insignifi- 
cant. The production of the metal in 1853, when the industry reached its 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 125 

highest point, was about $65,000,000, and to the one hundred thousand miners 
at work that year this was $650 for each man; $54.16 monthly — thirty days — 
Sunday was a lost day in the mines; $1.80 per diem; a wage almost ample 
enough then to keep the miner in his daily bacon — provided he was a moderate 
eater. The Schwartzs did better. 

HARVESTING THE GOLD OF RANCH AND MINE. 

The harvest of the mine was not the only harvest that was to be gathered 
from this wealth-producing land. The Spaniard or Mexican could get over 
countless leagues of the soil, but he seldom got down in it. Neither one was 
a prize farmer. He plowed with an iron-pointed forked tree-branch that turned 
no furrow, but simply scratched the surface of the ground. So he did his 
scratching in the most favorable spot he could find, sowed the seed, brushed 
the loose dirt over it with the branch of the tree that supplied his plow, and 
left the crop to fight it out with the weeds. He was either a stoic, easy in his 
"what will be will be, what won't be won't be" or he had a beautiful faith in the 
wheat's ability to choke down the tares. As this system of plowing gave en- 
couragement to the most backward weed, only the most propitious season 
saved the harvest. Yet notwithstanding the heavy odds favoring its growing 
enemies, often the wheat won out with an enormous yield. But there was 
little market for the crop "before the gringo came," enough of him to count, 
and if the ranchers got enough out of his field for the family table, he was 
satisfied. For manana, porque" — Why for tomorrow? It was for the north- 
ern agriculturist to blend the seed and the soil and the season into the where- 
with to feed the world. If the Mexican colonist grew enough corn for his 
tamales, and enough wheat for his tortillas, also enough beans and peppers 
for the frijoles y chile con carne against the coming of the meal hour, that 
was as far as he ventured into the luxuriant plant possibilities around him. 
The mission fathers striving to vary and improve the fare of their retainers 
and neophytes, brought from Spain slips of grape vines and fruit trees which 
they planted around the big adobe buildings. At that period the industry had 
not spread over the country. While the grapes would produce wine which 
appealed to the taste if not the peculiar thrift of the Californian, apples and 
peaches he did not generally care for, and he had no time to waste on their 
culture. A different time and a different people came to the land lying idle 
and its trees and vines grew heavy with fruit. The padres planted a few orange 
trees at the Mission San Gabriel in 1851, but little or no attention was paid to 
the cultivation of the fruit. It was long-believed that this noble citrus would 
thrive only in the low soils, especially on the banks of streams, but the River- 
side and Cloverdale experiments prove that it is on the mesa lands that the 
orange attains the perfection of its culture. While the cultivation of the mul- 
berry, and the silk industry does not belong to the early agricultural efforts of 
the Californian, the tree grows rapidly and strong in this state. Some years 
ago the legislature, to encourage seri-culture, authorized the payment of a 
bounty of $250 for every five thousand mulberry trees two years old. It thus 
encouraged the silk worm culture with a vengeance, and only the repeal of 
the act saved the state from bankruptcy. Then the ten millions of trees in 
Southern California fell into innocuous desuetude and the silk worms on the 



126 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

leaves fell into the English sparrows — one of California's unlucky importa- 
tions — to be endured till somebody imports something to eat the sparrows. 

CHANGES ON THE GREAT RANCHOS. 

With the first missionary expeditions to this country came the Spanish 
horses, cattle and sheep. These animals were turned out on the wide plains 
and in the mild climate and rich vegetation became the countless herds of the 
great ranchos. No attempt was made to improve the original breed, as a steer 
was worth only the comparatively little the hide on his carcass and the tallow 
within it would bring after shipping it around the Horn to an Atlantic port. A 
blue-ribboned bovine would bring no more, and to a Spaniard his sirloin would 
be no more juicy. Milk and butter were unknown in a ranchero's home, as 
the Spanish cow with a young calf around to excite her maternal solicitude, 
was about as safe for dairy purposes as a female panther. The vaquero aboard 
his mustang — and that animal almost as wild as the cow — was afraid of noth- 
ing that wore hoofs, but dismount him to do the milking, even when the fight- 
ing-mad vaca was roped and tied, would place him at a disadvantage, and ulti- 
mately scare him to death. So she was left in peace to nourish her calf and 
raise him up to the age when his hide and tallow would be turned into the 
shoes and the candles of commerce, and the coyotes get the remainder of him. 
The Mission fathers used the sheep in their plan of salvation for the Indians. 
The wool was woven into a coarse cloth and when the good padre caught a 
"native son" gentle enough to safely handle, he put a shirt on him, believing 
that decency is next to godliness. The original Calif ornian did not indulge 
in clothing, except the union-suit he wore after a rich, sticky mud-bath, and he 
was not particular about the fit of that if it was heating in winter and cold- 
storage in hot weather. In general, he objected to being made a fashion-plate, 
and if the father was too insistent, Lo shed his shirt and hiked for the distant 
rancheria. However, if the mission bells' call to prayers and frijoles y carne 
was louder than the call of the wilds, he tolerated — under protest — his shirt 
which made him itch, and stood without hitching, a fairly good Injun. 

WHEN THE MUSTANG GALLOPED OUT OF THE TWILIGHT. 

It is not known just when the horse galloped out of the prehistoric twi- 
lights of animal creation to become man's beast of burden, or what was his 
disposition at that period, but judging him from the Mexican mustangs we have 
met, he was a "bad one." On second thought, Bronco might have come from 
his natal wild with ferocity undeveloped and savagery was thrust upon him or 
hammered into him by humanity. Certainly nothing but a Mexican horse can 
live under a Mexican rider. But mount that vaquero, clad in his gaudy trap- 
pings, on a vicious, always-ready-to-buck equine-devil of the rancho, and a 
more complete and more fantastic centaur never plunged out of mythology. 
Consideration for the horse seems to have been unknown to those horsemen 
and the animal seems to have known that, and lived only for the purpose of 
bucking off his rider. For this he endured abuse and starvation, climbed almost 
inaccessible places with the sure-footedness of a goat, and kicked the 
miles behind him with the perseverance of an express-train ; and all the 
time he was thinking of the debt of gratitude he owed man — the obligation to 
throw and kick him to death at the first opportunity ; and this obligation he 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 127 

always tried to pay. With the coming of the American farmer came the 
splendid draught horse — colossal and grand and the antithesis of the seemingly- 
frail, little mustang. Also came the fleet thoroughbred, every ripple of his 
blueblood showing under his silken coat, and the pride of his Arabian lineage 
in the swing of his dainty heels- — a far remove from the shaggy-haired, hoof- 
worn, half-starved, wild thing of the western range. 

But with all this class distinction, here's to you, Mexican mustang. You 
look tough, you act tough, you are tough ; but you came into Old Spain with 
Moorish knighthood and you shared the glory of your warrior-rider. You are 
a poor, humble, despised bronc, but your patent to equine nobility goes back to 
the golden days of Good Haroun Al Raschid ! 

IT WAS LIVE TODAY — WORK MANANA. 

In those crude old days the mathematical accuracy of a survey seldom ap- 
peared in practice. Often the lines were run on a mustang, the surveyor tak- 
ing the bearings of a prominent point at the extreme range of his vision and with 
his riata he would mark off the acres, driving the stakes from his saddle. An 
ancient deed was filed wherein it stated that the lines of the tract of land began 
at a "shanty with a stove pipe sticking up through the roof.'* Sixty years 
have dragged heavily over the now unknown site of that shanty with the stove 
pipe sticking up through it. leaving only a cloud on the title of the ranch. 
The north boundary of another farm is the edge of the creek "during high 
water." In the long intervai of a half-century the creek found for itself another 
channel, and that change with the contingency of high or low water would 
make an interesting matter for adjudication should somebody put that deed 
on the witness-stand. It is no wonder that many a league got out of one 
rancho into an adjoining one and was the source of long land disputes in later 
years. 

Where now the six-cylinder touring-car with its purring engine marking 
off the miles fifty of them to the hour, sweeps along the broad highways, a 
creaking, rude, nondescript vehicle once moved over the plains. Its wheels 
were circular sections of a log with holes bored through the center, and the 
axles were the two ends of a straight, strong pole thrust through the center 
holes in the wheels. Another pole lashed to the middle of the axle served as 
a tongue to the cart and on this roughly-made running-gear was a framework 
of withes bound together with rawhide. This was the means of transporta- 
tion on the ranchos as well as the family carryall in most instances. With a 
half-broken yoke of oxen iashed to the tongue and an Indian to prod them to 
something like speed, the inter-rancho tourists could make as much as four miles 
an hour. Two-wheel vehicles were the limit of their efforts as the coupling 
of the four wheels together for anything like practical use was a trick too com- 
plicated for a Mexican colonist. However, as the American immigrants began 
to crowd into the territory their wagons and lighter vehicles began to be seen 
in use on the ranchos. Whenever there was any necessity to protect the grain 
fields from straying stock a ditch was dug around the tract and on the ridge 
of upturned soil a brush fence was made. The scarcity of saw mills in the 
territory and the plenitude of Indian labor made the most primitive fencing 
convenient. 



128 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

The ripe grain was cut with any convenient implement and the threshing- 
floor was generally the hard ground of the stock corral. In this inclosure the 
crop would be piled and a band of horses would be driven over it till most of 
the grain was trampled out of the chaff. Naturally with such rude methods a 
good percentage of the grain remained in the straw, but the cattle got it and 
there was no material waste. The grain was separated from the chaff by 
winnowing and came from this rude method very clean. Once a year the great 
bands of horses and cattle were rounded up, — rodeod — branded, and this was 
an occasion of not only rare exhibitions of skillful horsemanship in handling 
the wild and vicious animals, but was also an occasion of feasting and dancing. 
In fact the twin-recreations, feasting and dancing, were on the program if any 
industry was to be gotten out of the "live-today-and-rest-manana" Mexicans. 
This was a happy-go-lucky day. but it was drawing to a close. The dis- 
integration of the big rancho into the smaller ranch was beginning and the im- 
proved home-farm with its flower beds and fruit trees commenced to show where 
once the unfenced tracts of wild oats grew. Who may say that the hand of a 
destiny, wise and exorable, was not in this? The Mexican statesman not alive 
to land values or to the mighty leverage to power in the ownership of the 
earth's surface, gave vast tracts of soil away with a prodigality that would ap- 
pear sinful to the acre-baron of the present. These leagues of land remained 
only a short time, comparatively, in the possession of the original rancheros, 
and were then parceled out to the last comers. The Almighty, when he said 
"Let the dry land appear," did not intend that it should appear exclusively for 
the monopolist, and the vacant tracts of California began to blossom as the 
rose when the ranchos went to pieces. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 129 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

HOW CAPTAIN SMITH CAME TO BODEGA. 

The chief pioneer west of the great central Sonoman valley at the time was 
Captain Stephen Smith, of Bodega. This gallant son of the sea was cast 
ashore in this part of the world in 1840, hailing from the old Bay State — an 
abrupt change from wintry Massachusetts to summery California. He was the 
skipper of the bark "George and Henry" and was trading his cargo of sugar, 
syrup, tobacco, cloth and many other articles for hides, horns and tallow, about 
the only products the country had to barter. He saw in the levels of arable 
land and in the leagues of lumber forests splendid possibilities of wealth. Hurry- 
ing back to the eastern coast he unloaded his bark and reloaded her with his 
mind at the future Bodega rancho far away on the shore of the distant Pacific. 
On his way to that ranch he took aboard the "George and Henry" something 
else — of more significance — a wife, showing beyond doubt that the gallant 
captain intended to "jump the ship." He picked Mrs. Smith up in the port of 
Payta, Peru, where she was Dona Mahuella Torres, a lady of intelligence and 
refinement, sixteen years old. The captain's years figured just the reverse — 
sixty-one, the 6 and the 1, apparently magic numbers, and in some way offsetting 
the age-disparagement of the couple. The bride's mother and brother (Manuel 
Torres) were passengers to this country in the bark. As Smith had in his 
cargo a saw and a grist mill he took care to bring with him men who' could 
put together and handle them — was there ever a more practical colonist? In 
Baltimore he employed Henry Hagler, a carpenter ; at Valparaiso he picked up 
David D. Dutton, millwright ; at Payta, where he found Mrs. Smith, he found 
William A. Streeter, an engineer. At other ports enroute he secured the services 
of Phillip Crawley and John Briggs, useful men for his colony. He arrived 
in Monterey in April, 1843, and at Santa Cruz shipped lumber for his mills. 
At San Francisco he shipped James Hudspeth, well known in this county, 
Nathaniel Coombs, now of Napa, John Daubinbiss, afterwards of Santa Cruz 
county, and Alexander Copeland. Captain Smith sailed his bark into Bodega 
Bay during the month of September of that year and landed his cargo. 

WAS READY TO FIGHT FOR HIS RANCH. 

Of course he came up against the prior Russian claim then held by Sut- 
ter, and John Bidwell, the agent, notified the new-comer to get himself, goods 
and chattels, back to the bark. But the old sailor went ahead with his mill- 
building and warned Sutter's man that any interference would bring on a 
fight. As the Mexican officials had never recognized the Russian claim and had 
practically stood indifferent while Sutter was paying out his $30,000 for Fort 
Ross and the Bodega country, Bidwell received no sympathy from them. The 
government not only permitted Smith to land and build his mills, but shortly 
after granted him eight leagues of the land in question. While Captain Sutter 
had acted in good faith when he purchased the Russian holdings he did so in 



130 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

the face of the protests, though mild, of the Mexican government, and he 
knew his title was clouded beyond all clearing. However, he may have pos- 
sessed a faint hope that the annexation of the territory by the Americans 
would pass his claim to Washington, where his ownership might be affirmed, 
before Mexico had granted the tracts to other settlers too strong to be dis- 
possessed. Captain Stephen Smith, sturdy as his old Cape Cod, honorable in 
every detail of his life, industrious, and fearing nothing, could not be moved 
from the soil, and Sutter, stalwart pioneer himself, recognizing a brother-spirit 
in the man from the sea ranching out on the Bodega hills, left him in peace. 

A FAMOUS PIONEER PICNIC. 

However, Smith did not wait for events to come his way, he went after 
them. He soon had the machinery of his new colony unloaded from his little 
"windjammer" of a bark and it was not very long before the original town of 
Bodega, including the steam flour and saw mills, were ready for business. The 
two latter, however, were about one mile northwest from the "Corners," as the 
village is called, and at the foot of a range of hills upon which grew thickly 
the great forest of redwoods he had picked upon for his saws, and for the 
future frame buildings of Sonoma and other settlements of California. All 
turned out as this far-thinking pioneer planned. When steam was up in his 
three, single-flue, thirty-six by two and a half feet boilers, and several logs 
had been cut on the hill above the place and easily rolled down to the mill, the 
captain invited the people of the surrounding country to attend the holiday. 
It was the first of Bodega's celebrated picnics and the most famous of all those 
social gatherings. All the dignitaries, rancheros, vaqueros and settlers of every 
nationality with their families were present in new sombrero, serapa, high- 
colored sash and mantilla. Several beeves had been prepared for the fire-pit 
of the barbecue, but Captain Smith made the provision of the breal for the 
great feast an object lesson for their entertainment. Wheat that had been grown 
in the neighborhood was brought to the place and the steam engine set in mo- 
tion. Then power was communicated to the grist mill and to the surprise and 
delight of the crowd, many of whom had never heard of such a remarkable 
arrangement, the grain was sent between the grinding mill-stones to finally 
appear in the soft, beautiful, white flour, the chief food of man, the "staff of 
life." To the early California)! house-keeper the "flor de harina," the flour of 
wheat, that came from those whirling burrs was a happy improvement on the 
unbolted meal, ground in a rude hand-mill ; the tortillas now would be whiter 
and more appetizing in consequence. Out of a big oven, heated for the occa- 
sion, presently reappeared that wheat in newly baked bread, and while the 
captain's guests were using up all the admiration-terms found in their voluble 
Spanish he had another pleasurable surprise for them. The lumber mill was 
thrown in gear and the "sash" saw was soon going through a redwood log, and 
the first boards turned out were used for tables whereon they feasted. 

VALLEJO'S PREDICTION COMES TRUE. 

After the feasting came the toasting. General M. G. Yallejo was present, 
the first guest by reason of his position in the territory, and as toast-master 
pledged the health and prosperity of his Yankee neighbor in a cup of his own 
Sonoma wine. In his oratory the general referred to the coming years when 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 131 

even many who were present would see more steam engines than soldiers in the 
fertile valleys of California. That was several years before the historic Forty- 
six, but with prophetic vision the speaker was looking into the oncoming future 
pouring its American population into those valleys. There are no soldiers in 
California and the beats of the engines that are moving her up the ways of 
destiny never cease. Long after, when reviewing the verification of his pre- 
diction. General Vallejo said, "The successors of Smith have not only proved 
the truth of my words, but have almost verified the remark of my compatriot, 
General Jose Castro at Monterey, that 'the North Americans were so enter- 
prising a people that if it were proposed, they were quite capable of changing 
the color of the stars.' Flis observation was made with no sympathy for the 
North Americans, as he was no friend to either the government or citizens ; 
yet I believe that if General Castro had lived until today he would unite with 
me in praise of that intelligent nation which opens her doors to the industrious 
citizens of the whole world, under the standard of liberty." 

Captain Stephen Smith and his mills continued to make Bodega township 
famous as a settlement and Bodega bay famous as a port for the shipment of 
lumber, flour, grain and dairy products. He operated the plant pretty steadily 
until the year 1850, supplying the entire coast with the output as well as 
exporting to the Sandwich Islands. With lumber he purchased the tract of 
land now known as the Blucher Rancho, situated in Analy township and con- 
taining 22,976.66 acres. This added to Bodega Rancho of eight square leagues 
or 35,487.53 acres, made Smith a land baron indeed. The Mexican govern- 
ment during the last years of its dominion in California had a tardy awakening 
to the necessity of a larger number and a better class of citizens, if the territory 
was to be welded into a formidable state, a vital part of the Mexican republic 
and a bulwark for defense on her northern frontier. Hence the grants of 
large ranches, as encouragement to immigration, and a move most wise. 'I he 
old California pioneer was not a land-grabber and a land-squeezer. That pirate 
of the soil appeared on the western plains forty or fifty years after. At diis 
time there were twenty-three land grants within the survey of Sonoma county, 
the total acreage of which being about 400,000. The largest, the Petaluma 
Rancho, with its 75,000 acres occupying the big valley of that name, was orig- 
inally granted to Vallejo, while the Santa Rosa and Russian River valley 
ranchos went to the Carrillo*, to Jacob P. Lease, Henry D. Fitch and John I'.. 
Cooper — all marriage kinsmen of the General. 

THE OLD SONOMA LAND GRANTS. 

- Yet it must not be concluded that because the land of the territory was 
given away by the square league that everything here was marked up on a wealthy 
scale. Such was not the case. Notwithstanding their broad ranges of vale 
and hill, and great herds to graze over them, the settlers were soil and stock 
poor. What was in sight, what they had, was too plentiful for value. The 
country was only rich in possibilities, and the man who far-seeing, saw the 
future and prepared for it, was the man who was the "wealthy Californian" of 
after years when the wild acres were yielding their harvests of gold. A com- 
plete detailed history of the original land grants of this section cannot be given, 
but from the reports of the land cases determined in the United States District 



1 32 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Court for the Northern District of California. 1853 to 1858 inclusive. ma\ be 
noted the following: 

Rancho Musalacon, two square leagues, 8,866.88 acres, situated in Clover- 
dale township : originally granted by Governor Pio Pico, May 2, 1846, to Fran- 
cisco Berryessa. The tract was confirmed to Johnson Horrell by the District 
court January 14, 1856. 

Rancho Cotati, four leagues, 17,238.60 acres, situated in Santa Rosa and 
Yallejo townships of Sonoma county, originally granted by Governor Michel- 
torena. July 7. 1844, to Juan Castaneda. Confirmed to Thomas S. Page, Janu- 
ary 14, 1856. 

Rancho de los Guilicos, about four leagues, 18,833.86 acres, in Santa 
Rosa and Sonoma townships, this county, originally granted by Governor Juan 
B. Alvarado, November 13, 1839, to Juan Wilson. Confirmed to him March 

3, i853- 

Rancho Canada de Pogolome, two leagues, 8,780.81 acres, in Marin and 
Sonoma counties — in Analy and Bodega townships of the latter county. The 
claimant, Antonia (Dawson) Casares, stated that her deceased husband, James 
Dawson, E. M. Mcintosh and James Black had been encouraged by Coman- 
dante Yallejo to locate on tracts of land adjoining the Russian claims, they as 
Mexican citizens to act as barriers to further southern encroachments of the 
Fort Ross "intruders." Black selected what is now the Rancho Canada de la 
Jonive, mostly in Analy township, while Dawson and Mcintosh selected 
the Rancho Estero Americano, in Bodega township. As Mcintosh was a 
naturalized Mexican citizen he alone was eligible as a grantee, consequently 
Dawson's name was left out of the deeds of the rancho. Dawson moved his 
half of the common property including half of their dwelling house, to what is 
now known as Freestone, and again made application for a share of the Rancho 
Estero Americano. Remembering his former disqualification he not only be- 
came a citizen of Mexico, but the husband of a Mexican woman — Dona An- 
tonia Casares. Dawson's application was not considered, but the Territorial 
Secretary recommended that he make application for a grant of land on which 
his house stood. He died before the papers were filed, but his widow acted in 
the matter and the grant of the Rancho Pogolome was issued to her by Gover- 
nor Micheltorena February 12, 1844, and confirmed by the District Court March 
24, 1856. (This irregular proceeding and its satisfactory ending is an eternal 
record of the justice and consideration that prevailed in the Mexican Land 
Office of the Territory. True, land here in those early days was worth only 
"a song," but the government that gave it away trusted that the gift would 
win an immigration that would make for the prosperity of the country. And 
it did, but in these later land-mad, trick-official times where would such a 
claim get?) 

Rancho Llano de Santa Rosa, three leagues, 13,336.55 acres, in Santa Rosa 
and Analy townships, lying principally between Santa Rosa and Sebastopol. 
June 22, 1843, Joaquin Carrillo petitioned Governor Micheltorena for a grant 
of land on the llano or plain west of the Rancho Cabeza de Santa Rosa, 
granted to his mother, Senora Maria Ygnacia Lopez de Carrillo. but the grant 
was not made, as no official survey had been made of the ranchos in the vicinity. 
Pending the matter he was permitted to sow some of the land in grain. The 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 133 

next year his application was granted and he built the adobe residence for his 
family near the town of Sebastopol. The original grantee was Marcus West, 
but the United States District Court, March 24, 1856, confirmed the rancho to 
Joaquin Carrillo. 

Rancho Cabeza de Santa Rosa, a large tract extending southward from 
Santa Rosa creek to the northern line of Rancho Cotati, and from the east 
boundary of Rancho Llano to the head (cabeza) waters of Santa Rosa creek, 
was originally granted by Governor Manuel Timeno to Maria Ygnacia Lopez 
de Carrillo, the mother of Julio and Joaquin Carrillo, and a sister of Senora M. 
G. Vallejo. In the District Court the following claims on this ranch were 
confirmed : Julio Carrillo, 4,400.42 acres ; Felicidad Carrillo ; Juan de Jesus 
Mallagh, grandson of Senora Carrillo, 256.16 acres; John Hendley, one mile 
square, 640 acres; Jacob R. Mayer et al., 1,484.82 acres; James Eldridge, 
1,667.68 acres. 

Rancho el Molino. or Rio Ayoska, ten and one-half leagues, 17,892.42 
acres, in Santa Rosa, Analy and Russian River townships of Sonoma county. 
Rio Ayoska was granted to John B. R. Cooper by Governor Figueroa, Decem- 
ber 31, 1833, and El Molino (the mill) by Governor Gutierrez, February 
24, 1836. Previous to obtaining the last grant he had occupied it, build- 
ing several houses, one of which was the mill — from which the tract took its 
name and which cost him $10,000. Only the name of this pioneer establishment 
remains, as one rainy winter night several years after its construction it floated 
away to the ocean, and never returned. 

Rancho Huichica, 18,704.04 acres in Sonoma township. Two leagues of 
this tract were granted Jacob P. Leese by Governor Jimeno, October 21, 1841, 
and three and one-half leagues by Governor Micheltorena, July 6, 1844. 

Rancho Yulupa, three square leagues in Sonoma county, lying between the 
ranchos of Petaluma, Cotati, Santa Rosa and Los- Guilicos. It was first granted 
November 23, 1844, by Micheltorena to Miguel Alvarado. The claim of M. 
G. Vallejo for this tract was rejected by the Commission and the decision con- 
firmed by the District Court but reversed by the United States District Court 
and the cause remanded for further evidence. 

Rancho Sotoyome, eight leagues, 48,836.51 acres, in Mendocino and Russian 
River townships, granted September 28, 1841, by Micheltorena to Henry D. 
Fitch, confirmed by the Commission April 18, 1853, to Josefa Carrillo Fitch 
et al; claim by Cyrus Alexander for two leagues of the rancho was rejected. 

Rancho Bodega, eight leagues, 35,487.53 acres, in Bodega and Ocean 
townships. Granted by Micheltorena September 14, 1844, to Stephen Smith 
and confirmed to Stephen Smith and Manuela Torres Smith July 5, 1853. 

Rancho Blucher, six leagues, 22,976.66 acres, in Analy township, Sonoma 
county. Granted October 14, 1844, by Micheltorena to Juan Vioget, confirmed 
January 26, 1857, to Stephen Smith. 

Rancho Callayome, three leagues, 8,241.74 acres, Sonoma county. Granted 
January 17, 1845, by Micheltorena to Robert F. Ridley, confirmed December 
22, 1852 to A. A. Ritchie and Paul S. Forbes. 

Rancho Muniz, four leagues, 17,760.75 acres, in Ocean and Salt Point 
townships, Sonoma county. Granted December 4, 1845, by Governor Pio Pico 
to Manuel Torres and confirmed October 17. 1853. 



134 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Rancho Arroyo de San Antonio, three, leagues, in Marin and Sonoma coun- 
ties (Petaluma township). Granted October 8, 1843, by Micheltorena to Juan 
Miranda and finally confirmed to Thomas E. Valentine. 

Rancho Laguna de San Antonio, six leagues. 24,903.42 acres, in Sonoma 
and Marin counties. Granted November 5. 1845, by Pio Pico to Bartolome 
Bojorquez and confirmed September 10, 1855. 

Rancho Malacomes or Moristal y Plan de Agua Caliente, four leagues. 
12,540.22 acres, in Knight's Valley township, Sonoma county. Granted Octo- 
ber 14, 1843, to J ose de los Santos Berryessa and confirmed December 24, 1856. 
Lovett P. Rockwell and Thomas P. Knight were awarded by the Commission 
8,328.85 acres of this tract. Claim of M. E. Cook et al. for 2,559 acres of this 
tract in Knight's Valley confirmed August 7, 1855. 

Rancho Roblar de la Miseria, four leagues, 16,887.45 acres, in Petaluma 
township. Granted November 21, 1845, by Pi° P' c0 to Juan Nepomasena 
Padillo and confirmed September 10, 1855, to David Wright et al. 

Rancho Canada de la Jonive, two leagues, 10,786.51 acres, in Analy and 
Bodega townships. Granted February 5, 1845, by Pio Pico to James Black, 
confirmed July 16, 1855, to Jasper O'Farrell. 

Rancho Estero Americano, two leagues, 8,849.13 acres, in Bodega town- 
ship. Granted September 4. 1836. by Manuel Jimeno to Edward Manuel Mc- 
intosh, confirmed April 11, 1853, to Jasper O'Farrell. 

Rancho German, five leagues, 17,580.01 acres, in Salt Point township. 
Sonoma county. Granted April 8, 1846, by Pio Pico to Ernest Rufus and con- 
firmed September 10, 1855. by the Supreme Court to Charles Mayer et al. 

Rancho Petaluma, ten leagues, 66,622.17 acres, in Sonoma and Vallejo 
townships, Sonoma county. Five leagues granted October 22, 1843, by Michel- 
torena and five leagues sold June 22, 1844, to Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, 
Confirmed by the Commission and by the District Court to M. G. Vallejo March 
16, 1857. Claim of J. A. Watmough for 640 acres rejected April 21, 1856. 

Rancho San Miguel, six leagues, in Santa Rosa township. Granted Novem- 
ber 2. 1840, by Juan B. Alvarado, and October 14, 1844. by Manuel Michel- 
torena to Marcus West. Claim filed before the Commission May 13. 1852. 
by Guadalupe Vasquez de West et al. and rejected, but confirmed by the United 
States Supreme Court for one and one-half leagues. 

Rancho Tzabaco, four leagues, 15,439.32 acres, in Mendocino and Wash- 
ington townships. Sonoma county. Granted October 14, 1843, by Micheltorena 
to Jose German Peha, confirmed by the District Court March 9, 1857, to Jose 
Jesus Pena et al. 

Rancho Caslamavome, or Laguna de los Gentiles, eight leagues, in Clover- 
dale and Washington townships, Sonoma county. Granted March 20, 1844, by 
Micheltorena to Eugenio Montenegro. Claim filed by William Forbes Septem- 
ber 7, 1852, rejected by the Commission, September 26, 1854. 

Rancho Agua Caliente. Sonoma township, granted July 13, 1840. by Juan 
B. Alvarado to Lazaro Peha. Claim filed March 2, 1853, by M. G. Vallejo was 
rejected by the Commission and District Court. July 13. 1859. Claim of Joseph 
Hooker, filed same time, for 550.86 acres of this rancho was confirmed March 
2. 1857. Claim of C. P. Stone for 300 acres was confirmed on the above date. 
Claim of Thaddeus M. Leavenworth for 320.33 acres was rejected March 2. 
1857- 



I [IST< )RY ( )F S( >N( )MA COUNTY 135 

Pueblo ol Sonoma, four leagues square, granted June 24. 1835, by M. G. 
Yallejo to the Pueblo of Sonoma, was confirmed by the Commission January 
22, 1856, to the Mayor and Common Council of Sonoma. 

Lac, 1,000 varas square, in Sonoma county, granted July 25, 1844, by 
Micheltorena to Damaso Rodriguez. Claim filed by Jacob P. Leese confirmed 
by the District Court December 28, 1857. 

These large tracts rapidly passed through the hands of the grantees and 
were subdivided and sold off in farm lots. The pioneer could accumulate the 
acres — a whole province of them — but did not keep them beyond the second 
generation, a wise provision on the part of the Creator who intended that the 
surface of the earth He made should be partitioned to the people. 

THE CHAIN OF MISSIONS. 

Sonoma was not only the last of the Mexican settlements, but as has 
been noted, the end of mission building in California and this adds to the his- 
torical importance of the old, crumbling, adobe church in that pueblo. Fifty- 
four vears passed while they were reaching up the seven-hundred miles of 
coast, and then secularization, long threatened, quickly changed their status 
from almost independence of the civil and military authority to mere parishes. 
In some cases, however, the institutions because of unfavorable surrounding 
conditions, had failed. In fact, none of them were meeting the expectations of 
their founders and several were all but abandoned. The order of the mission 
building is as follows : 

San Diego de Alcala, San Diego county, July 1, 1769. 

San Carlos de Borromeo, in Monterey, June 3, 1770. The following year 
this mission was removed to the Carmel Valley, a short distance from Monte- 
rey, where it was known as El Carmel Mission. 

San Antonio de Padua, San Luis Obispo county, June 14, 1771. 

San Gabriel d' Archangel, San Luis Obispo county, September 8, 1771. 

San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, San Luis Obispo county, September 1, I77 2 - 

Dolores, or San Francisco de Assis, San Francisco, October 9, 1776. 

San Juan Capistrano, Los Angeles county (now Orange county), Novem- 
ber 10, 1776. 

Santa Clara, Santa Clara county, January 12, 1777. 

San Buenaventura, Santa Barbara county, March 31. 1782. 

La Purisima Concepcion (Immaculate Conception) Santa Barbara county, 
December 8, 1787. 

Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz county, September 25, 1790. 

La Soledad (Our Lady of Solitude) Monterey county, September 29, 
1791. 

San Jose, Alameda county, June 11, 1797. 

San Juan Bautista (St. John the Baptist) Monterey county, June 24, 1797. 

San Miguel Archangel, San Luis Obispo county. July 25, 1797. 

San Fernando Rev de Espana (Ferdinand, King of Spain) Los Angeles 
county, September 8, 1797. 

San Luis Rev de Francis (Louis King of France) San Diego county, 
June 13, 1798. 

Santa Ynez, Santa Barbara county. September 17, 1804. 



136 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

San Rafael Archangel, San Rafael, Marin county, December 18. 1817. 
San Francisco de Solano, Sonoma count}, August 25, 1823. 

THE STRENUOUS DAY OF THE "SQUATTER." 

Naturally, the tide of immigration that was sweeping from the eastward 
into the Territory began to menace the big land grants and trouble was on. 
In 1849 a commissioner from the land office at Washington reported that there 
were on record five hundred and seventy-six California grants. On the estab- 
lishment of the land commission eight hundred and thirteen claims were im- 
mediately filed before it for action. Under the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo 
made at the close of the war, the United States Government had agreed to 
recognize all land grants that had been authorized by the Mexican Govern- 
ment. In doing so it had to officially eliminate the fraudulent titles of which 
there cropped up a goodly number, and even when a genuine claim passed the 
local commission and got its legal standing it often had a long and tortuous 
journey through the court of last resort in Washington and some of the titles 
that passed that high tribunal had a '■cloudy" appearance. The bribe germ 
may have been in existence in that period, though not so fully developed as in 
the present century. Commissioner William Cary Jones stated that after he had 
returned to Washington he was offered $20,000 to report as genuine a fraud- 
ulent title. 

With so many claims pending in the courts it is not likely that the later 
home-hunters would hesitate in their settlements. Nor did they, and soon 
many ranchos had their quorum of "squatters," as the contestants were called. 
And even when the original title was established the grantee frequently had a 
job on hand when he started in to dispossess the locators. When the American 
settler drives down his stake — nails his claim to a piece of the earth's surface — 
it takes time and force to pull that stake up. However, in many cases the 
rancho owners, especially where they were Californians. were willing on very 
liberal terms to dispose of large tracts to the settlers. Vallejo gave away 
several fine farms from his Petaluina Rancho simply because he wanted the 
Americano farmers for neighbors. In many localities throughout the state 
there were organizations, "Settlers' Leagues," formed to fight the confirmation 
of the grants. Frequently these leagues were of the secret order with signs 
and pass-words and their fighting was not always of a lawful character. Even 
the grant owners sometimes assumed that they were higher than the law. 
Public opinion was with the settlers, and the newspapers, especially those of 
this county, strongly remonstrated against a law proposed at the time to pre- 
vent reviews in cases where patents have issued, the measure being without 
doubt for the purpose of checking investigation of fraudulent land titles. One 
of these land conflicts took place on the Bodega Rancho in 1859. When Cap- 
tain Stephen Smith died he left a third of the eight leagues of fertile acres to 
his wife in a life estate and all to be divided among their children at her death. 
The forest portion of the ranch was then under a ninety-nine year lease to a 
lumber company for $65,000. The widow soon after married Tyler Curtis, 
who immediately began proceedings of ejectment against about fifty settlers — 
renters and squatters — located on the rancho. His methods were different from 
those of the gentle Captain Smith and he was soon floundering in needless 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 137 

trouble. He shipped a band of armed men from San Francisco provisioned 
for a war to the death. But all the able-bodied settlers from Petaluma to 
Bodega were soon on a warpath of their own and Curtis was glad of the oppor- 
tunity to lead his "arm)'" back to San Francisco. He managed to "waste" the 
fine property in a few years and the three Smith children lost most of the inher- 
itance that their grand old pioneer father had won for them. 

After the death of Henry D. Fitch, in 1859, the Rancho Sotoyome, near 
Healdsburg, became the scene of a protracted skirmish of the "Squatter Trou- 
ble" conflict. While the title of the rancho was pending before the United 
States courts the great ranch was cut up into smaller tracts and sold by order 
of the county Probate Court. Upon the issuance of the United States patent, 
Mrs. J. N. Bailhache, one of the Fitch daughters, obtained judgment in a suit 
of ejectment against a number of settlers on her share of the rancho, some 
fourteen hundred acres. There was never any doubt regarding the Fitch title, 
and the squatters were fairly beaten, but the war went on, spreading over to 
the adjoining ranchos. Sheriff posses and militia companies were called into 
action and a number of persons prosecuted and heavily fined for contempt 
of court. Property of the squatters was destroyed and one man lost his life 
in the gun play. The night the Bailhaches were placed in possession of the 
ranch their premises were burned by parties, officially, unknown. 

PETALUMA AND THE MIRANDA GHOST. 

For many years the pale ghost of the Arroyo de San Antonio grant flitted 
through the streets of Petaluma. The original grantee seems to have been 
Juan Miranda, but when the case came before the United States Land Com- 
mission there was another claimant — one Ortega, a somewhat irresponsible 
character, who had married a daughter of Miranda. The Ortega claim finally 
passed to James F. Stuart and that of Miranda to T. B. Valentine. The latter 
voluntarily withdrew that claim alleging that it had no legal standing, but it is 
generally believed that this action was to clear the way for the easier confirma- 
tion of the Ortega claim, in which he was secretly interested. The claim was 
several years passing through the slow mills of the law, during which time 
it was twice confirmed by the land commission and once by the District Court. 
In 1863 it was finally rejected by that tribunal. This looked like a knock-out 
for the ghost that had haunted the streets of Petaluma — but not yet. Valentine, 
doubtless regretting that he had thrown away the Miranda claim, which was 
the original and in all probability the winning one, was doing some haunting, 
himself, around the doors of Congress, trying by special act to get a re-hearing 
of the Miranda case, claiming that he had discovered new evidence in the mat- 
ter. But the land grant of the Arroyo de San Antonio, which included the 
city of Petaluma, had been declared subject to entry as government land and 
titles made, and consequently Valentine lost. Yet, showing how near he came 
to jeopardizing the title to every vara of lot in and around the southern city, 
a bill passed Congress entitled "An act for the Relief of Thomas B. Valentine, 
approved June 5, 1872. By this the Miranda claim was again admitted to 
court with the understanding that if Valentine made his title he would accept 
lieu lands equal to the area of the tract in litigation. This time he won, the 
California Circuit Court and the United States Supreme Court affirming the 



138 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

validity of the grant. In accordance with the compromise he conveyed title to 
the Government in trust for the settlers, and the Miranda ghost was forever 
laid, and the clouds passed from the Petaluma homes. 

The Laguna de San Antonio tract also had its title-troubles and its session 
in the courts for upwards of twenty years. The rancho of 24,000 acres, which 
is about equally divided between Sonoma and Marin counties, was granted to 
Bartolemus Borjorques. There never was any conflict over the confirmation of 
the grant, the litigation came over the final disposal of the land to settlers. 
Borjorques deeded to his eight children, each one-ninth, reserving a ninth for 
himself. There was no partition of the estate and each heir sold and deeded 
his undivided ninth at will and often about as soon as he could, without much 
regard to survey or consideration. Very few of the buyers took the precaution 
to protect their slipshod titles with the signatures of the other heirs and the mix- 
up that soon came on would bring joy to the soul of the proverbial "Philadelphia 
lawyer." A suit with over two hundred persons as parties thereto was com- 
menced for the neglected partition and the big case was shuttle-cocked from 
court to court through long years of trial before the tangled titles were straight- 
ened out and the "Borjorques League" won its final judgment. 

In 1861 William Beihler. the claimant of the German Rancho which is 
situated north of Fort Ross, after some '"warm" work in the United States 
District Court, ejected about eighteen settlers from that grant. He quieted the 
title to his rancho but lie never quieted the disturbed feelings of the unsuccess- 
ful litigants and he seldom visited his "unsafe" ranch. It soon passed into 
other hands. 

The great Sutter-Muldrew litigation over a portion of the Bodega grant 
that for years kept the ranchers from Tomales Bay to Fort Ross fighting for 
their titles, has been narrated in this work. It was really a case of Russian 
vs. Mexican title and the latter won, the former having not even a shadow 
of validity, and the Guadalupe Hidalgo treaty only concerning itself with the 
grants from Mexico. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 139 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

PEOPLING THE RICH SONOMA VALLEYS. 

Sonoma today in her half-moon valley shows very little of the Sonoma of 
the roaring '40s, or of the milder '50s. Years, apparently do not age an Ameri- 
can city, though it is not built for everlasting, as time here is disposed to hide 
its ravages behind its newer creations. In the eastern hemisphere man built 
once for all, and ponderously. Not that he had any clear conception of a future 
with needed change-;, for he didn't. His little horizon shut him in like the walls 
of a circular tent. He built that way because he did not want to do the job 
over again — the great stones were too heavy to handle — and that appears to 
be the only thought he gave to the matter. Then he died, and the buildings 
grew old and older. Time found it hard to destroy but it wore heavily on 
the structures and that dilapidation is their attraction, their stock in trade. If 
the ancient architect were to gather himself from his dust and see how profitable 
his old ruinous houses have become for show purposes, his astonishment would 
drop him dead again. On this half of the planet man begins in his present, but 
the in-rushing future soon jams him into the past, consequently he hasn't time 
enough to put up monuments reminding the after-comers how great he was, 
or to build eternal structures for the entertainment of tourists. Here and there 
in the old Pueblo Sonoma appear portions of the adobe walls of Mexico, bridg- 
ing the interval of a half century. Where the old houses have not been built 
around, added to or crowded out by modern structures, they have crumbled 
in the downpour of fifty winters' rains and the warp and strain of fifty summers' 
suns. It was in 1835 that Comandante M. G. Vallejo with pocket compass 
and tape line laid out the town, first measuring off a central plaza, without which 
no Spanish-American town was ever laid out, providing there was any level 
ground handy. This ancient plan is worthy of adoption as it insures a town 
breathing spaces, public parks — something which cannot be measured in dollars 
and cents. The first houses in Sonoma, including the inevitable church of a 
Latin settlement, the official residences and military quarters, were built on the 
four sides of this quadrangle, facing the open center. From this space ran in 
four directions the streets. A number of the old fabrics repaired with modern 
material are now in use, among them the barracks, also the "palace," as the 
residence of the comandante was called. A fortified structure, always known 
in a Spanish city as the "castillo." provided with portholes and a watch-tower, 
stood on guard at one corner of the plaza. The pavements of Sonoma may not 
have "resounded with the tread of mailed heel." but it was a place of some 
martial splendor in that early period. At the head of the soldierly line is the old 
Comandante Vallejo, Military Chief of the Northern Division of California, 
also one of the governors of the territory; Captain Salvador Vallejo, Mexican 
Army, dashing cavalier, rollicking fellow, held in leash by the steady hand of 
his more decorous brother and superior; Colonel John Charles Fremont, U. 
S. Engineers, Pathfinder of the Far West, the man who stirred the Bear 



140 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Flaggers into action; Lieutenant John W. Revere, U. S. N., of the United 
States sloop of war "Portsmouth," who hoisted that vessel's ensign over 
Sonoma ; Captain Kit Carson, logical successor of Fenimore Cooper's "Deer- 
slayer" and "Leatherstocking," and a grand specimen of the American back- 
woodsman ; General Persef er F. Smith, military governor and commander in 
chief of the United States forces in the State, who had his headquarters here ; 
Captain A. E. Gibbs, afterwards prominent in the great rebellion. Fighting 
Joe Hooker, commander in chief of the Army of the Potomac in 1863, lived 
here in '53. During the piping times of peace prior to the Civil war he resigned 
from the service and became a quiet citizen of the pueblo. A road-over- 
seer was wanted and as Captain Hooker — he wasn't a Fighting Joe then — 
was a graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point, he 
was considered qualified in the science of civil engineering enough for road- 
making and was unanimously chosen. It is of record that Joe kept the mule 
and cow trails in good order. This dip into the maelstrom of politics started 
the Captain in a dash for the legislature on the Democratic ticket, but he was 
considerably beaten by J. N. Bennett of Bennett valley, who swept into the 
Assembly on the Settlers' ticket. Hooker re-entered the army in '61 and won 
his "fighting" title in the bloody battles of Antietam, Manassas, Fredericksburg, 
Chancellorsviile and Lookout Mountain. He commanded a division with Sher- 
man in the tuneful march "Through Georgia." Another soldier of the Civil 
conflict who formerly was on duty at Sonoma was General Philip Kearnv — 
nephew of General Stephen W. Kearny, who saw service in New Mexico and 
California. The gallant Philip lost an arm in Mexico, and his life in the battle 
of Chantilly, Va., while leading his brigade in attack on a strong Confederate 
position. Captain C. R. Stone, U. S. A., one of the heroes of the disastrous 
fight and retreat at Ball's Bluff, and Colonel Baker, the gallant California 
soldier who was killed in that battle, were at one time residents of the town. 
General T. C. Sherman and General Halleck. General George Stoneman, dis- 
tinguished cavalry officer of the bloody '60s, and afterwards governor of this 
state, Lieutenant Derby, known to literary fame as "Squibob." also a number 
of other soldiers who afterwards became famous. Among the noted civilians 
were W. M. Boggs, ex-governor of Missouri, Count Agoston Haraszthy, a 
Hungarian nobleman, scientist and viticulturist, chief of the grape promoters 
of Sonoma valley ; Jasper O'Farrell, pioneer surveyor of the coast ; Judge D. 
O. Shattuck, Hon. George Pearce, and others of that troop of sterling men who 
have since disappeared over the Divide. 

PEOPLE OF THE OLD ADOBE HALLS. 

Echoing faintly through the old adobe halls, one seems to hear voices 
and the empty places are peopled with the viewless forms of those who walked 
here in the long ago. In that squad of Sonoma's early population were the 
Bear Flag men and that other grim company known as Stevenson's Regi- 
ment. It may be noted that those citizens, in general, were not of the class 
marked "Safe To Fool With." There were no professional "bad men" in that 
band of mavericks, but no doubt many gun barrels there showed the significant 
"notches." Captain Henry D. Fitch, before he located on Russian River, and 
George Pearce, before he studied law, were hotel keepers ; the latter came to 
California with General Stephen Kearny's command and took part in the blun- 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 141 

dering- fight at San Pasqual when the American forces were signally defeated. 
Several prominent physicians, scholarly and cultured men, were attracted to 
the locality — in fact, Sonoma was in a fair way to become the early center of 
culture under the American regime. Among these were Dr. Charles Van Gel- 
dern. Dr. August Heyermann, and Don Frederick Reger, an educated Belgian, 
instructor of the young Vallejos. 

Sonoma arose to the dignity of an incorporated city in 1850 and her first 
mayors were Messrs. Cameron, Vallejo and Hopkins. For years she was the 
county seat — by default of any other town being in the county. The pueblo 
possessed a "seaport," a landing on the creek where that stream nears San 
Pablo Bay, fittingly called by the Californians, "Embarcadero." The place is 
now burdened with the misnomer "St. Louis." Wherever and whenever the 
Americans have changed the original Spanish names there appears a bald, 
glaring, verbal blunder. Sonoma through her embarcadero had direct commu- 
nication with San Francisco, and with a market for her selling and buying. 

The fertility of this crescent-plain has passed into a proverb that is heard 
in all the tongues of the world. Its soil will produce from valley-floor to hill- 
crest and its vineyards that compete with the famous vines of middle Europe, 
lie on the warm, volcanic slopes of the surrounding uplands. The igneous 
loam as well as the sunshine gives fire to the vintage. Somebody has said 
that the grapevines would cover Vesuvius and Aetna, and hide the scars 
of the past, if their craters would "go dead." Besides the one hundred and 
six or seven thousand acres of the valley proper, thousands of acres on the wide 
bay frontage for years have been under process of reclamation, consequently it 
truthfully may be said that Sonoma valley is growing — encroaching on San 
Pablo Bay. However complete and splendid its present, there will always be 
a grander future for this rich vineyard of the New World. The missionaries 
brought from Spain, with the seed of the faith they were to plant, the seed of 
the vines they were to plant at each successive mission they founded, and 
these vines nurtured along the adobe walls, were the pioneers of the vines now 
running so luxuriantly over the warm Sonoma hills. 

THE IN-DWELLING SPIRIT OF THE MISSION GRAPE. 

And amid these the mind of the visiting moralist goes a-wander. Every- 
thing is so winey, and suggests the volatility — the spirit of some rare vintage 
grown and gathered in a forgotten long ago. The green, leafy rows where the 
clusters are accumulating wealth from soil and sun ; the place of pressing — 
the "wine-fats" of old literature ; the cave-like aging places where darkness 
and dust and cobwebs and years bring to the bottled blood of the vitis vitifera 
that matchless and perfect maturity. Possibly the genii of the grape — the 
wizardry of the wine — gets among his nerve-centers, though the in-dwelling 
spirit of a Mission grape should not inspire vagrant or irreverent thoughts. 
Yet will the loiterer among the padres' sacred vines hark back nearly eight cen- 
turies to the ancestral vineyards of the Mission grape, purpling under the 
blue Persian sky, where he will hear again Omar Khayyam in the mystic spell 
of Shiraz wine recite his quatrains of eastern philosophv that is older than 
the Magi : 

"And lately, by the tavern door agape, 

Came shining through the dusk an Angel Shape 



142 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Bearing a vessel on his shoulder ; and 
He bid me taste of it ; and 'twas — the Grape. 

"The Grape that can with logic absolute 
The Two-and-Seventy jarring sects confute: 

The sovereign Alchemist that in a trice 
Life's leaden metal into gold transmute : 

"Why, be this juice the growth of God, who dare 
Blaspheme the twisted tendrils as a snare? 
A blessing, we should use it, should we not? 
And if a curse — why, then, who set is there?" 

So the thought can hardly be characterized as vagrant as it is not so far a 
cry from a Sonoma Mission grape to a grape of its generic vintage twice four 
hundred golden autumns ago. The rather audacious sentiment expressed in 
the quatrains of the Rubaiyat may be a needed justification for ill influences of 
the profane parent stock, but the Mission grape grown in the odor of sanctity, 
pressed and blessed by church, has been shrived of the black-art sins of the 
Wizard East. That the priestly grape whose juice should be of the same brand 
as the wine served by the Savior at the wedding feast in Cana, should be 
caught confuting the seventy-two "jarring" faiths, is after all an idea rather 
vagrant, and possibly irreverent. 

WARM VOLCANIC SOIL FOR THE VINES. 

When the last cowled adobe-mason was working at the northern terminus 
of the "Camino Real" now at the ruined portal of Mission San Francisco de 
Solano, he noted that the crescent-shaped valley was well-watered, making 
irrigation an easy question for solution. So he found a patch of ground for 
his grape cuttings, to insure their living and producing, then turned to the sun- 
drying of the big mud bricks for his church. The early vineyardists always 
considered the grape vine a water-drinker and calling for moist soil to root 
in, and to the thin, sour wine they made they added spirits to sweeten it. The 
person who discovered the error of this belief was Colonel Agoston Haraszthy, 
a political exile from his native Hungary, and a man of rare culture. He 
reached Sonoma in 1856 and being a practical viniculturist, he virtually landed 
in the exact place prepared for him in the scheme of things. He first began 
importing vines from abroad, and these he planted on the higher lands sur- 
rounding the valley. The success of this venture proved that the grape is a true 
product of the slopes and not of the valley levels. Colonel Haraszthy soon 
became the head of the wine interests in the state. In 1861 he was sent as a 
government commissioner to Europe, where he made a thorough examination 
of the vineyards of the different wine countries of that continent and returned 
with three hundred varieties of vines which now produce the most valuable 
wines of the Pacific coast. Some of the vines proved to be superior to ethers, 
but all were found to maintain in this soil their distinctive native qualities, but 
the several hundred thousand roots and cuttings which he introduced to the 
virgin soil of Sonoma and other localities in the state, make California the 
wine growing state of the western continent. In 1862 he was chosen president 
of the State Agricultural Society and next vear he organized the Buena Vista 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 143 

Vinicultural Society, to which he conveyed his four hundred acre vineyard in 
Sonoma. In 1869, while a resident of Nicaragua, he mysteriously disappeared. 
It is supposed that while attempting to cross a river on his plantation he fell 
into the water and was drowned. The remains were never found. The advan- 
tages possessed by California as a wine-growing country have been ably set 
forth by Arpad Haraszthy, son of the Colonel, in published articles, portions 
of which are here given : 

"California has one distinct advantage over any wine-producing country 
on the globe, and that is the certainty, constancy and duration of her dry sea- 
son. The grape is a fruit that needs, above all others, a warm sunshine, with- 
out interruption, from the time that the blossoms set forth their tender flowers 
until they gradually develop into their rich, luscious fruit in October. This 
advantage has always existed here, as far back as our record extends and no 
rain or hail ever destroyed the tender fruit. The sure and uninterrupted dura- 
tion of this dry weather secures a crop without a chance of failure and ripens 
the grape to perfection. One of the most serious drawbacks in all other parts 
of the world is the uncertainty of the seasons and the entire variance from 
preceding ones, thus creating a great difference in the quality of the wine pro- 
duced in successive vintages. This difference in quality is so great that 
it is quite common to find the prices vary from one to two hundred per cent in 
the same district. The products of the renowned vineyards have been known 
to have fluctuated even to a greater extent. In Europe they only reckon to 
secure in ten years one good crop of fine quality, but small quantity; while 
seven vintages are reckoned as being of poor quality, small quantity, and total 
failures. In our state the variation in quality seldom amounts to five per cent, 
while the most disastrous years have not lessened the crop below the ordinary 
yield more than twenty-five per cent in quantity. This variation in quantity 
can be fully known three months previous to the vintage, thus allowing the 
producer ample time to secure his casks, and furnishing him positive knowledge 
as to the number required. In other countries, even fourteen days before the 
vintage, there is no certainty of a crop ; a wind, a rain, a hail-storm is apt to 
occur at any moment and devastate the entire vintage. All is uncertainty there ; 
nor has the vintner any possible means of positively ascertaining how many 
casks he must provide. In abundant years in the old countries, the exchange 
has often been made of so many gallons of wine for an equal number of gal- 
lons' capacity of casks. The disadvantages of being forced to secure such im- 
mense quantities of casks in so limited a period are easily perceived and we 
certainly cannot appreciate our own advantage too much in being differently 
situated. Another great benefit derived from the long continuance of the dry 
weather, is the exemption from weeds in our vineyards after the final plowing. 
Thus all the nourishment and strength of the soil go wholly to their destina- 
tion, the vine, and hence the vigorous appearance that even the most delicate 
imported varieties acquire even in our poorest soils. This circumstance will 
also explain, in a measure, why our cultivation does not cost as much per acre 
as that in European countries, though our iabor is much higher. The advan- 
tage of our dry weather does not end here ; it precludes the possibility of con- 
tinued mildew and allows the vintner to leave his wines unstaked, the bunches 
of grapes actually lying, and securely ripening on the ground without fear of 



i 4 4 HISTORY <)F SONOMA COUNTY 

frost or of rotting. In this condition the grapes mature sooner, are sweeter 
and possess more flavor. 

"Above and beyond the ability and advantage we have of producing all 
kinds of grapes to perfection, of making from them wines that are pleasant, 
inviting to the taste, and which will keep, with but little skill and care, for 
years, whose limit has not yet been found, we still have a greater advantage 
over European vintners in the cheapness of our cultivation. Labor, material, 
and interest are all very high with us, nevertheless, the setting out and cultiva- 
tion of an acre of vineyard costs less in California than it does in France. For 
this we are as much indebted to our improved means of cultivation as to the 
nature of our climate. All labor, in the majority of the wine districts of 
Europe, is done by hand. We use the horse and plow, while they use the prong- 
hoe and spade, and with few exceptions they actually dig and hoe up their 
entire vineyards. After our spring cultivation is over, we need not go into our 
vineyards, and, having no summer rains, weeding is not necessary, and still 
their freeness from weeds and their clean appearance strike the stranger with 
surprise. Owing to the contrary, to the wet season of Europe, the vine-dress- 
ers are constantly kept among the vines, trying to give them a clean appear- 
ance, but in spite of all their efforts, they but imperfectly succeed, and their 
vineyards never possess that appearance of high and perfect cultivation that is 
so apparent in our own."' 

FROM THE PADRE'S EARLY VINEYARD. 

Thus in the written description by one of Sonoma's most intelligent and 
practical wine-growers may be seen the wonderful place Nature, the great 
vine-dresser, has prepared for the cultivation of that peerless plant — the grape. 
Since the morning when man started on humanity's long trek westward from 
his cradle in the Himalayan hills this princely scion of the vegetable kingdom 
has been a part of his domestic impedimenta and wherever in his migration 
he has halted, the vineyard has soon appeared near the new home. In the 
desert and desolate places of earth where the currents of life run slow, the grape, 
and its noble brother, the fig, have shaded with their broad, green leaves, the 
desert-dweller, or have fed him from their never failing store, until "Under- 
the-Vine-and-Figtree" has long been in the east the synonym of peace and 
plenty. It would seem that this last and final stopping place of the race migra- 
tion has been found to be the perfect habitat of the grape ; that this plutonic 
loam holds yet a portion of its original heat; and that the rainless summer 
lapping over the autumn even to an often-belated winter, gives the growing 
fruit long golden days and mild, temperate eves in which to gather richness 
from sun and soil. In proof of this it may be mentioned that the vintage of 
1910 in Europe is lower than in any year during the last century. Lack of sun- 
shine during the spring and early summer, and excessive humidity throughout 
the entire season, all of which engendering various forms of insect life, blight- 
ing the grapes and destroying the harvest, are the causes of the disaster. All 
the wine-producing countries of Europe are affected, and the consular reports 
state that in France this is little short of a national calamity. Nor have the 
vineyard places of Sonoma failed in any particular, of their early promise to 
Aitimira as he entered the beautiful valley in that June of 1823. "No one can 
doubt the benignity of the Sonoma climate," wrote the Father in his journal, 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 145 

"'after noting the plants, the lofty and shady trees — and especially the abundance 
and luxuriance of the wild grapes. The permanent springs are almost 

innumerable. * We saw from these and other facts that Sonoma is a 

most desirable site for a mission.'' And the output of wines, vintage after vin- 
tage, is superior on average to the product from any other country, not even 
excepting France. Long has it been known that much of the wines shipped 
from that country is a mixture of their inferior grades, flavored in imitation, 
artificially sweetened, strengthened with cheap alcohol and colored with chem- 
icals. This delectable combination is "watered" down to the claret per cent 
and in bottles that have the "grand foreign air" it sold in competition with pure 
California wines. And it is sold, too, because the American buyer is an anomoly 
in the market. He loves his incomparable country and its domestic institu- 
tions, certainly — in theory, and in practice he prefers the foreign article with its 
antique labels and artistic packings. Even before Colonel Haraszthy demon- 
strated that a California grapevine without old world nursing and without irri- 
gation could turn out prize wine, the Sonoma vineyards were doing well. Sal- 
vador Vallejo probably was the pioneer grower of the valley and county, his 
vineyard being a part of what is now the big Buena Vista tract. In 1850, 
General Vallejo had about three acres in vines at Lachryma Montis, his home 
near the town, which netted him that year in the San Francisco market six 
thousand dollars. 

From those small patches of vines have grown the noble vineyards of 
Kohler and Frohling, W. McPherson Hill, La Motte, Herman, Warfield, Wrat- 
ten, Craig, Tichner, Dressel, Gundlach. Snyder, Winchel, Hayes, Leavenworth 
and others. The Buena Vista vineyard is one of the largest in California, it 
being a portion of the six thousand acre tract belonging to the Buena Vista 
Vinicultural Society. Its winery plant is probably one of the most perfect in 
the world — modernized to the latest instant, and constructed against the side 
of a convenient hill it utilized the interior of the elevation and in the under- 
ground galleries the product gathers age and maturity. Nicholas Carriger 
dropped into the valley the year of the Bear Flag, and saw Jacob P. 
Leese, who then occupied a portion of the Buena Vista tract, making wine. 
The process was crude — the grapes being placed in a soft cow-hide and tramped 
out by Indians. Leese gave the newcomer some cuttings which were planted 
in the pueblo, but he hurried off to the mines and during his absence Vallejo's 
cattle pastured on the young vineyard. In 1849 he began planting his present 
extensive grape tracts, and construction of the costly winery on the Carriger 
estate, three miles west from town. While all of the many wine-growing estab- 
lishments of Sonoma add their individual testimony to the adaptability of this 
locality for grapes, it is on the estate of Colonel George F. Hooper that the 
most thorough fruit culture try-out has been made. In vineyard, orchard and 
grove, wealth, science and industry have proven that there are very few things 
that will not grow in Sonoma. Its soil apparently is "middle ground" between 
the zones of earth's vast acreage, and seemingly a true home for its cosmopoli- 
tan vegetation. A seed or cutting transported over seas finds here conditions 
ideal and identical with its natal place of growing. 



i4<> HISTORY OF S( >N< >M \ C< >UNTY 



CHAPTER XXX. 

VULCAN— BUILDER OP A CONTINENT. 

When Vulcan, the classic genus of the earthquake, the busy blacksmith 
whose forge is in the volcano, but up this coast, there geysered up through 
the broken crust of the planet, from somewhere, several thousand springs, 
some that give off hot and cold water, pure and simple, fit for man and beast, 
while others are chemicals in solution, puddles of sulphur, rills of iron, or soda 
fountains which nature set playing away in the wilderness awaiting the health 
resorter. Sonoma early received her apportionment of mineral gushers — pos- 
sibly because of her nearness to Mount St. Helena, the mother mountain of 
these basaltic hills born from her flaming craters in that far day when the lava 
floods swept the plains. So among the vineyards, orchards and oak groves are 
the hot, cold, fresh, salted, fountains from the cavern sea, each in its own 
channel, piped directly from the central laboratory where the gnome-alchemists 
of the underworld "around about their caldrons go." Padre Altimira wrote 
in his log book — "We descended into the plain and in less than one-fourth of 
a league we found six hundred and seven springs of water." Down under 
that green vale a mighty river — feeder of those six hundred springs — is 
flowing, somber because no ray of light ever falls on its surface, and silent 
because no earthly ear can catch and change to sound the pulsation of its 
splashings. The thought recalls Coleridge"s poem composed in a dream — 
"In Xanadu did Kubla Khan 

A stately pleasure-dome decree, 

Where Alph, the sacred river ran 

Through caverns measureless to man, 
Down to a sunless sea." 
In this plutonic land where the mountain chain is the upheaval of forces 
underneath, and the valley-level is the erosion of hilltops into the deep gorges 
below, the reminders of the strange, the weird, and the horror of that evolu- 
tion are ever at one*s elbow. It is a whimsical, yet true, idea that the broad 
central llano of this county was once an abyss, a great ditch — depth unknown — 
full of Pacific Ocean, whose tides sweeping northward between side-walls of 
coast-range, splashed against the highlands around Healdsburg and Cloverdale ; 
and that the side-walls of hills were loftier — even Alpine in altitude — before 
they began to wear down into the seas at their feet. To move on in the geo- 
logical dream, the filling in went daily and yearly and centuryly ahead. The 
tides passed no farther than the Russian river valley, and presently — ages 
may pass in the "presently" of that period — that river over dry land was cutting 
itself the crooked ditch it now uses in its run to the sea. As the detrition con- 
tinued the ocean stopped below Santa Rosa and the newly-formed creeks in that 
valley had to work their own way through the newly-formed soil or be dammed. 
More ages lost themselves in the lost past and enough mountain had washed 
down to check the tide farther south, and what is now the Petaluma plain began 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 147 

to be shoal-water. And the next change reported — though its date is uncer- 
tain — is that the sea had been blocked in the swamp lands south of Petaluma. 
So the ocean retired through the Golden Gate, but leaving a great dry central 
valley, and at the southern end of if, San Pablo Bay — for another invasion 
northward should another volcanic disturbance drop the floor of the plain be- 
low the sea-level. A similar contract was completed about the same time in 
Sonoma valley, in fact a monster work of reclamation along the western rim 
of this hemisphere was then finished, and this was the evening of the first day 
of local creation. 

THE REDWOODS GREW DEEP. 

Vegetation came to the new district. Whence — we do not hazard a reply, 
except in the matter of the redwoods — the evergreen sequoia, which science 
calls "sempervirens," and not without reason, for they seem to be a deathless 
remnant of the order coniferae, indigene of the sub-carboniferous age, a pretty 
low plane in the strata-deeps that mark the building-periods of this multi- 
million-year-old planet. Think of it, — below the Cretaceous, the shell of vast 
seas ; below the Jurassic — the slate deposit ; below the Triassic — the old red 
sandstone ; down under the far coal measures. But these trees are going now. 
Volcanoes, earthquakes, all the stupendous forces that have heaved and racked 
the old globe in and out of shape — the crash and drag and grind of the slow 
moving, countless centuries, could not break the life-line of these noble trees 
till man the real, the perfect destroyer, appears on the earth. Man has not de- 
stroyed Death — who will one day destroy his human rival — but the wrecking 
homo often trespasses on the domain of the grisled-monarch. But this is 
ahead of the geological story. Then was the evening of the second day. 

Some "tall guessing" must be indulged in — must be permitted — regarding 
date of coming, and personal characteristics of the pioneer mammalia of this 
then newly laid-out happy hunting ground, as little is known of it except a 
fragment of data science has scraped from the thighbone of a mastodon found 
conserved in the mud of Petaluma creek. That bit of fossil could not fit a 
Missouri mule, and General Vallejo never confessed to the ownership of a 
Spanish steer of that heft. Possibly it was the solitary escape from its pre- 
historic home-woods in the Petrified Forest near Geyserville at the time those 
trees were withered and became their own gravestones ; or when St. Helena 
had opened her furnace valves and was raining death around. And in a wild 
run across the quaking plain, showered with ashes and pursued by waves of lava, 
the animal had mired and entombed itself in the morass where found. Follow- 
ing the mammoth and the ponderous members of his quadrupedal set came a 
later growth of the old stock — the genera ursine, feline, cervine, lupine, but in 
the tongue of the present countryside — bear, panther, deer, wolf, also the smaller 
fry of the family. And this was the evening of the third day. 

Then following his brother-mammal came man — the more voracious animal 
of the two immigrants. Whether he came from the places of the cave dwellers, 
or from a more modern settlement somewhere on the bleak Siberian steppes, 
"hot-footing" it over the ice of Bering Straits before the returning summer 
melted his winter bridge, cannot with certainty be written. He was here feed- 
ing free on the fauna and everything else edible to a Digger Indian when we 
landed and set history recording his presence and his end. And finishes the 
fourth and the genesis of this local creation. 



148 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

DEVIL WATERS FOR THE HEALING OF THE NATIONS. 

This dream is made of real "stuff." The craters of St. Helena are cold 
and her prehistoric lava output is the basalt block of modern commerce. The 
earthquakes that jumbled the continent into gorge and cliff, and tilted the 
mathematically-level strata into dips and spurs and angles, and general geolog- 
ical chaos, are not doing the business of the busy long-ago. Occasionally we 
feel a shiver running through our eminent domain like the muscular quiverings 
in a lifeless body, but though the tremblor moves us it does not move the 
mountains around us off their foundations, so we stick to our claims. Sonoma 
valley is Sonoma township, the area lying within the Napa line on the east, 
the bay shore on the south, the high range of hill on the west, and a zigzag 
line running easterly and westerly just south of Eldridge. This places the 
pretty little village of Glen Ellen — its name reminding one of some bonny 
heather hamlet of Scotland — with her highlands and lowlands, in a township 
all her own. In the Sonoma region are the aguas caliente, whose thermal 
mineral waters bubble for the healing of the nations, among which are the 
Boyes Hot Springs on the old Leavenworth rancho in the northern part of the 
valley. This well known and very popular health resort could date the beginning 
of its popularity before dates were used in the markings of time-flights. The 
Indians found the spring boiling and bubbling in its own hot vapors from the 
ground, and though fully believing that the heated water and malodorous gases 
were directly from the Devil, they also believed there were curative virtues in 
the demon fountain. The only thing in their wood-lore they did not understand 
and did fear was the High Priest of Evil, whose abode they supposed was in 
underground places; and the eerie sounds they heard coming from the pent-up 
flow of gas and water were the chantings of some diabolical choir. So their 
sweathouse stood near the spring, and for generations — possibly ages^-this 
aboriginal sanitarium with its healthful heat, this fountain of Hygeia toiling 
and bubbling, like the troubled Pool of Bethesda, was the hope of the tribal 
afflicted. Dr. Leavenworth constructed a small bath-house and a tank at the 
spring and made it the pioneer health resort of the county. The doctor was 
peculiar and eccentric to the explosive point — which point one day he reached 
during a violent discussion with his wife over the cashiership of the institution. 
In his rage he burned the bath house and filled the tank with earth and stones 
and went out of business. Many years after General Vallejo told Mr. and 
Mrs. Boyes. a health-seeking couple just from England, of the existence of the 
old spring, and recommended its mineral waters. Mr. Boyes after long probing 
in the swampy soil found the old tank- in its excavation. Tt was cleaned out 
and the long choked fountain set boiling again. The re-discoverers found the 
lost mineral spring a mine indeed, and the place well improved with modern 
conveniences is now one of the most popular health-producing resorts in the 
state. 

MOVING THE COUNTY SEAT. 

As the countv was becoming more populated the location of its seat of 
government nearer the geographical center became a matter of public interest. 
In 1854 Mr. Bennett introduced a bill in the legislature authorizing a vote on 
the question of transferring the county seat from Sonoma to some other loca-, 
tion. The transfer really began the year before when Joe Hooker and J. W. 
Bennett started in the run for the assembly. The question of county seat removal 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 149 

was not a publicly-discussed issue in the contest, but the fact that Bennett 
received an almost unanimous vote in Santa Rosa, demonstrated that the "Court- 
house" was then in the ballot-box. The general tally-sheet of this early elec- 
tion is of interest showing how public opinion on county seat removal then 
stood, and the result, first figures for Santa Rosa, second for Sonoma, is here 
given: Sonoma, 21, 209, — the ballot, at least in Sonoma, must have been ex- 
tremely "secret," as nothing serious regarding those "21" voters is on record; 
Santa- Rosa, 195, 1, — that lone apostate "1" perchance has long slumbered in 
its grave unidentified : Petaluma, 32, 233, — Petaluma's opposition to Santa Rosa 
as a county seat was manifested early in the city of the Punta de los Esteros : 
Analy, 138, 27; Estero Americano, 29, 16: Bodega, 54, 1; Bodega Point, 64, 
O; Vallejo, 42, 17; Russian River, 85, 1; Washington, 16, 13; Mendocino, 39, 
3; Big River, 1, 26; Fort Ross, o, 16; — distance to the county seat was evidently 
no object to the voters of the last two precincts, or else they never expected to 
make the journey. 

HOW JIM WILLIAMSON STOLE THE COURTHOUSE. 

By a vote of 716 to 563 the "court-house" left Sonoma, as a newspaper 
man of that period graphically writes, — "On Jim Williamson's two-mule 
wagon." Even with the popular decision against them the Sonoma people were 
loth to let the institution go, but a little head-work by N. McC. Menefee, and no 
little foot-work by Jim Williamson's team of mules quietly passed the county- 
government from the pueblo. The man and the mules also have "passed," but 
their part in "the stealing of the court-house" merits honorable mention. Mene- 
fee was the county clerk, having only one leg, but he could get around rapidly. 
"Jim" and "Liza" were the team, but unlike the general run of mules, could, 
and would — and did — move with speed. By arrangement with the supervisors 
Williamson camped near Sonoma the night before the day of the removal, 
and next morning having received a quiet notification that the board had 
officially adopted the "move" resolution, he was at the door of the building. 
William Boggs and several other persons anticipating the move were trying 
to get out an injunction, even rushing a courier off to Napa for that pur- 
pose — but before the citizens in the vicinity were fully alive to the job, the 
county records, including the dusty old documents of the alcaldes, had been 
"rushed" aboard the wagon, and Jim and Liza were treading the "high-places" 
for Santa Rosa. Williamson was at the brake — which he never used in all thai 
wild, twenty-two mile flight, and which lasted just one hundred minutes. Menefee 
beside him on the spring-wagon seat, had to let his jointless artificial leg— £ 
mere wooden stick — rest on the dash-board, the end of the "peg" only a few 
inches from Liza's lively body. If she lagged ever so slightly in the mad pace 
she touched Menefee's peg-leg and this would almost jump her through the 
collar. Dropping down into a gulch or any of the many low places of the rough 
road and starting to rise in the corresponding ascent Liza would not fail to get 
"a good punch," and this, reports her owner, "sent the team up faster than it 
had come down." 

Menefee expected they would be overhauled by Sheriff Israel Brockman 

with the writ, and he intended to take to the woods giving the injunction a 

run through the brush ; knowing that as an official he would be sought for service 

of the paper, and Williamson would l>e left to continue the journey. Even 

10 



150 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

with a wooden-leg he grittily determined to keep Brockman on the trail until 
Jim and Liza got home. They were not overtaken, but landed the "court-house" 
in Santa Rosa, — time, 4 :54. Jim Williamson — everybody calls him "Jim," is 
yet a citizen of the county-seat he "stole." and the petty-larcenous character of 
the act in nowise detracts from his popularity. Liza and the other Jim are 
no more, but their famous Hundred Minute Run is a living record. District 
Attorney McNair for his services allowed himself $250, but the supervisors 
amended it to $100. Jim Williamson modestly thought $15 was enough for 
the mules and himself, and the board thought likewise. 

IN MEMORIAM. 

The general sorrow in the pueblo over the loss appears to have found pub- 
lic expression in the following "in memorium" of editor A. J. Cox of the Sonoma 
Bulletin : 

Departed. — Last Friday the county officers with the archives left town 
for the new capital amidst the exulting grins of some, and silent disapproval 
(frowning visages) of others. We are only sorry they did not take the adobe 
courthouse along — not because it would be an ornament to Santa Rosa, but be- 
cause its removal would have embellished our plaza. Alas. "Old casa de 
adobe." No more do we see county lawyers and loafers in general, lazily en- 
gaged in the laudable effort of whittling asunder the veranda posts — which, 
by the way, require but little more cutting to bring the whole dilapidated fabric 
to the ground. No more shall we hear within and without and around it, 
lengthy political discussions, on which were supposed (by the discussers) to 
hang the fate of the world. The court house is deserted, like some old feudal 
castle, only tenanted, perhaps, by rats and fleas. In the classic language of no 
one in particular, "Let 'er RIP." 

THE ROLL OF HONOR. 

California arrived at statehood September 9, 1850, and the Sonoma Dis- 
trict builders of the state, also their male descendants, comprising the counties 
of Napa-, Lake, Mendocino, Marin and Sonoma, and whose names are among 
those in the cornerstone of this commonwealth, are as follows : 

William C. Adams, Louis Adler, Pierre Augardes, Stephen Akers, John 
Abbott, S. J. Agnew, O. S. Allen, J. M. Armstrong, Joseph Albertson, W. G. 
Alban, Thomas Allen, Horatio Appleton, N. H. Amesbury, D. H. Alderson, 
John Hall Allison, Charles H. Allen, W. F. Allen, Charles Alexander, Charles 
G. Ames. 

William M. Boggs, J. W. Boggs, H. E. Boggs, A. C. Boggs, H. C. Boggs, 
George W. Boggs, Joseph O. Boggs, Theodore Boggs, L. W. Boggs, J. B. Bean, 
William H. Brady, Herman Baruh, A. A. Basignano, E. Briggs, Louis Bruck, 
John Brown, Edward F. Bale, Samuel Brown, William Board, John F. Boyce, 
j. S. Brackett, David Burris, I. S. Bradford, R. Bunnell, R. T. Barker,' R. 
F. Barker, John N. Bailhache, E. N. Boynton, A. R. Barney, J. D. Beam, H. 
H. Bower, William P. Boyce, M. C. Briggs, H. W. Baker, Erwin Barry, Sjm 
H. Buford, Sanford Bennett, Elias Bennett, William Baldridge, J. N. Bennett, 
P. G. Baxter, Jesse Beasley, Z. Briggs. Robert Brownlie, Jonathan A. Bond, 
Peter D. Bailey, John Bright, T. C. Brown, A. B. Borrell. John Bailiff. William 
Bradford. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 151 

Nicholas Carriger, Solomon H. Carriger, C. C. Carriger, A. B. Carriger, 
Julio Carrillo, William Cory, Columbus Carlton, John Cavanagh, Howard 
Clark, G. W. Clark, W. W. Carpenter, B. L. Cook, T. S. Cooper, J. R. Cooper, 
W. L. Copeland, R. Crane, J. Clark, O. W. Craig, G. W. Cornell, W. M. Cole- 
man, E. Coleman, H. K. Clark, S. B. Carpenter, V. B. Cook, D. Chamberlin, 
J. Cairn, O. Clark, W. R. Coburn, J. L. Cook, J. J. Coghill, L. Carson, J. C. 
Crigler, J. Custer, B. Capell, J. Cyrus, A. J. Cox, S. Clark, L. Chapman, Nathan 
Combs, D. C. Crockett, Dr. C. Crouch, W. R. Cook, J. Chauvet. 

H. Decker, M. Donohue, H. W. Dickinson, D. D. Davisson, M. Dorman, 

B. W. Diffendorffer, E. L. Davis, N. Dunbar, J. Dickerson, A. J. Dollarhide, 
J. W. Easter, T. Earl, E. Emerson, B. E. Edsal, L. F. Eaton, W. Edgington, 
A. Y. Easterby, W. Ellis, J. Fernald, J. F. Fowler, J. M. Freeman, A. J. W. 
Faure, J. T. Fortson, J. Fulton, J. W. Flavell, H. Fowler, W. Fowler, W. A. 
Fisher, S. W. Faudre, F. Fisher. 

J. M. Gregson, T. C. Gray, F. P. Green, O. Greig, J. Gibson, W. Green, 
J. R Green, J. Gallagher, W. W. Greening, A. J. Gordon. J. Griffith, J. J. 
Goodin. Dr. J. B. Gordon, G. G. Gardner, W. Gordon, C. Griffith, J. Grigsby, 
G. Grigsby, P. D. Grigsby, J. T. Grigsby, R. A. Gill, A. J. Gilbraithe, E. Gillen, 
P. Gesford. 

J. Henly, W. Hood, T. Hopper, H. Hall. L. M. Harmon, C. Humphries, 
H. Hill, W. M. Hill, D. Hudson, J. Henry. T. B. Hopper, B. Hoen, H. H. Hall, 
S. H. Hyman, A. Hixson, A. Haraszthy, L. C. Hubbard, H. P. Holmes, J. W. 
Harlan, T. F. Hudson, W. B. Hagans, C. Hazelrigg, J. B. Holloway, W. H. Hol- 
laday, J. B. Horrel, J. Henry, W. Hargrave, M. Hudson, J. Hudson, J. Har- 
bin, M. Harbin, G. Hallet, W. A. Haskins, F. M. Hackett, L. Higgins, J. H. 
Howland, I. Howell, J. Howell, D. Howell, M. R. Hardin, R. S. Hardin, C. 
Hartson, R. D. Hopkins, W. Houx, A. Henry, L. Haskell. R. A. Harvey. 

M. Ingler, R. Jones, B. Joy, E. Justi, E. K. Jenner, D. Jones, C. Juarez, 
J. A. Jamieson, G. E. Jewitt," A. Krippenstapel, F. Keller, H. Kreuse, A. Kohle, 
J. Knight, T. Knight, R. Kennedy, W. W. Kennedy, R. L. Kilburn. I. Kellogg, 
A. W. King, W. Kilburn, L. Kilburn. 

C. W. Lubeck, N. Long, R. Lennox, G. W. Lewis, J. H. Lane, C. H. Lam- 
kin, J. A. Losse. J. Lutgens, H. H. Lewis. H. D. Day, A. J. Lafevre, B, Little, 
F. F. Lamden, J. B. Lamar, G. Linn, Dr. T. M. Leavenworth, H. Ludolph. 

J. E. Mcintosh, N. E. Manning, R. McGee, W. E. McConnell, J. Mc- 
Laughlin, S. McDonough, W. Montgomery, J. H. McCord. J. M. Mansfield. 
R. G. Merritt, D. B. Morgan, P. McChristian, G. W. McCain. J. Munday, 
M. T. McClellan, J. McConnick, L. W. Mayer. J. W. Morris, J. R. Moore, 
A. C. McDonald, W. J. March, J. Sedgley, J. H. Seipp, Jas. Singley, F. Sears, 
J. Stewart, A. A. Solomon, J. H. Sturtevant, C. J. Son. J. F. Shinn, C. Stew- 
art T. Smith, J. Still, J. Stiltz. W. C. Smith, J. J. Swift. J. Somers, A. Stines, 
Dr. B. Shurtleff, J. Short. 

Smith D. Towne, G. Tomkins, Edward Towne, W. S. Thomas, C. C. Toler, 

C. Talbot, R. Tucker, J. Tucker, G. Tucker, William Truebody, J. Truebody, 
W. Truebody, S. Tucker, T. H. Thompson, William Topping, G. W. Thompson. 

J. Udali, F. Uhlhorn. 

F. A'an Hallan, P. J. Yasquez, A. Von Quitsow, A. Van Berver, M. G. 
Vallejo, Salvator Vallejo, A. J. Van Winkle. 



15^ HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

David Wharff, W. S. W. Wright, Joseph Wright, H. L. Weston, 
IT. M. Wilson, J. A. Williams, J. Walton, A. A. White, D. W. Walker, T- 
Wooden, W. H. Winters, J. Wilson; J. Westfall, R. B. Woodward. C. B. Wines, 
J. B. Walden, J. M. White. P. Ward, A. 1. Willis. 

D. York, H. York, J. York. 

L. W. Znaeer. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 153 



CHAPTER XXXI. 
WITHIN THE VALE OP SANTA ROSA DE LIMA. 

Santa Rosa de Lima, titular patroness of the capital city of Peru, was born 
in that place April 20, 1586, and died there August 24, 1617, after her almost 
entire life of thirty-one years passed in the austere existence of a nun of St. 
Dominic. Her family was of noble birth in Old Spain, numbering in its line 
many cultured and illustrious persons. Because of the remarkable flower-like 
beauty of the babe, her face showing forth the faint tintings of the queen rose 
of the Lima, there could be only one fitting name for her — Rose, and she was 
named Rose of Saint Mary. Even while little more than a child she evinced 
the deep spiritual feeling of a person of mature years, and such was her exalted 
and saintly character, that fifty-one years after her death, her beatification took 
place, and in 1671 she was canonized by the order of Pope Clement X, who 
appointed August 30th for her feast day. In Lima this day is celebrated in 
politico-religious splendor. In a great procession is carried her image covered 
with priceless jewels and decorated with beautiful red roses for which the 
South American city is famous. 

August 30, 1829, Padre Juan Amoroso, the founder of Mission San Rafael, 
with Jose Cantua, an attendant, held religious services on the bank of the 
River Chocoalomi — the name of a small stream which flows through the pres- 
ent county seat of Sonoma, and about a mile above the city. The zealous priest 
was doing missionary work, and under the trees he struggled in language 
laboriously fitted to their simple understanding, to portray the godliness of the 
Peruvian saint — it being her fast day. The spirituality of a California Indian, 
the mission fathers found to be a rocky field to toil in, but this day, Padre 
Amoroso labored not wholly in vain, as one convert — a young girl — expressed 
a willingness to accept the faith of that other girl spoken of by the white 
stranger. He baptized her there giving her the name of Rosa. Then he ab- 
ruptly ended his ministrations on the Rio Chocoalomi, and the next minute — 
or less — he was aboard his mustang and flying south-bound through the wild 
oats with half a hundred yelling Indians trying to stick him as full of arrows 
as St. Sebastian. 

They had sat around on the banks of the stream and curiously watched 
the unknown "medicine man"' at his strange ceremonies, and they had enjoyed 
the entertainment until he came to the rite of baptism. This mystic perform- 
ance was too much for their primitive nerves and they arose as one "Injun" 
and the whole rancheria broke loose. Talking to the braves even though they 
did not in the least understand the talk, was harmless ; but bewitching a squaw 
with what seemed to be magic incantations was a deadly peril to the tribe. 
Father John safely reached Mission San Rafael, thanks to his good horse which 
had sufficient Andalusian thoroughbred in his heels to lead the biped racers ; 
and which "stunt" the priest fully appreciated, for he named the animal "Cen- 



154 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

tella,'' a direct reference to the lightning-like dash back to Marin county. 
Cantua after considerable dodging and doubling on the trail, landed in San 
Rafael next day, his condition being what may be described as ''all in." The 
padre continued his mission among the natives of the coast, but there is no 
record of Jose ever taking any more interest in their moral advancement. 

ROSA SLIPS WRAITH-LIKE FROM SIGHT. 

In the confusion of the missionary's hurried hegira from the valley, Rosa, 
after this brief appearance, slips wraith-like out of history, whither no man 
knoweth. Such is to be regretted ; she might have become the wife of some 
early Sonoma pioneer and the mahala-mother of a race of F. F. C. blue-bloods, 
like Pocahontas and her Virginians ; or she might have been the theme of an 
immortal poem to tinkle like running water through old western forests, re- 
minding one of Minnehaha. But the red people of the Chocoalomi rushed 
the white medicine man out of the scene and his neophyte back into the wilds 
so suddenly that her story ends unfinished. Whether Rosa renounced her new 
faith or suffered martyrdom for it and became a second edition of Santa Rosa 
de Lima, no "early settler'' in voluminous reminiscence has told. But her 
name-in-religion, and the name of her saintly patroness live in the stream whose 
lustral waters in sacred rite confirmed her Christianity; live in the floral city 
of the north where the Liman roses bloom in all the saintly beauty of the flower- 
sisterhood under the towering walls of the Andes ; live in the broad vega parked 
under its oaks, the level llano mapping itself out in fields of unfailing harvests. 
So the story and the name have drifted down the stream from the place 
of baptism — even changing the stream — the padre's Jordan, to Santa Rosa 
creek. They gave title to the township of Santa Rosa, to the plain or Llano 
de Santa Rosa, also to the Rancho Cabesa de Santa Rosa, in the center of which 
is the city of Santa Rosa, and through which the creek flows. Farther west 
the stream finds the Laguna de Santa Rosa and during a joint run north they 
meet Mark West creek, when after a few more miles towards the west, all 
three splash into the Russian river ; and mingling, the quartet ripple on to the 
sea. 

BEAUTIFUL SPANISH NAMES. 

Saint Rose of Lima, almost three hundred years in her tomb, is but a shred 
of memory and a handful of ashes — possibly the ashes are but a memory, but 
her noble name is pretty well spread over the middle belt of Sonoma county. 
What a genius was the Spaniard — especially the Spanish padre — for titles. 
Having as a base the tonal harmonies of his language — itself a child of the 
sonorous Latin — he has given Las Californias names holding marvelous cathe- 
dral melodies that will never die. 

The gringo in California seems to have made it his life-work to mar the 
noble music of these names. Occasionally he will change the native or Spanish 
to titles senseless, foreign and unfitting. Very few Spanish names or words 
are now correctly spoken in California by Americans ; even in the schools little 
effort is made to teach the perfect pronunciation of the state's geographical 
names. In San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles and in Vallejo the city names 
are on every street mis-spoken. In Santa Rosa the town-title is carelessly, even 
slovenly pronounced. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 155 

The Indian girl here evoked from the forgotten past to round out a tale, 
was only a flash, an instant on the scene and was gone, but in that breath of 
being she was the medium through which passed the flower-title from saint to 
city — Santa Rosa. 

TOWNSHIP OF SANTA ROSA. 

Santa Rosa township, to locate it in description more simple than the mathe- 
matical phraseology of the surveyor, may be mapped thus : Beginning at its 
northwest corner, the junction of Laguna de Santa Rosa and Mark West creek 
the boundary line runs easterly up that creek as far as there is any creek, then 
takes a cross-country run to Napa county. North of this line are Russian river 
and Knight's Valley townships. Santa Rosa township then uses the county 
boundary as far south as a point east of Santa Rosa, thence the line veers west 
to the headwaters of Sonoma creek, thence down this accommodating stream 
through Kenwood — one time Los Guilicos — then jumping the creek in time to 
leave Glen Ellen to the east in her own township, then after a short northwest 
clash, corners and runs directly south towards Mount Sonoma as though it in- 
tended to run over that peak. But it doesn't, for it turns at right angles several 
miles short of that elevation and darts west across the valley to Laguna de Santa 
Rosa, near Sebastopol and uses that stream as the western boundary to the place 
of beginning. This incloses a space of about 130,000 acres of land, or an area 
equal to about fifteen miles square. Probably 100,000 acres of this — all not on 
the high mountain lands — are producing grains, fruits and grapes. Santa Rosa 
valley is the central part of the great Sonoma plain — a big auditorium lying 
between its side-walls of mountain range and reaching from San Pablo to Rus- 
sian river, while cupped within these mountain walls are tributary valleys, on 
the alluvial floors of which grow the cereals and fruits ; while on the warm upper 
slopes, where the ancient volcanic flame is yet in the soil, the grapes gather 
sugar for the rich vintage. 

There was no further attempt after Amoroso's visit, to make Santa Rosa 
valley blossom as the rose or anything else until 1834, when Mexico bestirred 
herself to get more people into the territory. A number of immigrants from the 
republic and the southern portion of California came to this locality and a town 
called Santa Ana y Farias started into being on the bank of Mark West creek. 
They parted the name of the place in the middle because of the uncertainty of 
political conditions in Mexico. Gomez Farias was president of that republic, 
with vice president Santa Ana an exceedingly close second — too close in that 
land of revolutions and lightning official changes. To give present incumbent 
the honor, and have the near-president chase him out of the capital the next 
day, would place the new colony without the executive's love and affection. 
The use of both names was a wise measure as Santa Ana soon dispossessed his 
chief, and all was well — for a brief season. The local aborigines showed such 
a desire to revert the settlement to a howling wilderness that the settlers packed 
themselves and chattels to the safer Pueblo Sonoma, and the coming city of Santa 
Ana and Farias went back to Potiquiyomi — the Indian name for the creek and 
locality. Among the colonists were the Carrillos, the pioneers of the valley. 
By reason of their relationship to Vallejo — the General's political pull in the 
territory at that time being Class A — the Carrillo family received large grants 
of land in the neighborhood, Senora Maria Ignacia Lopez-Carrillo the Rancho 



156 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Cabeza de Santa Rosa, and Joaquin Carrillo, her son, the Rancho Llano de Santa 
Rosa. Mrs. Carrillo erected the family mansion on the south bank of the creek 
a mile above Santa Rosa, at the spot where Padre Amoroso ten years before 
baptised Rosa of the Cainemeros. The building, now relegated to the "old 
adobe" class of California architecture, and crumbling back to the earth whence 
it arose, was once the valley rendezvous of life and gaiety. The ten thousand 
virgin acres spread before the door provided good cheer. The Indian servant 
planted and winnowed the wheat, gathered the corn and beans — he was the 
pioneer granger, the charter member patron of industry in those far days 
when California's wonderful soil began to turn out the harvests. And while 
la senora and her kitchen assistants were shaping tortilla for the baking, some 
one would startle into action a dozing vaquero — the newly arrived Missourian 
in fluent Spanish called him "buckkero" — and a fat beef soon would be roped 
and butchered to make a Carrillo holiday. Barbecues by day and fandangoes 
by night with mahana always coming and never come, was a life in the olden 
California homes where over the entrance virtually was — "who enters here 
leaves care behind ;" where the spirit of welcome filled every apartment and 
pure hospitality ran riot. 

IN THE OLD CARRILLO ADOBE. 

This madre of the early Santa Rosans died in '49, the year of the gringo 
and the gold, when the tidal wave of people was sweeping into every nook and 
corner of the self-unionized state. Maria Carrillo was of Spain, but Anglo 
Saxon in the spirit that led her to make a home in a wilderness — howling, but 
fertile — she saw to that. A true North American pioneer mother, she did not 
forget the census, and her five boys and seven girls was the contribution she 
made to the colony of "genre de razon," as the Californians called themselves 
in distinction to the aborigines. After her death the property passed to the 
children, the family casa de adobe becoming the home of Felicidad Carrillo, 
wife of David Mallagh, who with another early American importation, Donald 
McDonald (Mon, the thistle grows whence that name came) opened a general 
merchandise store in the building. They also started a wayside inn — meals and 
drinks for man, mule and mustang — which gathered to itself the name of "Santa 
Rosa House." May 18, 1849, triere landed in San Francisco from the bark 
John Ritson, Berthold Hoen, Alonzo Meacham and F. G. Hahmann. Hoen and 
Meacham had come by way of the Isthmus of Panama, and Hahmann around 
Cape Horn. The latter went to Coloma with the nugget hunters, and the other 
two into business at San Francisco, where they remained till the great fire of 
1 85 1 started them to wandering again. The next year they turned up at the old 
adobe, which property they purchased. In May, 1853, F- G. Hahmann. who 
was the book keeper of the large San Francisco shipping firm of Jabez Howes 
& Co., paid his two old fellow-voyagers a visit. It is not likely that a man of his 
practical mind and commercial inclinations would fail to combine business with 
pleasure as he looked on this noble valley in a blooming Maytime. Nor did he, 
and soon became the owner of Meacham's interest in the store and property. 
William Hartman presently became a partner and the firm name was "Hoen & 
Co." As immigration came into the great central llano the commercial im- 
portance of the place increased rapidly. It was the distributing point between 
the head of navigation on Petaluma creek and the settlements in the north and 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY t 57 

was the only trading post in the county. This was the coming to the locality 
of the two pioneers who had so much to do with the working out of the problem 
of Santa Rosa as that problem appeared fifty-seven years ago. Berthold Hoen 
and Feodor Gustav Hahmann made and introduced the new town to the grow- 
ing lists of county settlements, and the remaining years of their busy lives were 
spent here. Their children are of Santa Rosa's native sons and daughters, and 
in the local cemetery they rest — these two sturdy men whose names are first 
on the city's cornerstone. 

In 1853 the firm of Hoen & Hahmann purchased from Meacham about 
seventy acres of land lying east of a line drawn north and south through the 
center of what is, or was, the plaza, the price being $1,600. This was a portion 
of the six hundred acre purchase of Oliver Bolio from Julio Carrillo. Bolio 
built what was afterwards known as the old Lucas house, and this with a house 
on the Hanneth place, and the adobe, were the first dwellings in this valley. 
The first house in Santa Rosa was the dwelling of Julio Carrillo, built for him 
by John Bailiff, at what is now near the southwest corner of Second and Main 
(C) streets. 

RISE AND FALL OF FRANKLIN TOWN. 

While Santa Rosa — floral city of the plain — was in early bud, a near-city 
was growing up — in the night, as it were. Its forefathers called it Franklin 
Town. Why "Town" and with a big T, has never been told. Only a few of 
the old guard yet this side of the cemetery gates really remember Franklin 
Town. As it came, it passed away in the night, or rather, in the morning of 
its first-day-after. 

Its site is just without the present city line on the east, near the reservoir 
hill. Some day, perhaps, the extension of the boundaries will take in the old 
place, and then Franklin Town will awake to life — becoming an addition to the 
Santa Rosa it sought to blight in tender flower. Chiefs of the city in embryo 
were Dr. J. F. Boyce — venerable "Doc Boyce" who medicined and surgeoned 
the later Santa Rosans for many a year, and eccentric to the point of profanity, 
which often drove his patients to recover quickly and get him out of the sick- 
room ; also S. T. Coulter — good old "Squire Coulter," Pioneer Patron of Hus- 
bandry, Lord of the Sonoma. Grange, and who didn't believe that the grass 
and herbs and the trees that bore fruit in their season were first sprouted on 
the Third Day of Creation, and said even Luther Burbank couldn't grow things 
that speedy. Now, deep under the turf these "old forefathers of the hamlet 
sleep,'' and heaven speed their run to the saints. 

One feature that shines like a star through this dark Tale of a Lost City, 
is, Franklin Town had a church, then the only church in the county except the 
Mission Solano at Sonoma. Its faith was Baptist, though all shades of the 
"two and seventy jarring sects," as Omar Khayyam phrases them, were wel- 
comed to use that sanctuary for the uplift of any possibly sinful citizen of 
Franklin Town. The willow-bank creek consecrated by Parson Juan Amoroso 
when he baptized the Indian girl and called her La Rosa — spiritual daughter of 
Santa Rosa de Lima — splashed and bubbled pure as the Jordan when John came 
preaching in the wilderness, but it is not positively known that Doc Boyce or 
Squire Coulter ever availed themselves of the lustral waters flowing by Frank- 
lin Town, unless to wash a shirt. 



158 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

But the finger of doom was writing on the clap-board walls of Franklin 
Town. Hoen, Hahmann and Hartman — the triple H-builders of Santa Rosa, 
were housing up C — now Main — street. The diplomatic dads of the coming 
place got up a Welcome-To-Our-City barbecue, and when the Franklinites 
saw the hosts of all-invited guests gathering around the Santa Rosa flesh-pots, 
they also saw the finish of Franklin Town. Soon it was in transit, the Baptist 
church, on four wheels, led the way like the Ark of the Covenant before the 
immigrant Israelites herding to the Promised Land, and it afterwards was the 
pioneer tabernacle, upholding the doctrine of close-communion and total immer- 
sion in Santa Rosa, and fitting the aging citizens for another immigration — into 
Eternity. 

IN MEMORIAM. 

So vanished Franklin Town. Perchance in some far day, the antiquarian 
with the dust of lost civilizations in his whiskers, will turn from Troy, Thebes. 
Baalbec and other municipal Has-Beens, to burrow deep in excavations of 
Franklin Town; and there will discover the ruins of a Colt's-44 with many mys- 
terious notches on its barrel ; or a fossil half-plug of tobacco with teeth mark- 
ings at one corner; or a metal plate bearing the talismanic word, which — 
though untranslatable into any modern tongue — appears to be "tomandjerry ;" 
and which did some household duty like the Latin "Cave Canem" (Beware of 
the Dog) found on the doorsteps of buried Pompeii. Thus will the delighted 
archaeologist discourse learnedly on his "find," and report to the Institute of 
Scientific Research that beyond all reasonable doubt even of a man from Mis- 
souri, a peaceable, moral and highly cultured people formerly inhabitated this 
county ; but the causes of their destruction, or migration, are unknown, and no 
sample of gun, plug or talismanic word can be found in the adjacent city of 
Santa Rosa. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 159 



CHAPTER XXXII. 

MAPPING OUT THE CITY OF THE ROSE. 

Meanwhile the "original survey - ' of Santa Rosa was made and the land 
lying between the streets First and Fifth, and Washington and a line drawn five 
lots east of E, was mapped out for the "city." According to an agreement Julio 
Carrillo donated one-half of the central square for a plaza and Hoen and Hah- 
mann the other, or east-half. A grand grove of oaks grew on the portion given 
by the firm, and there was an understanding that this would not be removed; 
but when and where was an American woodsman known to spare a tree he 
could get his axe into? There is a national vandalism in the blood of this peo- 
ple — a destroying microbe ranging fancy free. Whether it came over in the 
Mayflower or anv other immigrant ship, or was a self-creation here, occasioned 
by the presence of the newly-arrived whiteman and the wide scope of country 
for him to destroy in, bacteriology fails of solution. Conservation may run riot 
through American politics, but the American Indian, was, is, and only can be 
the true conservist. It was a wise conserving provision or scheme of nature 
that set the Redman down here first (otherwise there would have been nothing 
left for us) and in contradistinction, the Exclusion Act might be said to have 
been born about four centuries too late. The noble growth was cut down and the 
plaza cleared for the county courthouse, although the plat of ground then could 
have been duplicated anywhere without its area for a mere nominal price. The 
only reason — if there can be a reason — is that whenever Santa Rosa mentioned 
"buying courthouse and grounds," other county towns mentioned "giving court- 
house and grounds." To be given to, is better than to buy from, and this para- 
phrase of the proverb was quite popular. Petaluma, growing by leaps and 
bounds, prosperous beyond the dreams of avarice, only needed that public build- 
ing to complete her happiness, and her standing offer of $100,000 and a block 
of land free, would not lie down. So the Santa Rosans sacrificed their little park 
and bequeathed a regret to their inheritors forevermore. Julio Carrillo, whose 
native and racial improvidence stripped him of his broad acres, Old Julio — 
who could drop a league of rancho in a brief poker game with his gringo neigh- 
bors, with a cheerful "adios" to speed the parting bet, frequently found him- 
self repenting his plaza-liberality. 

PERPLEXING THOROUGHFARE TITLES. 

The "truly" oldest citizen of Anglo extraction was Achilles Richardson, 
who lived with his family and ran a small trading store on the west side of C 
street near the creek. When the surveyors pegged out the streets they desig- 
nated them with letters and numerals, wisely considering that the natural alpha- 
betic sequence of the Roman titles would ever be clear to the cloudiest memory, 
and that the mind of the average Santa Rosan must indeed be brief should he 
forget, under any mental stress, that "second," for all practical purposes closely 
precedes "third," and more remotely "fourth" and "fifth." However, the street 



160 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

alphabet ended at F, and the subsequent surveyors either forgot their a b c's, 
or the city government concluded to cut the primary department out of the 
civic-school for the public. Even the numerals fell from their individual places 
in the line. Whenever an enterprising citizen staked off a bunch of building 
lots as an "addition" to the town, he carefully marked the tract with his own 
name, but let the street-names, like Topsy, "jus' grow." Even C street blended 
into "Main," ran two blocks and fell into the creek. After a bridge had been 
constructed there, it got across and went on its way southward as "Petaluma 
road," having lost its "Main" in the stream. The "road" eventually evolved to 
"avenue," which was more municipal and aristocratic. In course of time it 
became Santa Rosa avenue, which if not in neighborly regard for a sister-city, 
was more patriotic. The fine thoroughfare, Sonoma avenue, was originally 
Walnut avenue, but somebody tacked "Sonoma road" onto the eastern end that 
hung over the city line, and this line of demarkation not always definite to the 
traveler, the country right-of-way began to get into town, confusing the tax col- 
lector and troubling the soul of the street commissioner. Afterwards "Sonoma" 
displaced "Walnut," which looks better on the city maps. On the east after 
it was noted that F was the omega of the surveyor's alphabet, an addition was 
attached to the city by a Mr. Pipher, who had learned to play football at Palo 
Alto, and the streets of the tract bore the academic legend "Leland — Stanford — 
Junior — University," names fully as unique and as inappropriate for the purpose 
as would be "In-God-We-Trust-All-Others-Cash." A late-at-night home-seek- 
ing resident, unless too-occupied with "lodge" affairs, may start in at the "Le- 
land" of the well-known educational title and easily work himself along the 
string of words, recalling them by their relative positions in the sentence. But 
should he strike the addition from the wrong point of the compass — and he 
might — the syntax of the street names is apt to become perplexing, and this in 
turn be the inspiration of thoughts or outspoken words very unbecoming. In 
proof of this contingency, one dark, rainy night "a highly respected citizen of 
Santa Rosa," alumnus of the great San Mateo county institution, became con- 
fused and wandered around in Pipher's Addition in geometric circles till the 
helpful dawn of another day worked out the verbal puzzle. The professor's 
pending damage suit against Street Commissioner Doc Cozad was compromised 
by the timely action of the local Woman's Improvement Club in equipping the 
addition with luminous street sign-boards. 

ALPHABETIC AND PRESIDENTIAL STREETS. 

The street laid out and called A was believed at the time to be the begin- 
ning — the alpha of the lettered streets — but the city moving westward from its 
center developed Washington street, the city council feeling that the Father of 
His Country merited a memorial in the municipality. Davis and Wilson streets 
followed this in turn, but when Hewitt's addition became a reality the presiden- 
tial line was again taken up. Adams, Jefferson, Madison and Polk were painted 
on the new street corners, but why Monroe, Jackson, Harrison and Tyler "too" 
were omitted in the jump across to Polk, has never been explained ; nor is it 
known whether Adams street was named for John or John Q., and whether 
these omissions were caused by strong political partisanships or faulty his- 
torical knowledge, cannot be written. However, in later years the party-affil- 
iation of the itizens did manifest itself in this manner, and such is a living 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 161 

record of the various changes in the political complexion of the town. An Illi- 
nois man insisted on "Old Abe" for his street, and the consenting city council 
ordered "Lincoln" to the thoroughfare. A war-democrat was satisfied only 
when Andrew Jackson received a like distinction. When Cleveland ousted the 
republican hosts from the national capital, an avenue appeared to proclaim that 
fact for all time. And when he ordered Great Britain and other effete mon- 
archies off Venezuela and all the Americas in accordance with Uncle Sam's 
famous "doctrine," the popular democratic president came near getting his 
first name, also, and a double honor, in Santa Rosa. But the milder counsel 
prevailed and the author of the notable state paper was substituted. So Mr. 
Monroe came into his own. 

FUNNY PIONEER MANNERISMS. 

As mentioned, C street was the first, only and main street for years, hence 
"Main," its present name. A frame Masonic Hall was early erected there, and 
Edward Colgan, Sr., constructed the Santa Rosa House, which he occupied for 
almost a generation, and which two of his sons now occupy with their black- 
smithing plant. Clem Kessing's name is also a household word on old C street. 
G. and J. P. Clark, Charles W. White, Jim Williamson were part and parcel 
of the street. Such afterwards-prominent jurists as Jackson Temple and Will- 
iam Ross practiced law there, and J. F. Boyce, M. D., rugged old healer of 
many sick, who prescribed them medicine and "cussed" them well. J. N. Miller, 
storekeeper, successor to Barney Hoen, was the first county treasurer. The 
legend on his electioneering card was refreshingly frank — "Old Miller — Candi- 
date for County Treasurer. Unsolicited by His Friends and on his own Hook." 
He was the watch-dog of the county cash box for years. F. G. Hahmann up- 
held the dignity of the Federal Government — was postmaster and received as 
remuneration for his services the privilege of affixing "P. M." to his name if 
he cared for official distinction. In those days a postoffice had to get out and 
seek its own master. John Richards kept a barber shop on "The Street," and 
which vied with the postoffice as a popular resort, when whiskers were the 
topic of interest. C street was a close corporation, quite exclusive and tena- 
cious of its standing as the social and geographical center of pretty much all 
things. People who drifted away and showed indications of desiring to locate 
on "outside" lots became almost social outcasts, and were thought at some time 
in the past to have had insanity in the family. B. M. Spencer of Santa Rosa, 
when he first landed here received a cordial "welcome-to-our-city" from the 
older-timers, but when he began to build a frame store on Fourth street, — a 
thoroughfare then occupied only by the surveyor's stakes, — C street looked "out 
into the country" where Spencer was preparing to do business, and wondered 
if perchance he had committed some crime in his youth, the memory of which 
ever drove him to isolate himself in lonely places afar from his fellow men. 
But the street outgrew itself and spread into surrounding tracts. The "county- 
seat agitation" was coming to culmination and Santa Rosa purposed to win by 
one strong stroke, so a barbecue, a picnic, public oration, etc., was held July 
4, 1854, which was followed by a grand ball in Hahmann's new store building, 
at night. People from "all over" attended, in wagons, on horseback and on 
foot and Santa Rosa got the countv courthouse at the election. 



162 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

HAHMAXX WANTED CHURCHES — PLENTY OF THEM. 

When the ballots were counted. Hoen, Hahmann and Hartman as usual, 
took the lead in preparing the city for the reception of the county government. 
They gave land near the northeast corner of Fourth and Mendocino streets 
for the public buildings. F. G. Hahmann donated lots to all the churches that 
cared to labor in this region. He was no respecter of cree;ls — all who asked, 
should receive. It is not fully believed the near-coming of the county officials 
especially moved Mr. Hahmann in this regard and direction, or that he thought 
the city would need a denser religious atmosphere. Hoen — "Barney Hoen" 
he was called — provided the donated site with a temple of justice. It was a 
very small temple of justice, not considered imposing even for those days when 
town-architecture, like the streets, ran along lines of least resistance. After 
two years the edifice was found to be too small for the growing number of 
people seeking justice, and was itself tried and condemned. It is now the 
humble annex to a residence in Hewitt's addition to the city. Then the lower 
story of the second courthouse was constructed on the northwest corner of 
Fourth and Mendocino streets at a cost of $9,000. A jail was added — as a 
tender, the town jokers reported, the total expense about $16,000. This was in 
1856, and three years later the upper story and additional buildings were 
ordered. The contract price was S15.000, but as the work neared completion 
it was seen that more expenditure was needed — the county would out-grow 
the new building before it was built. Then the superintendent of construction 
was empowered by the board of supervisors "to make such changes in jail and 
courthouse as in his judgment is necessary, having in view the best interests of 
the county." From the "extras" charged he appears to have done so. The 
changes amounted to S25.891.23, making a total of $40,891.23. When all the 
work was finished, the contractors' unpaid claim was $22,078.23. and the de- 
bate was on. Finally the matter was arbitrated with the following payments : 
Contractors in full, $26,500: superintendent's salary, $1,200; cost of arbitration. 
$1,601. Total cost of building. $29,601.30. This was in i860, but the county 
law-mills had hardly got to grinding in the new house when the old question of 
removing the countyseat arose from the dead. Hon. Henry Edgerton officially 
announced the resurrection by a bill in the legislature authorizing an election of 
the voters of Sonoma county on the removal proposition. The counting of the 
ballots — 314 for and 1632 against — seems to have returned the question to its 
tomb without any hope of any further resurrections. In 1866 the court-house 
was re-roofed and plastered at a cost of $2,600, and the next year the jail was 
rebuilt costing $8,999. Furniture and other additions were ordered, making a 
grand totai of $60,000. The old property was sold. Hoen buying back the lot 
he had formerly donated. 

BUILDING THE TEMPLE OF THEMIS. 

Rut this could not end the ''courthouse chapter" in Sonoma county history, 
and at the meeting of the board of supervisors, January 1. 1883, T. J. Proctor, 
member for Santa Rosa township, opened the old question of "a new court- 
house." Petaluma made her offer of a free lot and Sioo,ooo. and the mayor 
of Santa Rosa offered the city plaza to the county. Petaluma's proposition 
"went by the board" — went by the board of supervisors letting a contract for 
the construction of the new building on the plaza in Santa Rosa at a cost of 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 163 

$80,000. It was of stone, brick and iron, classic in design, surmounted with 
an imposing dome — which dome was its doom in the great earthquake of 
April 18, 1906. When in that quiet spring morning the state of California was 
suddenly awakened by the heave of the solid ground and the crash of her 
architecture, Santa Rosa saw her entire business quarter wrecked. The court- 
house, well-constructed, might have escaped with nominal injury, but this great 
steel dome with its heavy statue toppled, and crashing down on the roof shat- 
tered and ruined the structure beyond repair. There were whispers of county 
division and county seat removal, but the supervisors went on clearing away the 
wreck and studying plans and specifications for a new building. A bond issue 
was authorized to pay for a $280,000 building that would be as earthquake 
proof as structural steel and reinforced concrete could make it ; and would be 
large enough for coming generations; moreover, would be a noble bit of archi- 
tecture, in keeping with Imperial Sonoma. And well have those vows been 
kept. To hold fast to the original estimated cost was impossible and the in- 
crease was added to the splendid pile as it arose from foundation to dome till 
the total cost reached almost $500,000. And it is well worth it. Sonoma's 
courthouse is one of the many "show-places" of California. Entering the city 
of Santa Rosa from the four cardinal points of the compass, the traveler sees 
arising before him, this great white Temple of Themis, the classic Goddess of 
Law and Order, the Divine Mother of Civilization. Mighty indeed must be 
the forces moving through the crust of the globe that will lift that pile from 
its foundations or shatter its walls bound as they are in bands of triple steel. 

A SQUAD OF THE OLD GUARD. 

To go back into the '50s, there came to Santa Rosa other men whose names 
yet live in the city, and the struggling village on the plain progressed from the 
labor of their strong hands. Such are the names of Thomas L. Thompson, 
Jackson Temple, William Ross, E. T. Farmer, W. B. Atterbury, B. Goldfish, 
Henry Wise, Jim P. Clark, W. H. Croweli, Fenwick Fisher, C. W. White, J. 
S. Van Dorn, W. A. Eliason, H. T. Hewitt, Clem Kessing, Dr. Hendley, Mel- 
ville Johnson, T. B. Hood, T. . J. Proctor, George A. Johnson, A. Runyon, J. 
H. McGee. A. P. Petit, Z. Middleton, C. G. Ames, H. G. Parks, B. Marks, 
George P. Noonan, Jerry Claypool, T. N. Willis, D. S. Sacry, Murray Whallon, 
S. T. Coulter, J. M. Williams, Edward Neblett, G. T. Pauli, George A. Thorn- 
ton, Edward Whipple, A. Thomas, Isaac DeTurk, T. J. Ludwig, Guy E. Grosse. 
E. W. Davis, J. B. Armstrong, A. P. Overton, Dr. R. Press Smith, B. S. Young, 
J. H. Boyce, T. J. Brooke, C. S. Smyth, S. M. Godby, Frederick Kenyon, A. 
W. Riley, J. A. Hardin, John G. Pressley, J. M. Roney, Wesley Mock, W. H. 
Mead, George Pearce, John B. Davis, A. Korbel, C. G. Ames, E. H. Smythe, 
Melville Dozier. These compose a squad of the "Old Guard" that early located 
in Santa Rosa valley. Probably all of them to a man are over the Divide, but 
the result of their work is here. 



i6 4 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 

THE CHANGES OF THE YEARS. 

In 1868 Santa Rosa bestirred herself from the siesta she had been taking 
for ten or a dozen years. Railroad was in the air, and her quiet enjoyment of 
a country home was over. Several lines, all starting from tide-water on the south 
reaching to the wilds in the north, were proposed, and a vote on selection gave 
the Petaluma-Cloverdale plan the popular right of way. This called for a 
county donation of almost $300,000 and interest additional of nearly that 
amount, also gifts of land for rights of way, because railroads are for the 
people, and -by the people, and of the people, and the promoters or managers 
thereof only construct them and operate them in the spirit of extreme altruism. 
The company was slow in getting to work and another corporation, The Cali- 
fornia Pacific of Vallejo, offered to build a line from the Napa county line to 
Petaluma thence to Santa Rosa, Healdsburg and Cloverdale, with branch to 
Bloomfield to cost the county a subsidy of $5,000 a mile. An election June 14, 

1869, voted the subsidy, and this action stirred the first company — the Sonoma 
County Railroad Co. — to business, it knowing that the institution "first on the 
ground" would get the subsidy. Colonel Peter Donahue heard of the plan, 
and August 2, bought out the right of the existing company for $40,000, called 
the new concern "The San Francisco & North Pacific Railroad Company." By 
October 10th, he had ten miles of grading completed from Petaluma north and 
five days later got the first installment of issued bonds — $50,000. By November 
8. five more miles, between Petaluma and the town of Donahue, were finished, 
and $25,000 paid; December 5, eight more miles — $40,000, and December 31, 

1870. the rails were in Santa Rosa. 

AND THE RAILROAD DIRT FLEW 

Then the California Pacific of Vallejo, with its subsidy — on paper — up 
its sleeve, started in at Santa Rosa, and the dirt — all kinds of dirt — began to 
fly. That company commenced to grade, moving northward, paralleling the 
Donahue road, to the surprise and entertainment of the country folk to whom 
it seemed to be raining railroads. Of course it was only a bluff — one of the 
shelf-worn tricks in the railroad gamble, and which worked, although the 
Colonel easily read the cards of his rival. He compromised with the other com- 
pany to hold its hand till he finished his line to Cloverdale, after which he 
transferred it to the troublesome competitor. When the Central Pacific absorbed 
the California Pacific, Charles Crocker strangely failed to see any value in the 
Sonoma line, and returned it to Donahue. The line was continued south through 
Marin county to Tiburon on the bay, and a branch was constructed from Ignacio 
up through Sonoma valley to Glen Ellen. On the coast a narrow gauge road 
was built, beginning at Sausalito crossing Marin and entering Sonoma county- 
near the town of Valley Ford, the northern terminus being Cazadero in the red- 
wood belt. These two lines eventually became a part of the great California 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 165 

Northwestern Pacific, which is destined to cover the coast field from San Fran- 
cisco bay to the Columbia river. It was not in the nature of the Southern 
Pacific Railroad company to let such rich territory and such rich opportunity 
go to "waste/' without effort to avert the calamity. It proposed a line from 
Santa Rosa eastward threading Sonoma valley, Napa and Solano to the main 
line at Suisun. Sonoma county people were asked only to interest themselves 
in the matter of the rights of way across their lands and $50,000. Just consider 
the glittering possibilities of the thing — enough to take one's breath away — 
direct All-Through-Line over the American Continent, tapping the Atlantic 
seaboard, reaching across oceans, gathering in Europe and the Far East, wring- 
ing rich commercial tribute from Oceanica — all, all this for Santa Rosa. The 
"hat was passed around," and a picnic, oration, poem, and the usual "last spike'' 
that is always religiously driven into the fanciful final tie of a finished railroad, 
were the chief features of the celebration that marked the coming of the South- 
ern Pacific Railroad to the town. Without attempting to minimize the general 
benefits of railways there is a healtiiy belief locally extant that Santa Rosa paid 
at a maximum mileage rate for all she ever received from her two steam roads. 
Passenger and freight charges are record breakers in the matter of altitude, 
although the business increases year by year. The scenic features of the route 
attract annually hosts of tourists — travelers accustomed to the modern luxurious 
transportation facilities of the world, yet the passenger coaches at their service 
in Sonoma county are on par with the second-class cars in any state of the 
Union. 

But the trolley wires that are electrifying the country, are rapidly rele- 
gating the steamers to the scrapheap. The little trains connect the towns, even 
the ranches together and with the market, and the country becomes a part of the 
great system of civilization. The pioneer electric road is the Petaluma and 
Santa Rosa Railway, via Sebastopol, with a line extending northward through 
the rich Green Valley to Forestville. Another electric line between Santa Rosa 
and Lake county is now in process of establishment. This road will bring a 
large railroadless area of territory out of its primitive wilds and will introduce 
the world of travelers to practically an undiscovered region. 

AND THE PRINTERS CAME ALSO. 

With the early immigration to Santa Rosa came representatives of that 
humble pilgrim band which appears in the van of civilization. They are the 
printers, the alphabetic craft that passes knowledge along. October 16, 1857, 
the Sonoma Democrat presented itself to the reading public, with A. W. 
Russell its editor. In i860 T. L. Thompson become owner and editor, and from 
1868 to 1 87 1 the managers of the paper were Peabody, Ferrel & Co., Mr. 
Thompson having sold his interest in the institution. He repurchased the 
property in 1 87 1 and continued actively in its management for many years, a 
portion of that time associated with his brother, R. A. Thompson. Santa Rosa 
and Sonoma county owe much to Thomas Larkin Thompson. He was easily 
the "first citizen" and as publisher, State Secretary, Congressman and United 
States Minister to Brazil was a true man of the people. Soon after his death 
in his Santa Rosa home by suicide while suffering from ill-health, the Democrat 
passed into the hands of Ernest L. Finley and Charles O. Dunbar, proprietors 



166 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

and publishers of the Evening Press. The two papers were merged and issued 
as the morning Press Democrat. The great earthquake and fire totally des- 
troyed the property, but it was quickly succeeded by a more modern and com- 
plete plant. Attached to it is a full book-binding plant which is in constant 
operation. The Press Democrat has a large circulation. Herbert Slater is the 
city editor. 

The Evening Republican of Santa Rosa began its existence in 1875 as the 
Times. G. H. Marr, publisher. Three years after it was purchased by J. W. 
and T. N. Ragsdale. Colonel J. B. Armstrong and E. \Y. Davis for several 
years owned an interest in the property. In 1887 Allen B. Lemmon arrived 
from Newton, Kansas, and purchased the paper. The new owner, a journalist 
of wide experience, soon improved the paper. After the fire, which left the 
Republican a pile of ruins, a new plant took the place of the old. J. Elmer 
Mobley who had learned the mechanical part of the newspaper work on the 
Republican, purchased an interest in the paper and holds down the desk of city 
editor. Ross Campbell, a local attorney, recently purchased the Windsor Herald, 
which he removed to Santa Rosa, and now issues as the Weekly Sonoma County 
Herald. 

HOP CULTURE. 

Among the varied growths in Sonoma fields is the hop vine. Like the 
grape, it is of antiquity and like that kindred plant is of the early east. The 
brewing of beer and other mild beverages of this class by ancient people must 
have necessitated the use of hops as a flavor and preservative. The Egyptians 
brewed from their barley fields that bordered the Nile, and legendary Germany 
introduced King Gambrinus of Brabant as the Bacchus of their beer. The hop 
vine as a culture first appears in the Germanic provinces about the year 768 
A. D. A few vines were tried in Green Valley, Sonoma county, in the latter 
part of 1857, by John Bushnell and Samuel Dows. The soil and general tem- 
perature was found suitable and the plants grew healthy and strong. Otis 
Allen did much to introduce the cultivation of the lively "humulus" in this 
portion of the state ; a steady increase in the tract planted has taken place until 
the acreage in this county amounts to about four thousand acres with an aver- 
age annual yield of 30,000 bales. Furthermore, Sonoma hops, like Sonoma 
grapes, have a world wide reputation, in fact, the local product is in greater 
demand among the brewers of high grade beer in England and the United 
States. The places best adapted for this culture are the rich bottom-lands of 
the Santa Rosa and Mark West creeks and of Russian river. The most modern 
methods of cultivation, harvesting and drying, or curing, are here resorted to. 
The total annual income from this county is about $800,000. During the three 
weeks harvesting season probably 12.000 pickers are employed and these — 
men, women and children — make an outing, a picnic, of the period in the green 
arbors of the aromatic vines. The expense of harvesting probably amounts to 
$250,000. Considerable speculation prevails among growers and dealers and 
short-selling and contracting in advance are in evidence at all times. The 
grower who contracts to deliver his coming crop at a stated price sometimes 
does so to his advantage, and often to his disadvantage, catching himself de- 
livering his hops at a lower price than his neighbors — better guessers — are get- 
ting. Ten to eleven cents a pound, equivalent to about $20 per bale, have been 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 167 

the ruling prices, though frequently a Hurry in the market sends the figures up 
to thirty and forty cents. The prominent local growers are, Raford Peterson, 
C. V. Talmadge. T. B. Miller. George Hall. Harry Hall, J. I. Jewell and J. E. 
Clark. The principal dealers are, William Uhlman & Co., C. C. Donovan, Mil- 
ton Wasserman, W. M. Richardson and B. F. Hall. 

UTOPIAS OF SONOMA COUNTY. 

The rare Santa Rosa valley has long been the object point not only of the 
practical farmer home hunter, but for the Utopia seeker also. Intellectual pil- 
grims pressing into the higher plane of living have sought here a place where 
they could amid fitting surroundings practice the unselfish tenets of their so- 
cialistic creed. The followers of Edward Bellamy, working along the lines of 
the life dream of the great economist, established their Altruria on Mark West 
creek, just where the beautiful stream falls from its mountains onto the level 
vale. The colony existed for awhile and ceased to be, passing away like all 
communistic institutions — excellent in theory, deficient in practice. Near this 
place, or a few miles north from Santa Rosa, is the noted 400 acre farm and vine- 
yard of Fountain Grove. It was located in 1875 by Thomas Lake Harris, a 
native of Stafford, England. At an early age Harris evinced strong religious 
tendencies and poetic imagination. He was first an ardent Calvinist, then a 
Universalist, and finally organized a society which he called. "Independent 
Christians." In philosophy he was a Platonist, in spiritual science leaning to 
Swedenborgian and its heavenly revelations and celestial sociology. Harris' 
says in one of his man}' books, "I inhale with equal ease the freedom and at- 
mosphere of either of the three heavens, and am able to be present without 
the suspension of the natural degree of consciousness, with the angelic societies, 
whether of the ultimate, the spiritual, or celestial degree." He also affirms 
that he had visited those regions and gave accounts of his remarkable visits. 
In his socialistic teachings he adopted theories of Fourier and sought through 
a spiritualism to turn public interest along an upper range of thought. The 
society which once numbered several thousand members scattered over America, 
Great Britain, India and a mere fragment in Japan, was or is without creed or 
covenant, only held together by the principles of fraternity and bv an inspir- 
ation working through internal respiration from the divine spirit. Salvation, 
they hold, is neither by natural progression nor philosophical self-culture, nor 
justifying faith, but that man only becomes free from evil through self-renun- 
ciation and a life of unselfish labor for humanity and by such both spirit and 
body may become regenerate and pure. 

a "word" creation. 
The Harris version of creation, given in his "God Manifest in Creative 
Energy," which was published in 1852, is a word-storm of amazing violence. 
Notwithstanding he was a man of much culture, his books exhibiting an author- 
ship of no inferior grade, he chose to appear in the guise of an intellectual 
charlatan, and notwithstanding the superfluity of verbiage, the confusing clangor 
of sounds, the reader will hear behind them the simple, sublime utterance of 
the Almighty from which Thomas Lake Harris "lifted" bodily his tale of crea- 
tion. Because of his prominence for years as the head and master-spirit of 
the exclusive cult, so little known to the countryside, and colony so near Santa 
Rosa, a portion of his version of Genesis I — a verbal curiosity — is here given : 



108 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

"In the beginning, God the Life, in God the Lord, in God the Holy Pro- 
cedure, inhabited the dome, which burning" in magnificence primeval, and, 
revolving in prismatic and undulatory spiral, appeared, and was the pavilion 
of the spirit ; in glory inexhaustible and inconceivable, in movement spherical, 
unfolded in harmonious procedure disclosive." 

The simple Mosaic original is — "In the beginning God created heaven and 
earth." Thomas Harris continues : 

"And God said let Good be manifest ! and good unfolded and moral-mental 
germs, ovariums of heavens, descended from the Procedure. And the dome 
of disclosive magnificence was heaven, and the expanded glory beneath was 
the germ of creation. And the Divine Procedure inbreathed upon the disclosure 
and the disclosure became the universe." 

The Bible version is, "And God said, 'Let there be light.' " God evidently 
is a personality of fewer words than Harris. But the Seer of the New Life 
exhales his limitless vocabulary when he serves notice on the world concerning 
the creation of Day and Night, and as in a disregard for sentence formation, 
he thus pours out a flood of language that overtops Babel and sweeps that his- 
torical tongue-mixer out of existence. Here is the awful thing : 

"And God made two great lights to rule the Zodiac, and to be for creative 
disclosure, disclosive manifestation, manifest glory, glorious radiation, inter- 
pretative aggregation : and thence vortices, solariums, vorticle panetariums. 
planets, floral universes, universal paradises, heavens of spiritual universes, 
celestial heavens, seraphic habitations, seraphimal universes, cities of heavenlv 
seraphima, and final consociative universal intelligence in unity of innumerable 
individuality, in triunity of unfolding universes, adoring and ascending in beau- 
tification unto eternal lfe." 

REMAINS OF THE FAITH THAT FAILED. 

A number of prominent people joined the society, among whom were Lady 
Oliphant, a writer of considerable note, and her son, Laurence Oliphant, mem- 
ber of Parliament, distinguished English traveler and author and religious en- 
thusiast. During one of his periods in America he was private secretary to 
Lord Elgin, governor-general of Canada, and subsequently visited China and 
Japan with the English diplomat. In Japan Oliphant was badly wounded by 
a Japanese fanatic and was obliged to resign his position in the British diplo- 
matic service. About this time he met with Harris and the spiritualism of the 
new cult appealed to him. The Oliphants invested considerable money in the 
society, which fund was afterwards the bone of contention when the inevitable 
break was on and the Brotherhood became anything but brotherly. Albeit, 
after the Oliphants extracted themselves and their interests, — what was left — 
Laurence fell into moody and abstracted habits, making his home in Palestine, 
when he published a number of works of a religious cast and of no importance. 
Another prominent member of the Harris cult is Kanaya Nasagawa, a native 
of Japan. Unlike the Oliphants. he did not lei the New Life dogma dull his 
sense of business, and being a practical agriculturist he did not let the occult 
mysticism of the east, grafted onto the cloudy spiritualism of the west, take up 
his time. He sought out ways and means of making the fine tract of grain and 
grape lands pav, and succeeded. Fountain Grove is now a buzzing Japanese 
colony, the property owned by Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Hart and Kanaya Nasagawa. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY [69 



CHAPTER XXXIV. 
THOROUGHBRED HORSES OP SONOMA COUNTY. 

Cattle on a thousand hills, the favorite phrase of the wide, open west, was 
coined in California, where the great Spanish ranchos were crowded with live- 
stock. In the mild climate of this "southland." with its broad sweep of grassy 
plain, the bands quickly bred into countless numbers. Too numerous and too 
valueless for branding the}' roved the unfenced ranges virtually free, obeying 
no call except that of their native wilds. And they obeyed that call, as the herds 
of ownerless hoofs wandering over this portion of the continent bear testimony. 
A steer had some table-value, but the price of hide, horns and tallow was all 
that sent him to the open market. The swarthy vaquero spurring the flanks 
of his mustang to ribbons and riding the life out of his unshapely body cared not 
a centavo for the horse whose ancestor may have borne a king through the 
courts of the Alhambra. The restocking of the ranches was the first labor of the 
final settler and that decade saw American horses, lithe and powerful, American 
cattle, short-horned and sleek-coated, a part of the equipment of the California 
farms. The heavy ox at last got his neck out of the yoke, and the sturdy horse 
from Normandy did the work much better. The burro — slave of all the ages — 
was freed from the cart or carriage when the slim thoroughbred with a pedigree 
of speed took his place. The mild queen of the dairy from over the seas — from 
Holstein, Durham and Jersey — came to create and run a local milk route. The 
Spanish cow had never been asked to make this contribution to the productive 
wealth of the state, and the word "butter" had melted from the language. Her 
tigress-disposition, especially with her calf in the corral, generally made any at- 
tempt to milk her so near-suicidal that Pedro or Jose, instead, milked the goat. 
Robbing Nanny's kid was easier and safer. Alta California was full-ripe for a 
change when the gringo came. 

Whether the horse appeared as a centaur, with the whiskered-head and broad 
shoulders of the homo reared on his own graceful torso, or as a unicorn, that fabu- 
lous freak of heraldry, rampant, always exhibited as just intending to horn a lion, 
or as a hipparion, the three-toed fossil what-is-it of the post tertiary period, this 
page pleads silence. But from a far hour to the present the horse has lived and 
died ever faithful to humanity. There is no bar sinister in the record of his loyalty. 
He has suffered himself to be bound to labor, and in car and furrow he has toiled 
for his master. Bred and schooled for flight he has sprung away, tense with the 
life that burns through his being, mad in desire to lead, to conquer, to wear the 
victor's ribbon — the mere fading color of an instant's triumphant. The bugle 
call to battle — his master's battle — calls his natural savagery from the wilds to 
match the natural savagery of man, and they plunge together, vibrant to destroy, 
down the red ways of death. Whatever the hand on his rein, he is. No greater 
tribute can be given this incomparable beast clothed in the flame-trappings of 
war, than in these sublime lines of Job where the Almighty speaks : 



lyo HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

"Hast thou given the horse strength? Hast thou clothed his neck with 
thunder ? 

"He paweth the valley, and rejoiceth in his strength; he goeth on to meet 
the armed men. 

"He mocketh at fear and is not afrightened ; neither turneth he back from 
the sword. 

"The quiver rattleth against him, the glittering spear and shield." 

The sacred writers of ail creeds have set him among the stars — Pegasus 
the winged steed of the gods, orbing through the systems of blazing suns ; or 
in the great hereafter, glorious and eternal, harnessed to the flame car of 
Deity. When man stands in the presence of this noble creation, he may well 
render salutation as to a contemporary, an equal, a comrade, whom it is an 
honor to honor. In true nobility of spirit, the horse, the real king of the ani- 
mal kingdom, is not inferior to man himself. 

LOU DILLON, EMrEESS OF THE EQU1NES. 

It has been the mission of the horse to give Sonoma another high record 
in the scale of excellence, and where Lou Dillon, empress of the equines. has 
flung her silver heels she has carried the name and the color of her nativity 
before all others. Wherever the yet unbeaten "1:58^" of this peerless trotter 
is known, Santa Rosa is known, Santa Rosa, where horses grow, and speed 
and beauty are in the bone and sinew of them. A royal race of racers have 
here learned to kick the miles behind them, and kick the time below them, 
since Anteeo years ago started record-breaking among the local flyers at 2:i6j4, 
to be continued by his grand-filly, Sonoma Girl at 2:05^. If the queenly Lou 
should now' turn up on her home track at the Santa Rosa Stock Farm, where 
Frank Turner licks the speed youngsters into shape, and call the colts of her 
big blue-blooded family to muster, what a band of horse 400 would come at 
her neigh. All are of the line of sire Sidney — all true in gait and go as well 
as in name: Dollie Dillon, 2:0634.; Katie Dillon, 2:0734; Ruth Dillon, 2:i5 I /J; 
Sadie, Lottie, Helen, Martha. Martiana, Carrie, Eveline, Gertrude, Edith, Fan- 
nie, Rebecca, California et al. — sounds like finishing school roll call. Then as 
companions to that bevy of equine beauties. Guy Dillon. Stanley, Linwood. 
Millard, Harry, Adoo, Major, Lord and other Dillons : from every part of the 
compass would trot in the breed to that grand rodeo. 

After Lou had stepped out of obscurity, virtually, and into the blaze of 
horse civilization, the query in sportdom was "Who is she?" The flow of her 
male blood can be traced through Sidney Dillon, an aristocrat, though there is 
a blank on his mother's shield. She was Venus, a "nobody," notwithstanding 
her goddess-title, yet her clan may have been speedy on some Central Asian 
course when the centuries A. D. were numbered in one figure. The colt was 
bred by Henry and Ira Pierce at the Santa Rosa Stock Farm. Pierce named 
him Sidney and then attached Dillon to the name merely to distinguish him 
from Sidney the elder, never dreaming that the title would become a hall-mark 
of nobility. On the maternal side of Lou's house — stable — the line cannot be 
run back through volumes of horse-bluebook. Her family may or may not 
have sported a crest, till she won it on the mile-oval. Yet her fore-sire might 
have carried the lordly Zengis Kahn over the Tartarian plains, or the fierce 
Attila of the Huns, who boasted that the grass never grew where his horse- 



HT STORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 171 

hoofs trod. But links in the lineal chain are lost under the tracks of time. 
Her mother is Lou Milton, whose dam was an unknown owned bv Green 
Thompson at Pine Flat, in this county. This mare — Thompson called her 
Fly — died at colt-birth, and flew into the Beyond. But — plebeian or patrician — 
she left her grand-filly a quartet of feet that have trotted all trotting records 
out of the turf of her day. All honor to the pedigreeless Fly — there may have 
been something in her name after all. Who knows. Mav she fly with Pegasus 
among the planets. Lou Milton was raised on cow's milk, first from the bottle. 
then out of the bucket, fresh and foamy from her foster-mother. And where 
is that humble, nameless Pine Flat bossy who mothered the mother of Lou 
Dillon? 

When Lou Milton was a promising 3-year-old, Thompson one day drove 
her down to Flealdsburg and Charles Brumfield, a well-known citizen of that 
place who had a running-record-smasher, insisted on a race. After a number 
of refusals Thompson did an unusual thing — took his trotter out of the sulky, 
and put a saddle and a rider over her slim back. When the jockey had finally 
convinced her that she must "break" and run, she struck that gait and showed 
Brumfield something in the way of speed, showed his horse the way around 
that track, and incidentally showed the public that she could both run and trot. 
The mare has no lofty records to her credit, but her life flowered out in her 
queenly foal. After the "one-fifty-eight-one-half" episode, Al McFayden, the 
veteran turf-man, tried to find her a place in some Burke's Peerage of horses, 
but she is only Lou Dillon, the peeress of all. 

A NURSERY OF PRIZE TROTTERS. 

It was the ambition of Henry Pierce to make the Stock Farm the nursery 
of the prize trotters of the time, and to that end he made its mile track with no 
superior on the Pacific coast. He did not live to see his colts graduate and win 
in their chosen profession, but his life-dream was realized after his life-work 
was over. The farm passed to the ownership of Frank S. Turner, and it was 
this experienced trainer who bridle-broke the great mare when she was trying 
out her baby-trots at her mother's side. He introduced her to the sulky and 
drew the lines over her silky-shoulders when she started to school. Millard 
Saunders, now superintendent of the noted Holt breeding establishment at 
Indianapolis, the firm that now owns Sidney Dillon, was Lou's maestro, and he 
was more to his noble pupil. He passed down into the springs of her being 
and awoke a latent thing within her called life, he flexed her growing muscles 
and taught them their lightning play over the surface of her supple limbs. He 
calmed her when she was impatient, he ruled her when she was wayward, and 
with the infinite tenderness of love he lifted her out of the crudities of youth 
and attuned her to action perfect and marvelous. He became a part of her — 
an elemental blending of man and horse — the new creation vibrant in union. 
In that grand harmony of mind and matter she trod the chords, arising to a 
symphony of wondrous theme and tone and the rhythm of her hoof-beats was 
heard around the world. 

At The Rosedale Stock Farm, a fine breeding and training station on the 
northern extension of Mendocino avenue, Santa Rosa, the ponies for many 
years have been taking their preliminary try-outs for the coming Marathons. 
The establishment makes a specially of the famous McKinny brand, and in 
their classes are 2:10 trotters, and pacers under the 2:20 clip. 



172 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

CROSSING THE BLOODS AND BREEDS. 

Several miles west of Santa Rosa is Wrights, a station and a farm. The 
station is a halting place on the electric railway, and the farm — a tract of sev- 
eral hundred acres of oaken-plain — is the home of Sampson B. Wright. 
While Mr. Burbank is budding and blending to perfection new fruits and 
flowers, Mr. Wright is crossing bloods and breeds in new animal creations. 
From hogs to horses he has been changing and improving until the stock from 
the S. B. Wright farm is widely known. At the head of his horse-class trots 
Sonoma Girl, 2 :o$}4 — not slow for only a girl, considering that she at that 
pace is just eleven seconds faster than her famous grandsire, Anteeo. in his 
prime. Girl has a full-sister, Sonoma May, who started out in the game on a 
trial-heat of 2:14^4. Another full-sister, Sonoma Queen, is a good third in 
the family record. Charley Belden, a brother of the trio of Sonomas, is a 
star member of turf-society with 2 :o8y 2 on his visiting card. This splendid 
colt shares name with Charles C. Benden, a well known harness maker and 
horseman of Santa Rosa. The popularity of Charley Belden the man is onlj 
a quarter second behind the popularity of Charley Belden the horse. When 
Sonoma Girl was lifting herself over that record mile — at Lexington. Ky. — 
Lotta Crabtree, another native girl of the Golden West, was witnessing the 
exploit from the grandstand. When the actress left the track Girl went with 
her, and Lotta's check for $26,000 went to the trotter's California owner. 
Anteeo's first dash to fame was as the $10,000 racer of a local stock compam 
organized at Santa Rosa in the early '70s by Mart Rollins. That string of 
men — thoroughbreds all, and fit to play the '"Gentlemen's Game," was composed 
of Isaac DeTurk, James and John Laughlin, Judge Jackson Temple, George 
Guerne, Al. McFadyen, Captain Guy E. Grosse, James Warner and others ; 
many of these now sleep under the turf their horses trod with honor to their 
native place and distinction to themselves. 

ANTEEO AND HIS SPEEDY BAND. 

When Anteeo shook the home-dust from his nimble heels he showed up in 
Kentucky, and after a bunch of victories on the blue-grass tracks, was sold 
for $50,000. He left behind a band of California colts worthy of the sire whose 
blood gave them "go" on many an oval field. One of the string. Alfred G.. 
bred and raised by George Guerne, — whence the G of the colt's name, — finally 
followed his illustrious daddy east to some Kentucky Home stable, leaving 
$20,000 in this state as a golden solace for the Guernes. Eva G.. another of 
the family string, owned by Ney Donovan, a prominent merchant of Santa 
Rosa, early trotted out in view. Her dam was one of the famous Nutwoods, 
and with such a blend of blood in her chestnut body, the young filly was soon 
hitting the high places in the Sonoma tracks at 2 :3c In rounding up the 
Anteeo band Maud Fowler must not be cut out. Her Sonoma Girl — May — 
Queen, Hattie Fowler and Olive Dillon are fillies of her blood and bone. An- 
other Dillon — Katie — is Anteeo from her mother. Grace Brothers' Ole — whose 
name reminds one of "Olsen" and other countless "sens" of Scandinavia, was 
foaled by a Nutwood dam, Maud Fowler's half-sister, and this equipped him 
to sweep the California tracks in his day and generation. Ole exchanged the 
racing ring for a life of leisure and his later life-history would be an edition 
de-luxe. He is the one-horse-power motor of a Los Angeles capitalist's car- 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 173 

riage, and takes' his oaten-fare in a stable that would make a Sultan's charger 
in palace-stall grow green with envy. 

These are a troop of trotters that raced with Father Time, clipping second 
after second from the stretch, often leaving the old sport with his scythe and 
hour-glass at the quarter-pole sadly distanced and out. Mart Rollins is the 
man who has coached bevies of equine buds and drove his speedy debutantes out 
to make the track people sit up and take notice. Mart can tell of the day long 
ago when Seneca Daniels, pioneer of the California turf, from a middle-western 
State landed in Petaluma with General McClelland, Black Hawk and Morgan 
in his string. The ancient flyers were good for the time, when 2 158 or there- 
abouts, was not bad for speed, and they left descendants and successors that 
have steadily changed the olden records until Lou Dillon has kicked bodily 
almost a minute from their mile. 



i 74 HISTORY OF SON* IMA C( >UNTY 



CHAPTER XXXV. 

PETALUMA AND HER NAME ORIGIN. 

The history of Petaluma and her surrounding lands begins in the year 1836, 
when Comandante Yallejo occupied his great valley rancho with the adobe 
dwelling on the west slope of Sonoma mountain. The aged house and its four 
acres of grounds were, in 191 1, given to the Petaluma Parlor of the Native 
Sons of the Golden West, to be restored and preserved as a relic of days too 
soon forgotten. The house, now tenantless, was once bustling with life. The 
wings and rear of the great two-story building were storehouses and factories. 
In the latter a coarse, serviceable blanket was made for the hundreds of In- 
dians employed or retained on the rancho. "Home-made" carpets were woven, 
and leather tanned for saddles and harness, boots and shoes. General Vallejo 
says in a letter dated May 16, 1889: "My harvest productions were so large 
that my storehouses were literally over-filled every year. In 1843 mv wheat 
and barley crop amounted to 72,000 Spanish bushels. My plowmen were only 
two hundred men. Corn about 5,000 Spanish bushels, besides a super-abun- 
dance of all grains, of daily use, such as beans, peas, lentils and vegetables of 
all kinds. 

"All these products were stored in different departments of this large 
house, besides giving freely to the Indians who lived in the surrounding coun- 
try in peace with me. A large number of hides were preserved every year, 
also tallow, lard and dried meat to sell to the 'Yankees.' 

"In one wing of the house up stairs, I lived with my family when in Peta- 
luma valley. The south front was 250 feet, and formed a large square, the 
house having an immense courtyard inside where every morning the laborers 
met and called the roll before dispersing for their various occupations. 

"The house was two stories high and very solid, made of adobe and tim- 
ber, brought by oxen from the redwoods, and planed for use by the old-fash- 
ioned saw, by four Kanakas (my servants) brought from the Sand wish Islands 
by Captain Cooper, my brother-in-law. It had wide corridors inside and out- 
side, some of which were carpeted by our own make of carpets. 

Mr. Fowler, father of Henry Fowler of Napa, was the last carpenter who 
worked at my old house. I sold it to Mr. White about' twenty years ago for 
$25,000. It was never attacked by Indians. When I was taken prisoner by 
the Bear Flag party, this house was filled with what I have already mentioned, 
and they disposed of everything." 

GUADALUPE VALLEJO BOCGS. 

Hon. William M. Boggs of Xapa, who occupied the premises on his ar- 
rival from across the plains, 1846, says: "My father's family and myself and 
wife were kindly tendered the use of the building by General Vallejo when we 
reached Sonoma. It was the first shelter we obtained and it was not completed. 

It is a large square construction with the usual court (Spanish style) 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 175 

with verandas twelve feet wide on the upper story. The front of the building, 
looking toward Petaluma, also has the wide veranda. The walls on (he south 
and east were not finished and were covered with a tule thatch to protect them 
from the rain. It was Vallejo's summer rancho residence and had been oc- 
cupied by the family before the General tendered it to us to winter in. The 
lower rooms were used for storing grain, hides and other ranch products. The 
\ r allejo family furniture used during the summer sojourn was still in the rooms 
above. On our arrival in the night at the ranch, General Vallejo, who had gone 
ahead of our worn-out teams, had aroused his Indian servants to prepare supper 
for us. The tables were spread with linen table-cloths, sperm candles were in the 
chandeliers and we had a regular Spanish cooked meal, wholesome and plenty of 
it. With Spanish hospitality the General waited on the table, helping all the 
large family. After supper he handed Mrs. Boggs a large bunch of keys to 
the various rooms, and assigned one large well furnished apartment to her and 
me. Here in the "Old Adobe," January 4, 1847, our eldest son was born. A 
few weeks after this young immigrant's arrival, and while I was at Yerba 
Buena, an enlisted soldier in the war against Mexico, General Vallejo paid the 
baby gringo an official visit. He was much interested in the youngster and in- 
quired his name. My mother replied that the baby was yet unnamed and re- 
quested the General to supply the necessary title, which he did, naming the boy- 
after himself. Guadalupe iVallejo Boggs, who is now a resident of Oregon, 
claims to be the first white boy born under the American flag in California. 
One or two female children were born in Sutter's Fort probably before or 
about this time of the year." 

PETALUMA AND HER NAMES. 

It will be remembered that Padre Altimira, seeking a mission-site, camped 
in June, 1823, where the General constructed his hacienda, thirteen years later. 
To begin Petaluma history back to chapter 1, paragraph 1 — the Spanish ex- 
plorer, Captain Ouiros, discovered and ascended Petaluma creek in September, 
1776, seeking a water route to Bodega bay which had been explored by Lieu- 
tenant Bodega, in his Catholic Majesty's warship Senora. the year before. 
Ouiros did not iearn that Marin county is an island, but he found a deep, clear 
stream of water with low, tree-covered hills on its west bank and a broad, level 
llano to the east. He camped on it near the head of tide water, and noting the 
several arroyos leading down from the hills and the sloughs threading the park 
of tules in the vicinity, also the bold point to the south, he called the place 
"Punta de los Esteros" — point of the creeks. The Americans afterwards desig- 
nated the point — or its locality "The Haystack" — somebody's cattle ate up the 
origin of the name but the unmusical appellation is yet sticking to the Punta. 
The Indians of the valley called the vicinity "Chocuali," which doubtless is a 
tribal name. The Petalumas just call it Petaluma — probably a tribal name. 
The stream, in whatever tongue — Spanish, Indian, Gringo or Petaluma — be its 
title, is a noble piece of water, and as long as its tides flood and ebb. Petaluma 
will be free. Light-draught vessels sail and steam between bay and town and 
no railroad company can padlock the local transportation question while that 
busy fleet is carrying to market. The winter-waste from the plow-lands tend 
to shoal the creek, but an occasional congressional appropriation dredges and 
straightens the channel, — and never was a public dollar more righteously spent. 



176 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

And these sums, small compared with the results of their expenditure, keep the 
Rio Petaluma in active and excellent use. Rio Petaluma is good, for the stream 
is a river, having long outgrown the creek-age, and it onlv remains for the 
new maps to officially proclaim it. 

When the county was cut into townships this stream became a division 
line between two of the sections. Petaluma was platted in the township of that 
name, but when East Petaluma grew into municipal notice that portion of the 
city was found lost in the wilds of Valkjo township. The antithetical "found 
lost" can not appear more complex as a descriptive term than is the possible 
complexity of township and city official government on the same territory. 
A^allejo extends east to the crest of the high hills, and from San Pablo bay 
northward to the line of Santa Rosa township. When Petaluma creek heads in 
its various feeders five or six miles north of the city, the township line takes 
a cross-country run northwesterly to a common corner near Stony Point. The 
Cotati rancho is in the upper part and the original Petaluma Rancho occupies 
the remainder of Vallejo township, a portion of the grant, however, being in 
Sonoma township. Petaluma township lies to the west extending south to 
Marin county, over the hills and west to Bodega township, and north to Analy. 
Within this area is the Rancho Laguna de San Antonio, also nearly all of the 
Rancho Roblar de Miseria. As has been told, West Petaluma stands on the 
old Miranda grant,— now only an unpleasing memory of days when clouds 
hung over home-titles. On vega and hill was a luxuriant vegetation running 
from oats to oaks. The redwoods and pines were the towering lords of the 
mountains, but the oaks spread over the lower lands, over the oats that reached 
shoulder-high to a mustang. Even the name of its great rancho — Roblar de 
Miseria — refers to the strong, roborant, oaken groves that grew on the tract. 
Through these woods roved bands of wild horses and cattle, nominally they 
were owned by General Vallejo, and their home-corral was at the old adobe 
hacienda at the foot of Mount Sonoma, but they owed allegiance to no master 
and were as free as the coast winds that with them swept plain and mesa. 
Like their fellow-foresters, the elk and the deer, they were game for whoever 
needed them and met them on the range. Many a hide with the "Y" brand on 
the flank was dried on cabin-wall not owned by Vallejo. But it was the un- 
written law of the unfenced llano. This law grew from the prodigality of the 
supply and of the supplier, and both finished in obedience to another law — the 
state of waste. Vallejo, as many of his fellow-Spanish occupants in this state 
gave, gave until all was gone. gone. The knightly old don never ceased in his 
gift-giving, whether it was a fat beef to a thin immigrant just from "across 
the plains.'" or a rich ranch to another Americano whom the General loved. 
And for much of this he received only injury and ingratitude. He died at his 
home January 18, 1890, having been identified wth political matters of this ter- 
ritory for sixty years, and California has no spot more honorable than the 
place wherein he sleeps at Sonoma. 

FALL OF FORTY-NINE OR SPRING OF FIFTY. 

Petaluma came here in that legendary age — the spring of '50, or possibly 
the fall of '49. Like the Mayflower period to the man of Massachusetts, or the 
Randolph era to the A'irginian, "49-50" is the golden-time to the F. F. C. 
Dates before and after bear no, or dim. hall-marks of social distinction. Dr. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 177 

August Heyermann built a log cabin then, and that was Petaluma till Tom 
Lockwood and several companions, in October, 1850, drove in their stakes. 
They were hunters, and with their outfit in a whaleboat they had left San 
Francisco for the game-grounds. The riflemen camped in the Bell grove of 
oaks. Also came John Linus and Lemarcus Wiatt, and Thomas Bayliss and 
David Flogdell — the "Tom and Dave" of early Petaluma. These pitched their 
tents under the trees, and so populous and popular did the sylvan settlement be- 
come that "los robles" or "the oaks" seemed destined to be the coming city. 
Then was the houses, real houses of wood, imposing structures of boards rip- 
sawed or split, or logs fitted into wall and roof. Jim Dawson, who landed at 
Bodega equipped only with gringo-grit and good looks, and married the widow 
Caseras and the Rancho Pogolome, had a "home-made" saw mill as early as 
1834. Dawson for years was busy sawing lumber, and many of the first frame 
houses of Sonoma, Santa Rosa and Petaluma came from his Bodega logs. 
Wiatt and Linus constructed a small shack on the bank where the creek horse- 
shoes itself around the point just above Washington street, and in it started 
"a store." Soon after Baylis and Flogdell inaugurated a trading post farther 
down the stream where was the dock of the old stern-wheel steamer Relief, a 
craft that zigzagged for man) a-year along the estero. G. W. Keller opened an 
emporium, warehouse, lodging house, eating house, trading house and house 
for almost anything that rode along that way. James M. Hudspeth and James 
McReynolds, afterwards the two pioneer "Jims" of Gold Ridge, built a ware- 
house and were soon doing a profitable business buying and shipping agricul- 
tural produce to Sacramento and San Francisco. Grain was coming in from 
the valleys, potatoes from out Bodega-way and hay from wherever the wild 
oats grew. Their first farm was the city site and the two Jims "raked the 
meadow rich with hay" where the residence-lawns are now nursed with hose 
into summer verdure. In the early part of '52 Keller laid out the town, this 
survey starting from the creek between Oak and Prospect streets and running 
west to Liberty near Kent, thence south to A street, thence northwesterly to 
the stream. 

And Petaluma was growing in the commonwealth-making "Fifties." The 
nimrods and their neighbors at "Los Robles" folded their tents and stole away — 
to acquire building lots in the new city of "los esteros," "little hills," "foot hills," 
or whatever gave the town title. And it was the sturdy band that came up the 
creek during that decade — the argonauts that threaded the tule-reaches and 
beached their galleys on a shore of wonderful fertility. Henry E. Lawrence 
landed in the town from Tennessee via Missouri. Next year he returned to 
the latter state for cattle with which to stock his Stony Point ranch, and in 1857 
made another round-trip "the plains across" for the same purpose, although 
the ranch this time being in Marin county and among the fog-drenched hills of 
the coast. James M. Palmer, from Buncombe county, N. C, the famous 
"Bunkum county" where hoop snakes took their tails in their mouths and rolled 
along the road — a sensation and a peril to the country-side ; where the barrels 
of the rifles were curved to shoot deer that persisted in running around sugar- 
loaf hills; and where the people were such amazing story-tellers that the fame 
of their yarns got into the magazines, and the name of their county got into 
the dictionary, adding a new word to the language. Samuel N. Terrill, early 
justice of the peace, and who contests the honor of being the first postmaster 



i 7 8 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

with H. P. Hentzlemann, and W. D. Kent. Of the class of '51 was Major 
James Singley, one of Ireland's contributions to the west, sailor, merchant, 
legislator, and who as station agent of Peter Donohue's road sold the first rail- 
way ticket used in Sonoma count} ; George B. Williams, who hauled the lumber 
from the redwoods and built the present Washington hotel. There seems to 
have always been a Washington hotel in Petaluma — though an "American," a 
"Union,*' and a "Petaluma" hotel sprung up in after years, a patriotic list of 
inn-names appealing to the soul or the fiercest country-loving traveler. Robert 
Douglass built the first Washington, but Robert did more and better work in 
Petaluma than starting a line of Washington hotels, — he started a Petaluma 
clan. His marriage with Hannah Hathaway, December 31, 1851, was the first 
wedding in the city, and his daughter, whose birth was during the following 
year, was the first white child born in Petaluma. 

WHE_\ T THE .SETTEERS "DROPPED IN." 

The '52 crowd was larger, at least the list extant is longer. All ways and 
trails were leading to Petaluma. Then a rival sprang up in the titles. On the 
creek, a short distance below Petaluma, H. P. Hentzlemann and M. G. Lewis 
constructed a wharf and several buildings, and upon this infant settlement — 
not enough of it to stand alone — the}' piled the ponderous title of "City of 
Petaluma." Colonel J. P>. Hine of San Francisco was interested in the new 
municipality and by agreement ran his steamer "Red Jacket" between the bay 
and the creek landing. The "City of Petaluma" never got beyond the wharf- 
and-warehouse age, nor did it become a menace to the town of Petaluma. One 
of the earlv troubles was the establishment of its name. This sounded too 
much like the name of the original place and everybody insisted in calling it 
"New Town." One night the skipper of the Red Jacket was induced to start 
his engines and accept an invitation to visit "Old Town." The hospitality of 
his hosts and the depth of water under his boat while "up-river" were argu- 
ments too logical for the perpetuity of the tule-town, and it is of the things 
that were. Several steamers took successive runs during after years over the 
new reach of navigable creek, among them the "Kate Hayes," Captain Van 
Pelt; "Sioc," Captain E. Latapie ; "E. Corning." Captain C. M. Baxter; 
"Petaluma," Captain Charles Minturn ; and the yacht-like "Josie McNear," 
Captain Washington Neil. Not on the roster of the early fleet that carried 
Petaluma's flag and freight abroad, defending her commercial supremacy on the 
seven inland-seas, must lie omitted the "Relief." beamy, snub-nose, uncomely and 
stern-wheel, now gone "over Lethe's wharf." When one saw skipper Dave 
Baylis in her pilot-house coax the full-breasted, wide-hipped ark up to the foot 
of English street, the observer would expect to see her step ashore — a lightning 
change, a magic transformation from boat to frail — and go thumping her wooden 
shoes up-town to visit the Poehlmann Brothers. 

In the squad of recruits that year were A. B. Case — initial letters that on 
the store-sign always reminded the writer of his first days in the primary school ; 
Tohn Bradford Tupper; Ezekiel Dcnman, — "Zeke Denman" as the Two Rock 
farmers in neighborly spirit abbreviated him; Hiram Talbert Fairbanks, store- 
keeper, banker ; John Merritt, rancher, stockman ; Andrew Henry — dapper 
Andrew Henry, whose courtly individualit} might have marked him for a 
Southerner. He made out Wells Fargo Express waybills while dressed in white 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 179 

shirt sleeves turned up to protect the immaculate cuffs ; Byronic collar, black- 
tie, black cloth trousers, black low-crown broad-brimmed hat. He was patent- 
leather shod, seldom wore a coat on office duty, a prince of neatness, politeness 
and gentleness — one of the old-time express agents of the da)- of the six-horse 
stage coach ; the six-chambered Colt's ; the wealth of a mine under the driver's 
seat ; the sa wed-off gun ; messenger peering into the roadside bushes and ex- 
pecting to hear his own death-shot or the loud "throw out that box." A peculiar 
type of a clay that is dead. 

\I.WAYS "FR1TSCH AND ZARTMAN." 

And came John Fritsch and William Zartman. Incomplete would be any 
kind of a story laid down in or even remotely associated with Petaluma if 
Fritsch and Zartman were left out. Moreover, that wagon-building firm has 
history peculiarly its own. John Fritsch was born in France in 1829, the same 
year of William Zartman's birth in Pennsylvania. When Fritsch had reached 
the third annual post of his life-course, the family immigrated to Zartman's 
native state, but the "drift-together" of the young men took place in Calaveras 
county, Cal. Meeting again in Petaluma they engaged in wagon-making, later 
taking as a third partner James Reid. In 1857 Reicl, enroute to New York for ad- 
ditional machinery for their shop, was lost at sea, and the firm was dissolved. 
It "came back - ' next year under the name of Fritsch, Zartman & Co., N. O. 
Stafford being the "Co." In 1861 these men with C. Tustin and J. Church, 
operated a quartz mill at Gold Hill, Nevada. Three years after this the wagon- 
making firm was doing business at the same old stand as Fritsch & Stafford. 
Mr. Zartman, out of the firm, concluded to take a vacation and a rest. He got 
them. On the trip east his steamship, the "Golden Rule," foundered in the 
Caribbean Sea, and after an interesting period of semi-starvation and other 
hardships on a small island, the seven hundred passengers were rescued. Zart- 
man concluded that Petaluma was safer for him and he hurried back to the City 
of the Esteros. It is said on the authority of Matt Doyle, and others, that the 
next day after the traveler's return the familiar staccato-beats of a hammer were 
heard coming from the old shop clanging out the "Anvil Chorus,'" and investiga- 
tion found the indefatigable Zartman hammering into being a wagon for a 
Bodega bay rancher who had waited on the beach for "Bill" to come back from 
the sea. 

HOW T-IARRY MECHAM GOT HERE. 

In '53 appeared William Hill, born in New York, thence to Wisconsin, 
there learned the cooper's trade, thence to Hangtown, Cal., there learned to dig 
nuggets, thence to a ranch on San Antonio creek, finally to Petaluma, where he 
worked in a commission business, real-estate buying and selling, and banking. 
Also Harrison Mecham. another New Yorker. Mecham wandered out to Mis- 
souri, — Missouri appears to have been the gathering place for the final jump 
westward into the yellow haze of the Eldorado. There Mecham heard the 
"fairy tales" from California — marvelous yarns the winds brought over the 
continent. Indians and grizzly fights, wild acres for the choosing, brandless 
horses and cattle for the roping, free gold for the digging, and the "open ses- 
ame" to these hoards of treasure could be spoken by anybody. These "surface 
indications" ran the youngster away from home, and he hired out for the trip 
across the plains. His duty was to keep an ox-team moving towards California, 



i8o HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

dodge Indians, rattle-snakes, and deep water-holes in the river-fords, and tor 
these services he was to get his daily board and clothes, and be shown the 
way to the Golden State. As the part)' had to war with almost every 
kind of hardship from the Missouri river to the Rio Sacramento, many 
of the payments of daily-board went over to the following week and the collec- 
tion of the unpaid daily-clothes bill was long ago barred by the statute of lim- 
itations. However, he staid within whip-lash distance of his oxen and they 
showed him the way to the Promise Land, and when he unyoked for the last 
time he was on the Yuba. Some "Good Samaritan" grub-staked the young 
mineralogist from Missouri and his outfit was capitalized as follows : Wooden 
rocker, $300 ; crowbar two feet long, $96 ; common milk pan, $32 ; pick, $64 ; 
shovel. $116; wooden bucket, $25; frying pan, $40; pair blankets, $96; boots, 
$50. Out of some paying "pockets" among the placers he soon washed enough 
nuggets to square this indebtedness and had $2,000 invested in local real estate. 
Shortly he could have sold out for $20,000 cash, but on the "advice of friends" 
didn't, and next clay went "dead broke." He scraped up enough dust to pay 
stage fare out of the "busted diggings," and struck out for the "valleys." 
"Harry" Mecham finally came to rest on his big ranch at Stony Point. Cap- 
tain "Wash" Neil, brawny Scot and dean of the ancient mariners of the creeks ; 
gallant skipper of the "long, low, rakish" schooners that sailed the tule-bordered 
lagoons between the produce-piled wharves of Petaluma and the markets of 
Yerba Buena. Isaac G. Wickersham, frugal, thrifty, business-minded and from 
Pennsylvania. He brought the first mowing machine to Petaluma and made 
hay where the Wickersham building now stands. Freman Parker — 
eccentric to the letter, that is, the letter of his words and "rote" only in "fonetic 
stile." 

The enlistments of '54 were led in by Major James Armstrong — whose 
martial spirit knew no music like the drum-throb in the "assembly call." He 
had sailed with Farragut around the world, fought under Taylor in Mexico, 
and with equally fierce enthusiasm "licked into shape" the fresh, young rookies 
of the Petaluma Plueston Guard. While Major Armstrong was Petaluma's 
first military citizen, Captain Neil was "the ruler of her first navee." Brothers 
in contemporary arms, brothers in citizenship, they were also brothers-in-law, 
having wedded the daughters of the late John L. Mock — another of the noble 
pioneers now "in narrow cell forever laid." Then was G. R. Codding, A. 
Morse and John Raymond Fritsch. The last named immigrant's living record 
does not go any further back than that year, nor beyond the city limits. Though 
a pioneer, Fritsch, Jr., can claim nativity with the bear, and point to his first 
cub-day in the blooming Maytime of 1854. 

Samuel Cassiday was among the tourists who dropped their feet in Peta- 
luma during '55. Then followed Henry Weston and Thomas L. Thompson. 
This was the year of the printers and of the introduction of that pioneer pub- 
lisher, politician and statesman to Sonoma. Thompson was born in West Vir- 
ginia May 31, 1838, and came to this state via Panama in '55. After working 
a few months at the type-case in San Francisco he landed in Petaluma. August 
1 8th of that year he started the Petaluma Weekly Journal, which he conducted 
till March, T856, then selling out to H. L. Weston. In 1859 J. J. Pennepacker 
began the publication of the Petaluma Argus, and two years after sold it to 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 181 

James H. McNabb. In 1864 the Journal and Argus were consolidated under 
the management of Weston, McNabb and Noah W. Scudder. In a short time 
the "Journal" end of the title was eliminated and as the Weekly Argus the 
publication continued. Samuel Cassiday relieved Weston, and Mr. Scudder 
retiring from the editorial sanctum, McNabb and Cassiday were long its man- 
agers. The Argus is now a daily and weekly owned and conducted by J. E. 
& S. M. Olmsted. In the latter part of 1876 the Petaluma Courier was started 
by William F. Shattuck. It was afterwards sold to D. W. Ravenscroft and 
finally to J. C. Arthur, by whom it is now published as a daily and weekly. 
With the journalists came the jurists — George Pearce, Jackson Temple, William 
Churchman, J. B. Southard, et al. Manville Doyle appeared with a band of 
horses and cattle, pasturing them on the lands of the Old Adobe. 



182 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 



CHAPTER XXXYI. 
TRAGEDY OP THE VIGILANCE COMMITTEE BELL. 

Matt Doyle is historical because of his connection with that famous his- 
torical relic, the Vigilance Committee bell. He was christened Manville in the 
dawn of a long-ago Illinois day, and on the records in the Doyle family Bible 
(for eighty-one years) it has been Manville. But in the rough-and-tumble 
times of the "roaring forties" the name was too long for speedy utterance, and 

it wore down to Matt. So in the world the flesh and the dev stock market 

it is Matt. On the epitaph of the bell should appear two other names — George 
Pearce and J. B. Southard, who years ago left to attend a court where case- 
continuances are unknown, and where the time-penalty is eternity. The noted 
sound-maker was brought from San Francisco to Petaluma and hung in the 
steeple of the Baptist church for missionary purposes. Like a sister-bell in 
Philadelphia it was cracked during life, but these coincident facts spring from 
causes unlike. It was in the early '60s that the Petaluma followers of John 
the Baptist awoke to the double fact that from their empty belfry no voice 
went crying in the wilderness ; and from the steeple of the Methodist church in 
another part of the town clanged insistent calls to repentance. This was a sad 
reflection on their seeming indifference, and a local "association" was held to 
settle the bell question. In that meeting there was an intensity of purpose and 
unanimity that made the atmosphere of the hall vibrant, and the word "bell" 
was spoken so frequently that the room rang as though a Poe recital had 
broken loose there. Matt Doyle was chairman self-appointed, and led in the 
argument, pro and con. He said in the preliminary that he had been raised 
a Campbellite, but "there was damned little difference between a Baptist and 
one of old Alexander Campbell's folks — the same water would do for both pro- 
viding there was plenty of it." Then he further cheerfully swore that a bell 
was as necessary in a Baptist settlement as is a Jordan, and Parson Jehu Barnes 
was so filled with the pointed expression of the sentiment that he neglected to 
rebuke the speaker because of his unchurchly language. Next Lord's day the 
Rev. Jehu followed up with a powerful sermon on the prevailing spiritual deaf- 
ness of the Petalumans, also on the crying need of a bell to arouse them to a 
sense of their deplorable moral condition. 

The great cleavage of Civil strife reached westward across the continent, 
and "north" or "south" held jubilee when the bulletin of battle jarred along 
the wires. Petaluma being above Mason and Dixon's fateful parallel, the good 
churchmen of that city in faith as of old, saw Jehovah, a deity militant, lead- 
ing the federal squadrons when the bird of victory fluttered over the northern 
bayonets ; when the dispatches pictured the gray warriors unsuccessfully saber- 
ing the troopers in blue, it was a case where the God of Battles in His inscru- 
table wisdom permitted the hosts of the unrighteous to prevail. But the south- 
rons of Petaluma didn't observe strikingly this theory of providential com- 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 183 

mission or omission. Such celebrations were safer up in the alleged "rebel" 
town of Santa Rosa, where they sang "Dixie" with a thunderous "anvil chorus" 
every time General "Jeb" Stuart raided Union territory. In the sacred pre- 
cincts of the Petaluma Baptist church the dove of peace cooed for "a scrap." 
Doyle and his kinsmen, the Barnes, were . northern democrats, and were con- 
traband. When the bell-question was ringing through the sanctuary, the other 
side of the divisional aisle did not respond in hearty choral "amens,'' but Matt, 
though he was the proprietor of two big livery stables and a string of running 
horses, did not lose faith. He went out among the ungodly and passed the hat. 
The collection amounted to $500. He was chosen to make the purchase, and in 
San Francisco found the old Vigilance bell, lying dumb in cold storage since 
Fort Gunnybags was dismantled. He quickly concluded the bell that had rang 
Casey, Cora and other hard men of a hard period into another world, would be 
capable of ringing the most flinty-hearted Petaluma abolitionist at least into a 
lively sense of sin and his soul's peril. Under the potent spell of this inspira- 
tional reasoning he sought Conroy, O'Connor & Co., and bought the bell. They 
dug it out of the junk-pile of a generation, and Matt paid the price — $550. He 
added the four golden eagle-birds needed on the bill of sale, and another eagle- 
bird for freight and drayage, and brought the fine old instrument home. He 
was exceedingly regretful as the steamer came plowing up the tule-bordered 
estero, that he could not ring the bell and make a joyful noise, and fittingly 
announce its coming and his triumphant return. But it was packed in a crock- 
ery-crate and its far-sound melody muffled with straw. 

ITS GOLDEN VOICE FILLS THE VALLEYS. 

The splendid bell in its new office filled the bill, and its golden voice filled 
all Petaluma and Two Rock valleys with persuasive calls to repentance. After 
its long silence it spoke as never tongue spake — at least in Petaluma. When 
the soft Sabbath winds blew up the great central llano the back-sliding Santa 
Rosans were awakened to a consciousness of spiritual shortcomings, and out 
on the Bodega beaches when the breeze went westward, its treble-harmonies 
blended with the deep organ-bass of the bellowing sea. It had been a "loud 
alarum bell" with its hollow dies irae falling on a startled city when tragedy struck 
the brazen key, now its steeple trembled in the sweet invitational vinite domine, 
or rocked in the harmonic reverberations of a grand gloria in excelsis. But 
the Petaluma mission of the bell was not to be only peace and good will to men. 
It clanged an exultant monody when Death harvested the federal regiments on 
Shiloh's shell-plowed field ; and when the southern chivalry was halted in the 
gory trenches of Gettysburg a jubilee rolled impartially from that sounding rim 
in "molten golden notes." Soon the bell was a storm-center around which the 
sympathizers of secession and abolition revolved like two factions of bellig- 
erent bees. The ringing wrought confusion. Announcement of regular Sun- 
day service was attributed to a gunboat skirmish on some Mississippi bayou, 
or to a guerrilla raid across Kentucky's dark and bloody ground. Call for the 
Wednesday night prayer-meeting started a fierce non-sectarian contention that 
raged from McNear's wharf to the Revere house, that was anything but divine 
in character. Such militant worldliness was not to the moral uplift of the 
church, nor to the healthful placidity of the non-religious. The spiritual and 
political became jumbled together in this clash of creeds, and the godly were cor- 



184 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

rupted by evil communication, and overhead the great bell calm in the dark, cob- 
webbv crypt of the steeple boomed its metallic messages to a discordant world. It 
may be said that this confusion of office — confusion of bell-tongue — was caused 
largely by a change in the office of the bell. It became lowered in dignity to a 
"town bell;" placed on a civic and social par with the public pump and the 
street-sweeper. Its additional duties were to tell Sonoma county — also a por- 
tion of Marin — just when the Petaluma common council met to provide a new 
hydrant ; when some citizen's house in that burg was beginning to burn down ; 
or when the small boy to dodge the curfew-cop must seek the shelter of the 
maternal wing. This over-time arrangement doubtless was convenient, but it 
was the moral ruin of the bell. 

THOUGHT OF ARRESTING THE COUNTY-SEAT. 

Matters went from bad to worse as the war-clouds went from dark to 
darker. Petaluma was "union'' from the creek to the graveyard — just put on 
the real estate market — back of town, but Santa Rosa was notoriously "disloyal" 
and there was strong talk of arresting the county-seat and confining it in Al- 
catraz. Petaluma's ulterior designs on that same county-seat began when Peta- 
luma was a civic baby prattling to the mud-hens on her creek. When the Bear 
Flaggers that early morning, June 14, 1846, pulled down Yallejo's Mexican 
red, white and green in the Sonoma plaza and then drank up all his missiou 
brandy, they found two brass 18-pounders lying across the adobe wall, their 
warlike throats choked with last-year swallow-nests. Lieutenant Joseph W. 
Revere, U. S. N., tried to get the pieces aboard the "Portsmouth" then at 
Yerba Buena, with the object of having them mounted at Annapolis for the 
fighting-inspiration of the naval cadets. He employed Jim McChristian, the 
sole-surviving Bear Flag maker, now living at Sebastopol in this county, to 
get the guns down to Embarcadero. The ancient trucks under the pieces 
wouldn't revolve and McChristian's oxen balked on the haul, and Revere lost 
his souvenirs. Mac was eighteen years old when he and Midshipman John E. 
Montgomery, the 18-year-old son of Captain John Montgomery of the "Ports- 
mouth," dragged that battery out of Sonoma, — but that is another story. The 
gallant middy soon after was killed by hostile Indians near Sutter's Fort under 
circumstances similar to the killing of the French Prince Imperial by the Zulus 
in Africa years later, — and that's another story. McChristian's claim for that 
haul has slept in its War Department pigeon-hole for sixty-three years, — and 
that is still another story. 

One of these brazen death-dealers turned up on Petaluma creek — how, 
no man knoweth — the battery of a low, rakish scow-schooner, possibly to be 
used in the capture of the Santa Rosa court-house. Major James Armstrong 
who had won his shoulder-straps with Dave Farragut and Zachary Taylor, had 
the "rookies" of the Hueston Guard all-rationed for the invasion, and 
Dovle had three Lexington colts with two-minute records, in his stable saddled 
day and night for a Paul Revere ride to Santa Rosa the moment Petaluma took 
the warpath. Jehu Barnes had been declared heretical and a parson late from a 
Boston conservatory of divinity was holding down the pulpit of St. John the 
Baptist. Tinctured with the literature of Harriet Beecher Stowe, he considered 
every "secesh" in the church a Legre, and threatened those unorthodoxies with 
expulsion from close communion, till Bill Barnes, the "Jack Hamlin" of the day. 



1 86 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

an innocent little weakness of editors. When Mr. Hinkle returned home like 
"one arisen." he humorously proclaimed his astonishment at his own nobility 
of character and his great popularity, though unfortunately, he said, he never 
learned of these facts until he died. During '58, "59. '60. W. B. Haskell, W. 
H. Pepper. H. H. Atwater, B. F. Tattle, F. D. Starke. Kelly Tigh. John W. 
McNear, were first seen around town. It must not be understood that these 
names comprise a list of Petaluma's "solid" men, even during the ten years of 
'50-'6o. There are others. They have passed, — some from recollection, be- 
cause those who might have recollected them have also passed. Under repainted 
sign-names are the names of men who were formerly in business here and those 
disappearing names have since appeared in the marble on the "Hill." 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 187 



CHAPTER XXXVII. 

CITY OF THE LITTLE CHICKS. 

Petaluma on her navigable stream and in a territory of inexhaustible soil- 
fertility early began breaking records. She frequently repeats the exploit. In 
1858 the city was incorporated, the lines crossing the creek and taking in East 
Petaluma, originally a portion of the Tom Hopper tract, purchased from Gen- 
eral Vallejo. The building of the San Francisco and North Pacific railroad, 
beginning at Petaluma in 1869 and reaching Cloverdale in 1872, brought the 
central valleys down to the esteros. The completion of the Petaluma and Santa 
Rosa electric railway to Sebastopol, to the county-seat and into the splendid 
fruit-belt around Forestville, is drawing in the rich products of the coast coun- 
try. The northern extension of this line into Mendocino county along the grand 
Russian river scenic route, as proposed, and the southern extension, now build- 
ing to a bay terminal, will further make for this progressive place. Along 
the banks of the creek they have taken advantage of the easy solution of the 
transportation question, vacant places have been reclaimed for business and 
sites are ready for the manufacturer. Petaluma, the Poultry City of the 
present, may be a name-evolution from Petaluma, the "duck-hill town" of the 
past, providing the tule-prowling Indian who is vaguely supposed to have 
originated this name, ever arose to the fitness of any town-title. This is not 
likely, but the domestic hen in her centuries of migration seems to have found 
here a nest to her liking. In detached barnyard places, heretofore, in a nail- 
keg or discarded yeast-powder box, she has supplied the family with breakfast 
"hards," "softs," "scrambled" or "overs," or has brooded her incubating season 
away in a wasted effort to hatch a setting of chickless eggs originally from Far 
Cathay. Since that time she has formed a partnership with science and has 
advanced her egg-output and herself, commercially. She is a recognized in- 
dustry- and when she cackles a world's market falls. Her native office of bring- 
ing out and up a family has been relegated to a machine and the downy flock 
looks out of its orphanage through glass walls. But this artificial incubation 
and cultivation of her young is a win-out of minds over matter — of man over 
the hen. Where a nest held a dozen eggs, a nest now holds a hundred dozen; 
when the big crop unshells itself, art mothers it to market, all in promptness 
and completeness never dreamed of since the birds began to incubate on the 
new earth. Poultry culture is not old in Sonoma county, but from bay-shore 
to north parallel line, and from sea-beach to eastern hill-chain the white hen- 
neries gleam thickly in the sheltered places. 

WHEN THE HEN CACKLES A MARKET FALLS. 

While the process of hatching eggs artificially was known among the 
ancients it seems to have become one of the lost arts, like gun-powder, glass 
and certain paints, to be found and practiced again in the Christian centuries. 
It is a long reach of time from the rude oven of an Asian chicken-yard a 
thousand years B. C, to a Petaluma poultry nursery. A. D. 191 1. The family 



1 88 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

record of the first practical incubator man is yet hidden amid the ruins of the 
past, but the last one is very much present. Tt is unnecessary to produce here 
an extended pen-picture of Lyman C. Byce, the foster-father of millions 
of orphaned chicks, and of countless millions more to come. In 1878 Mr. 
Byce landed in Petaluma from Toronto, Canada, and struck out to do some- 
thing for himself, and incidentally for his neighbors. A Canadian is a mover 
and a good argument for reciprocity. The sharp, cold airs of his upper lati- 
tudes and the clean, balsamic life of his piney forests, perhaps, early get into 
him and he grows up a rustler. Byce's father was a farmer and the young 
man had assisted in the construction of crude incubators and brooders and he 
knew that a triumph awaited the perfecting of these machines. Petaluma 
valley seemed to be a promised poultry land. In his wagon he drove among 
the farmers of Sonoma and Napa counties and succeeded in buying several 
hundred fowls for his new venture. At so low ebb was chicken-culture on 
this coast that he was forced to fill out his hennery with purchases of eggs 
and poultry from Illinois, Indiana and Massachusetts. These imports, how- 
ever, were of the best breeds and from the stock have grown the thoroughbreds 
that are producing annually $4,000,000 worth of wealth for Sonoma county 
alone. Across the seas go the poultry product from the Byce brooders and 
incubators. The Far Easterners are far-eaters of western foods, and oriental 
exclusiveness does not exclude the lay of the Sonoma hen. In China the fan 
quai — foreign devil — is socially taboo, but he is commercially tolerated if he 
lives in Petaluma and carries eggs to market. 

The quartet of incubator factories in that city are turning out the per- 
fected hatching machines and trying to supply a world demand. Here is in 
operation the largest hatchery known, 160 feet long, with a working capacity 
of 50,000 eggs monthly. The accompanying brooder is 175 feet long and fills 
its contract of 100,000 broilers a year. These incubators are complicated 
affairs. It took years of study and experiment ere man was able to compete 
with the mother hen in her own nest. An egg with chicken possibilities is a 
delicate piece of organism and its three weeks of heat at 103 degrees must 
never vary if it becomes blood, bone and feathers. The incubator can be "set" 
with eggs, loaded into a cart or car and carried long distances and it will 
keep on "setting," hatching ninety-five per cent of the lay. The proverbial 
old hen who "sot"' despite all attempt at dissuasion, and who "stood up and 
sot" in her laudable efforts to perform her maternal duties, is outdone by an 
artificial competitor. And she lost, for ninety-nine per cent of her young now 
are hatched vicariously. 

And the daily bill of fare for a growing Petaluma chick ; no common 
worm or weed-seed scratched out of the barnyard for these downy epicures. 
Oatmeal from Illinois and Kansas; hemp and millet seed from Germany; pep- 
per and canary-bird seed from Japan; rice from China; flax-seed from Ore- 
gon; corn from Nebraska and ginger from Africa. This is only the imported 
part of the menu. Home foods, flesh and grain, selected with care, are served 
to suit the pampered broilers, who in turn will be served at table. But there are 
millions in them, and this is the practical method in the poultry madness of 
Petaluma — the City of the Little Chicks. 







5 « 




i ft 



1£U 




HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 189 

VALLEJO TOWNSHIP. 

Vallejo township is the plain between Sonoma mountain and Petaluma 
creek. San Pablo bay and an east and west line dividing the tract from Santa 
Rosa township. In the upper part of Vallejo township, in the center of the 
Cotati Rancho is Penn Grove. This is also a station on the Northwestern 
Pacific Railroad and the shipping point of a considerable poultry district. In 
the lower or southeastern part of 'the township is Donohue, on the creek about 
eight miles from Petaluma and was formerly the bay terminus of the San 
Francisco and North Pacific Railroad. Another landing on the creek, a short 
distance north of Donohue is Lakeville. When Padre Altimira, eighty-seven 
years ago, was marching along this way headed for Sonoma he discovered "on 
a hillock, the Lake of Tolay, called after a former chief of the Indians in this 
vicinity." The hillock Lake of Tolay was afterwards drained, making a noble 
potato patch, but Lakeville retains a portion of its name. 



lyo HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 



CHAPTER XXXVIII. 

WHERE THE ANALY APPLE GROWS. 

West of Santa Rosa township and east of Bodega township lies Analy — 
the vine and orchard township of the county. Its northern side touches Red- 
wood and Russian river townships, while its southern line is a boundary line 
of Petaluma township and Marin county. The southern portion contains the 
ranchos Canada de Pogolome and Blucher ; this with the adjoining Bodega 
township on the west is the famous dairy and potato country, in the midst of 
which is the town of Bloomfield. The central part of Analy contains portions 
of the ranchos Llano de Santa Rosa and Canada de Jonive, while the northern 
portion contains a part of the El Molino grant. If Sonoma township leads in 
the production of wine, Cloverdale in citrus fruits, Analy leads in much of 
everything else that grows and ripens on tree and vine. It is said that when 
Jasper O'Farrell, the noted surveyor, mapped off the counties, townships and 
ranchos of this section of the state, the only time that he turned to the family 
for a name is when he wrote 'Analy." for his sister Anna. It is a pretty name, 
well fitting the tract that it designates. With the exception of the district 
bordering Marin county and the sea, the entire township is a park and the 
portion around Sebastopol, Graton in Green valley, and Forestville, is a veri- 
table "fruitland." The Petaluma and Santa Rosa Railway enters Analy at its 
southeastern corner, near Stony Point, and extends to Forestville. This prac- 
tically gives to the entire length of the township hourly electric trains. Where 
in all the state has there been a more complete fitting of the natural and the 
artificial than here. Its warm, sandy loam has no peer in productiveness and its 
harvest-possibility is anywhere within the vegetable kingdom. The inaugura- 
tion of the suburban roads among the full-fruited orchards, vineyards and 
hopyards, completed and perfected the settlement of this locality begun by 
Joaquin Carrillo at Sebastopol in 1846. The wooded hills of the coast range 
on the western border shield the eastern slope of the township from the sea 
gales howling down the Mendocino coast. The redwood belt along the Sonoma 
ocean shore for ages has been nature's wind-break, tempering the airs blowing 
across the Analy valleys. In 1849-50, the period William Hood settled in the 
Los Guilicos, William Elliott on Mark West creek and Martin Hudson in Santa 
Rosa plain, the settlers began to come into what is now Green valley. J. M. 
Hudspeth, Patrick McChristian and James McChristian, Josiah Moran, Otis 
Allen, Joseph Morgan Miller, Olander Sowers and John Walker. The chief 
pioneer of Blucher valley was W. D. Canfield. Farther to the southwest, in 
Big valley, came William Abels, Elliot Coffer, Henry Hall, Robert Bailey. 
Horace Lamb, George Woodson, E. C. and W. P. Henshaw, Jacob McReynolds, 
Patrick Carroll and William Jones. Joaquin Carrillo after receiving his portion 
of the Llano de Santa Rosa rancho, built his adobe home on the laguna just 
east from Sebastopol, where the ruins of the ancient hacienda may be seen. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 191 

John Walker and Joseph M. Miller conducted a store and trading post in the 
vicinity. Miller was the postmaster and the place which was the crossing of 
several roads was the mail-distributing point for the coast country. It was 
known as the "Bodega Postoffice," a title hardly suitable. In 1855 J. H. P. 
Morris located a 120-acre claim and on this was Sebastopol's site and settler. 
The pioneer of the new town called it Pine Grove — a fitting name from the 
forest of those trees which covered the hills in the locality. The fertile, yellow- 
tinted soil afterwards brought the fruitful slopes the general title of Gold 
Ridge. The name, Sebastopol, associated with horrid war, would be sadly un- 
suited to the peaceful and sylvan scenes of this beautiful vale, but for the fitting 
local incident from which the title grew. The great Crimean conflict was 
raging between Russia and Turkey, France, England. Two doughty war- 
riors of Pine Grove — Jeff Stevens and Pete Hibbs — engaged in a ferocious 
argument over the outcome of the contest. They concluded to settle it, — the 
argument, not the war, — in a fist-fight. Peter presently was in full retreat, 
taking refuge in John Dougherty's store. The proprietor kept Stevens out of 
the building, protecting the ex-fighter who evidently knew when he "had 
enough." The crowd enjoying the entertainment, was reminded of Russia 
then besieged by the allies within her Sebastopol, and dubbed Dougherty's 
place "Hibbs' Sebastopol." The pine grove in the town disappearing and the 
humor of Pete's inglorious flight growing in popularity, there was a gradual 
change in name. So, out from the red flames of the Crimea, out from the 
bloody rifle-pits of the Redan, out from the fadeless glory of the Light Brigade, 
and out from the historical scrimmage at Dougherty's came our Sebastopol. 
Jefferson and Peter are aslumber on Gold Ridge, mingling their dust with 
the rich yellow soil, with orchards on the right of them, vine-rows on the left 
of them, blooming and fruiting. 

APPLES AND WOMEN HAVE MADE HISTORY. 

The apple has ever been an object of keen interest to man. In history it 
is as old as he, in fact it is the fruit named as one of his earliest contemporaries. 
It was one of the properties provided when the stage was set for the first human 
drama — the play in which he was the star, and where the villain of the piece 
used the apple to the star's final undoing. It may not be gallant to make any 
reference, except with the utmost delicacy, to the star actress in that early- 
play so tragic to the human race. Possibly there are later Eves in the Analy 
Edens where the juicy Gravensteins grow, who might not be pleased at an 
allusion, though veiled, to their great ancestress. However, a gallant Gold 
Ridge orchardist, and one who evidently knows, says if there is a combination 
calculated to tempt a modern Adam, it is a girl and a Gravenstein. That young, 
man truly was speaking along the lines of history, for the combination has 
worked fatally in several instances of the past. It was to loot the famous 
golden apple orchard of the Hesperides run by three beautiful sisters and 
guarded by dragons, that led Hercules into numerous difficulties. A woman 
and an apple brought about the fall of Troy when Venus in exchange for the 
fruit awarded Helen to the Trojan prince, Paris. This was a neat thought on 
the part of the love-goddess, but Helen happened to be the wife of another 
man — and a fighting man at that — and the tragedy wrought by that apple has 
been told in Homeric verse that will live through all the ages. Another fair 



192 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Grecian, Atalanta, to rid herself of many suitors, agreed to marry the one who 
beat her in a foot race, but the losers should die. As she was the speediest of 
mortals, and was heartily weary of the whole bunch of lovers, she thought and 
hoped she had them going — gone. However, the young fellows, to their eter- 
nal credit, were not discouraged by the awful alternative, and entered for the 
contest. Atalanta picked up her dainty feet and led from the start, but she 
finally was beaten by a trick. One of the racers carried a bag of apples which 
fruit he scattered one by one ahead of the girl along the track. They must 
have been prize-winners — they were as they won a wife — for she halted to 
secure them as they rolled past her,and lost that Marathon and her chance of 
remaining all her life an Arcadian bachelor-maid. 

Not only in mythology but in history, sacred and profane, in art, on mar- 
ble and canvas has this graceful, glowing globe, the most nutritious and life- 
sustaining of all fruits, taken a leading place. It has gone into proverb, for the 
Wisest of Men has said, "a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold." To 
Jehovah, the monarch-minstrel of Israel swept his harpstrings and chanted. 
"keep me as the apple of the eye." The apple is a native of southwestern Asia 
— not far from the supposed cradle of the human-race, and the scene of the 
Eden incident; and in the plant genera is third cousin to the rose, proving its 
aristocratic, even royal lineage. It is a sturdy, healthy subject of the vegetable 
kingdom, and while it demands a thermal soil for its roots, it just as strongly 
demands a temperate, shading to cold, atmosphere for its fruit. A resume of 
Analy township is a resume of the Analy apple — the noble fruit of an old-time 
day coming to its own again. The citus and the grape are here taking advan- 
tage of the subtropical nooks and corners of the temperate zone. Even the 
potato is a native of South America, though Burbank made that tuber a far 
more edible food than it was when Pizarro landed in Peru to harvest the 
Inca. The apple tree is long-lived. Place that bit of vegetation in the hands 
of a horticulturist and it will be flourishing when he is among its roots. The 
first orchard in Sonoma county is at Fort Ross, set out by the Russians shortly 
after their arrival there in 1812, and these trees have borne fruit through all 
the ruinous changes at that historical place. The pioneer orchards of Analy 
planted in 1850-1, are yet bearing. Among the oldest Gold Ridge growers 
are Alex. Caldwell, Isaiah Thomas, John Churchman, Major Sullivan, N. E. 
Gillman, Henry Marshall and James Gregson. The successors of these early 
groves are the twelve or fifteen hundred orchards of this locality. There are 
probably twelve or fourteen thousand acres of orchards in the county, running 
from sixty to seventy-five trees to the acre. Young trees, seedlings, cost about 
$15 each, land for planting $200 to $250 an acre. In seven to nine years the 
orchard begins to pay, and is worth from $700 to $1,500 an acre. Many orch- 
ardists economize in space and increase their harvest income by planting berry 
vines between the tree-rows. Apple prices range from $30 to $40 a ton deliv- 
ered at the packing and drying houses in Sebastopol. It is estimated that fully 
one-half million boxes are packed yearly in Analy township, at a cost of twenty- 
five cents a box. The apple industry of this section is yet in the nursery stage, 
and no one can tell what it will be when all the rich sandy loam of these slopes 
and valleys is in orchard and the orchard is in fruitage. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 193 

THE TEMPTING GRAVENSTEINS. 

The fruit development of Gold Ridge began about 1880, when a few farm- 
ers of a horticultural turn of mind were trying out with tree and vine the 
productive qualities of the soil between the Laguna on the east and the crest 
of the western hills beyond Green valley. George D. Sanborn of Sebastopol, 
whose "recollections" go back to the early '60s, when the George Sanborns — 
father and son — came to the pretty little village of four or five houses in the 
pine grove, says : "These rolling hills which were covered with brush, were 
entirely ignored by the settlers who came into this section in the latter '40s 
and early '50s, so far as clearing any of the land was concerned, or trying to 
raise anything on it. They did not realize the great productiveness and possi- 
bilities of these higher lands when cleared of timber, and so chose their homes 
along the lower lands of Green valley." The result of an after test was highly 
satisfactory and the next decade found the sandy loam responding generously 
to the planter. Land values passed from $15 to $25 up to $75 and $100 an 
acre, and the orchards and vineyards were rapidly spreading over levels and 
hills. Twenty years more have demonstrated the superior productiveness of 
the section and Sebastopol is the center of the fruit zone of Sonoma county. 
Year by year the output has been greater than the last annual crop, in class 
and price. The apple yield in 1910 was 25,000,000 pounds, valued at $320,000, 
sold to packers and dryers. The Gold Ridge apple won thirty-two medals and 
four cups at the last great Apple Annual exhibit in Watsonville. The first 
Gruvenstein Fair, which was held in Sebastopol that year, was a marvel in the 
way of a fruit exhibition and demonstration to visitors from near and afar, of 
the horticultural possibilities of this naturally-favored iocality. Says Luther 
Burbank, the highest authority on fruit culture, "the Gravenstein apple has, 
above all others, proven to be the money-winner in Sonoma county. It always 
bears a good crop. It cannot be raised successfully in the hot valleys of 
southern California. Sonoma county seems to be its home. It is of the best 
quality of all known apples. If the Gravenstein could be had through the 
year, no other apple need be grown." The Sebastopol Gravenstein apple is on 
the market a month earlier than those grown in other sections of the Pacific 
Coast. The section now produces about 600 carloads annually. The unim- 
proved apple lands here are valued at from $125 to $250 per acre, and the im- 
proved from $1,000 to $2,000 per acre. From $250 to $800 per acre are now 
the season's earnings of these orchards. The Sebastopol Apple Association is 
incorporated with a capital stock of $50,000. Near Sebastopol is located the 
experimental farm of Luther Burbank and from this station many of his splen- 
did creations in fruits and flowers have gone out to enrich the vegetation of 
the world. 

The berry crop also looms up into the higher figures, being estimated at 
seventy per cent of the output of the state, with shipments running close to 
500,000 boxes a week during the berry season. The wineries at Forestville and 
Graton, also in Sebastopol, crushed a heavy tonnage of grapes, with prices paid 
the vineyardists $22 and $23 per ton. The cherry yield for the section was 
upwards of 700,000 pounds. 

Though the hen is not a horticultural or viticultural factor she has not 
been idle among these trees and vines, and like the planter, has scratched the 



194 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

favored soil for profit. She finds the warm, sandy slopes much to her liking 
and during 1910, she of the Gold Ridge yards, laid almost $200,000 worth of 
eggs. Even the other division of the industry, the incubator, of which she is 
the parent stock and provider of the raw material, is in action, and during the 
year $50,000 worth of poultry passed through the Sebastopol market. This 
is the story of "Pine Grove" from the time Joaquin Carrillo reared his adobe 
dwelling on the shore of the Laguna, including the day Peter Hibbs was besieged 
in Dougherty's store and gave the town its Crimean war-title, up to its present 
place on the map. It has 1,500 people, two railroad systems, two banks, a big 
cannery employing 400 hands, six fruit packing houses, a large winery owned 
by the famous Italian-Swiss Colony of Asti, a $20,000 grammar school, two 
newspapers, — the Analy Standard and the Sebastopol Times — a pair of livelv 
weeklies, that work for Analy. — city-owned water system, steam fire engine 
and other features that go to make a modern city. 

BODEGA TOWNSHIP. 

Bodega township lies on the western side of Sonoma county, bordering 
the Pacific ocean, and extending from the Marin line north to Ocean and Red- 
wood townships. Like all lands on the seashore, Bodega is hilly with small 
valleys among the elevations. The soil is a sandy loam suitable for the great 
fields of potatoes that grow there and the green pasturage that cover its slopes 
for the dairies that thrive there. Grain, except during unusually dry years, 
does not produce well, as the fogs and the moist winds from the sea that 
freshen the green plants in field and pasture, retard the ripening of cereal. Of 
late years much of the potato lands have been turned into dairy pastures, the 
gradual failing of the crops proving that the constantly harassed soil was losing 
its vitality. The coast redwood belt, in fact the entire timber district, abruptly 
stops about the center of the township, making the lower portion of Bodega 
treeless, while the upper portion was formerly densely forested. The pioneer 
steam saw mill of the state began operations in this township in 1843, though 
Captain Stephen Smith, the Russians and other early settlers had their rip-saw 
mills at work soon after their arrival. It was cheaper and less laborious to 
saw out a redwood plank and nail it into a housewall than to hoist the entire 
log into place. Such was hard work, moreover, a waste of log. The Spanish 
grants within the township were the Rancho de Bodega and Rancho Estero de 
Americano. 

After the Russians in 1840 had sold all their holding to Captain Sutter the 
new possessor left John Bidwell in charge at Bodega. The bay, then a deep 
and almost land-locked body of water, was a commodious harbor for small 
sailing vessels freighting produce. Northeast of Boclega Corners and on '.he 
North Pacific railroad is Freestone, so named from a quarry of soft sandstone 
near the town. Here the pioneer surveyor Jasper O'Farrell, located and the 
great rancho in the vicinity, occupied by members of his family, bears his name. 
F. G. Blume who married the widow Dawson, formerly the widow Cazeras. 
the owner of the Rancho Pogolome, was one of the early settlers of this place. 
Bodega was even a port of entry and had a government inspector from 1852 to 
1854. His name was Michael Doherty and this industrious official held down 
his job and a good salary during that time. As it is not known that any for- 
eign vessel ever entered the port, Doherty 's services to the United States only 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY iy5 

existed in his imagination. Among contemporaneous pioneers with Captain 
Smith, were Stephen and James Fowler, who afterwards located at Valley 
Ford, a small village between Bodega and Bloomfield. At one time Bodega 
"struck gold," traces of the mineral were found among the quartz ledges and 
considerable prospecting was done, however the excitement died out and the 
miners went back to the richer "pay dirt" in their potato fields. Occidental 
is also situated on the railroad north of Freestone and deeper in the redwood 
belt. The town has had several names, the first being Summit, from the fact 
that it is on the crest of the divide between Russian river and the country to the 
south. Much of the building being done on the land of M. C. Meeker, a prom- 
inent sawmill man, the place assumed the title of Meeker's, but when the rail- 
road company established a station they called it Howard's, in honor of an 
old settler. Finally the name grew into Occidental, from its western position 
on the county map. The first settler was Michael Kolmer, from whom the 
valley was named, but as early names are frequently elusive in Sonoma county, 
it became shifted to Coleman valley. One of his daughters became the wife of 
William Howard and another married William Benitz, one of the original 
owners of the Muniz rancho, upon which Fort Ross is located. Situated within 
the timber territory, Occidental is an important shipping point for lumber, wood, 
tanbark and charcoal. 

OCEAN AND SALT POINT TOWNSHIPS. 

Ocean is a small township bordering the Pacific and extending north 
from Bodega to Salt Point, the largest township in the county. The latter 
district also borders the sea and reaches to the northern . county line. These 
townships are mountainous, the high lands being interspersed with small valleys, 
exceedingly fertile. The only streams here are the Russian and Valhalla 
rivers and Austin creek, a tributary of the former. It is a wooded country 
and the sawmills .hum among the pine and redwood trees. Along the coast 
there are a number of landing places, coves, where timber is shipped, chuted 
from the bluffs into vessels below. Of these are Timber Cove. Stillwater 
Cove, Salt Point, Fisk's Mill, Fisherman's bay and Black Point. Fort Ross 
is a thriving village, though little indications of its old Sclavonian occupancy- 
can be seen about the place. The site of the old fortification is a state reserva- 
tion, as is the mission at Sonoma. During the last session of the legislature. 
Assemblyman Herbert W. Slater of Santa Rosa, introduced a bill for the 
preservation of these historical landmarks. The relief measure failed in the 
matter of Fort Ross, because of the dilapidated condition of the place — there 
being little left to preserve. The legislature appropriated five thousand dollars 
for the repair of the Sonoma mission church. The principal place in the two 
townships is Duncans Mills, a creation of the railroad. Samuel and Alexander 
Duncan were operating a sawmill on Russian river near the mouth. The sur- 
veyors of the new road decided to cross the river several miles farther up the 
stream and there was a move for the locality ; the Duncans transferred their 
machinery and the place became Duncans Mills. It is a pretty riparian resort 
in the heart of the redwoods and soon a fine town was in existence. A num- 
ber of small places, mill stations, as Moscow, Tyrone, Russian River Station and 
Markham's, are scattered here and there through these forest groves. The 
North Pacific Coast road continues up Austin creek valley to its present terminus 
at Cazadero. 



196 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 



CHAPTER XXXIX. 

NATURE'S ANCIENT GROVE— REDWOOD TOWNSHIP. 

Sequoyah, cultured chieftain of the Cherokees, 

Here art thou honored in this Chief of Trees. 

Sequoia Semperviren, — ever vernal, — good 

Is thy name and claim, prince of the western wood. 

In Rome's imperial tongue the nations call 

Thee "evergreen," thou noblest Roman of them all. 

You sprang from earth when earth was young and fair, and grew 

Straight up to God. From nature's mother-heart you drew 

The best of earth up in that royal heart of thee — 

The clean, red shaft of thee. O, grand, majestic tree! 

No autumn-mark showed on thy leafy-diadem 

As passing ages marked their cycles in thy stem. 

Change followed change, you knew no change, O. King! 

Hail Semperviren, Evergreen, all hail ! 

Ancient of days, and lord of hill and dale. 

Thou art the glory of the West Coast Range, O, King. 

The woods were sacred courts, the forest aisles and lanes 
Were paths of deity when these were God's first fanes. 
Among these slender boughs the ocean-gales harped free 
When burst the thunder mono-hymnal of the sea ; 
And nature's forest house of prayer from choir to nave 
Responded in the iitany of wind and wave. 

In grand recessional the storm-chords died, and then 
Faint through the trees went whispering a great "Amen." 

Fittingly named is the little Redwood township under its forests, sur- 
rounded by Analy, Bodega, Mendocino and Ocean townships. Through its 
center flows the Russian river and along the shores of that stream grow the 
groves of sequoia — the kingly plants of the vegetable kingdom. On paper 
and canvas have been faithfully portrayed these splendid trees, but one must 
stand at the base of the great vertical shaft springing into the air to truly 
sense the grandeur of that growth ; must be within these rare groves where 
sunshine falls through the tree-tops to first glow silvery on the leaves, then 
fade away into soft twilight. Here must have been the retreats of the gods 
of the olden days, ere Pan and his elfin crew forsook the earth and eerie pipes 
were heard no more in sylvan shade. But the forest temples remained. Forest 
temple is not a term fitless or fanciful, for the clustered-columns and groined 
arch of the noble gothic cathedral grew from the tree-trunk and spreading 
bough of the woods. And later on in the reaches of time the Indian walked 




THE GIANT REDWOODS 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 197 

the sequoia groves as tenant in fee. How appropriate was the word-selection 
when the inspired naturalist stood among the red columns and named them 
for Sequoyah, the cultured Cherokee, who gave his red people an alphabet, 
and lifted their simple dialect to the dignity of a written language. The tree 
may fall, but the fame of the scholarly Indian whose name it bears will never 
pass away. 

WHIRR OF THE MILL — THE DIRGE OF THE TREE. 

When the pathfinders in the plaza at Sonoma were lifting the Bear Flag 
to the California breeze, leagues of stately redwoods grew on the Coast range. 
They hung thickly on the slopes and crowded the vales — the park of the In- 
dian and the covert of the deer. They drew life from their mother-stream, 
the green-shored Russian river, and caught in their leafy deeps the silvery 
echoes of her murmuring flow. But the saw followed the flag, and many of 
the grand groves are gone. The whirring song of the mill is the dirge of the 
tree. Even in the primal periods of earth the forests were set apart as things 
sacred. To the ruder minds they were the hiding places of deity. The 
Aryan under the trees worshipped the sun, the visible essence of God, and the 
Inca on his forest heights heard the swell of that golden great harp's mono- 
chord. The classic grove of Dodona was the sanctuary of Jove before the 
building of the Grecian Parthenon. The Druidic priest by the sacred oak 
celebrated his mystic mass ere the later Briton hewed the cathedral shaft and 
laid the architrave. The bare domes of hill and the treeless cups of valley 
in the United States are not alone sad themes for the writer's pen and the 
artist's brush, but are motives for legislative action. The law-mills must reg- 
ulate the saw-mills if these splendid specimens of the plant kingdom escape 
the vandalism that is rampant in this country. 

In the center of Redwood township is Guerneville, a pretty sylvan town 
with a scenic river at its front door and a range of wooded hills in its back- 
yard. With one railway system — another is building — tracking through its 
grounds, connecting its various forest industries, its fertile lands with the out- 
side world, Guerneville holds her own on the map of Imperial Sonoma. She 
is also the center of the numerous summer camps and resorts that flank the 
Russian river from Healdsburg to Duncans Mills. In little woody nooks at 
the water-edge or clinging to the steep sides of hill are the tents, brush- 
cabins and bungalows of the migratory river dwellers. They are known by 
names as fitting to location as to character. Monte (a wooded, hilly shore or 
bank) Rio, Monte Cristo, Monte Sano, Mesa Grande, Guernewood Park, 
Camp Vacation, Camp Meeker, Rio Nido (River-nest), and the grove of the 
Bohemians — the midsummer camp of this roystering crew. Near Guerneville 
is the Armstrong Woods, a noble group of sequoia and practically the only 
redwood grove of any scenic importance in the township. It is a splendid 
forest, the great trees standing on the level ground making a natural park, 
and they are yet on their stumps because Colonel J. B. Armstrong, the former 
owner, insisted on their preservation. 

ARMSTRONG WOODS. 

The effort recently made to purchase the Armstrong Woods for $100,000, 
and make that four-hundred acre tract with its splendid grove of redwood 
trees a state reservation, was a partial success. The proposition to appropri- 

13 



198 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

ate that amount for the purpose received the full approval of every con- 
servationist in California. It was endorsed by such organizers as The Cali- 
fornia State Grange, The State Federation of Women's Clubs, The Outdoor 
Art League of the California Club, The Sierra Club, Women's Improvement 
Clubs and Chambers of Commerce. The purchase price, coming from the 
entire state, would be an infinitesimal addition to individual taxation, and the 
preserving of a portion of the few remaining trees would be a noble object. 
The bill for the purchase passed unanimously both houses of the legislature, 
but Governor Gillett failed to sign it into a law. He gave as his reason the 
big batch of appropriation bills for that session, which he considered of more 
importance. Hon. William Kent, of Kentfield, Marin county, present repre- 
sentative in Congress from this congressional district, purchased and pre- 
sented to the public the noble Muir grove of sequoia situated in that county. 
This is the only group of trees, in the redwood belt north of San Francisco, 
which has been reserved, and being near the great Pacific metropolis, is a 
gem in the great scenic zone of this wonderland. The Muir woods are de- 
scribed and pictured in the route-folders of the Southern Pacific Railroad 
Company, but evidently Congressman William Kent is unknown to that great 
corporation, as his name does not appear in the railroad literature. Possibly 
some day ere the axe and saw have completed the destruction of the remain- 
ing trees a philanthropist will appear in Sonoma count)- and bid the vandal 
woodman spare the last of "God's First Temples" along the Rio Russian. 

Guerneville takes its name from the big sawmill of George Guerne and 
Thomas T. Heald, one of the several lumber-producing plants in the neighbor- 
hood. Several miles north from Guerneville is the Mount Jackson Quick- 
silver mining district : the principal mine, the Great Eastern, is largely cele- 
brated for the huge lawsuit that has been connected with it for years. 

MENDOCINO TOWNSHIP. 

Mendocino township is a rather narrow district, and starting from the 
county of that name, maintains about the same width as it extends in a south- 
easterly direction until it reaches the north bank of Russian river, where it 
takes in Healdsburg. This is the only citv or town in the township, the 
entire area being a succession of high wooded hills and fertile wooded val- 
leys, most important of the latter being Dry creek. This creek flows — when 
it does flow — into the Russian river within the limits of Healdsburg, its head- 
waters being well up towards Mendocino county. The valley of this stream 
is a perennial testimonial that there is "nothing in a name," as the soil of that 
vale between the hill-ranges is of marvelous richness, without any indication 
of aridity. The bedrock is far below the surface and while a deep and wide 
creek in winter sweeps violently down to the river, the waters sink through 
the alluvium before the summer is well on, leaving the name — Dry creek. 

Healdsburg began when Harmon Heald, in 1852 began "keeping house" in 
a small clap-board cabin on the west side of the city plaza near the site of the 
Sotoyome hotel. It was on the road leading from Sonoma town into Mendocino 
county. Heald's store was soon doing "a good business." Thomas W. Hudson 
and family arrived in 1853, and their son Henry H. was the first white child 
born in the settlement. August Knaack built his blacksmith shop near Heald's 
store as the village was then known. In 1857 the town site was surveyed bv 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY [99 

J I. P. Mock and "Healdsburg" took its place on the map. There were many 
anions;' the pioneer population in the town and valley who wished it named the 
more musical and more fitting "Sotoyome" for the tribe of Indians in the neigh- 
borhood and Captain Henry Fitch's big rancho, but "Heald's store" was nearer 
and more immelodious. Whatever the name, it is a beautiful spot in the heart 
of the Russian river plateau and the rich lands of the valley soon drew the 
home-seekers. The pioneer of all the pioneers of this section of Sonoma county 
is Cyrus Alexander, who came to California in 1837. At San Diego he met 
Captain Fitch by whom he was sent north with a drove of horses and cattle for 
the Captain's grant of eleven leagues, the Rancho Sotoyome. He was to care 
for the property for four years, his payment to be one-half of the stock increase 
and two leagues of the ranch. On the completion of the contract Alexander 
built the well known Old Adobe at the foot of Fitch Mountain, a prominent 
peak on the river bank near Healdsburg. A flouring mill and a tannery were 
also of his handiwork during that stirring early period. The beautiful forest 
valleys of the Sotoyomes were zoological gardens and the flesh eaters headed by 
the grizzly — the ursus horribilis of the California carnivora — were quite fond 
of Spanish beef and mutton, and no objection to a feast of mustang now and 
then. This kept the settlers' rifles loaded for instant use and their dogs in 
leash for a bear-hunt. Now this monarch of the Sonoma wilds — except in 
the Parlors of the Native Sons — is only a memory. His size, ferocity, courage 
and appetite made him a foe worth)" of the pioneer's steel and he passed away. 
Even his milder brothers, the black and brown bears, whose vegetarian tastes 
made the huckleberry patches their habitat, are almost extinct. Occasionally 
hunger and a hope of getting a colt or calf will tempt a panther on a night trip 
from his deep woods, but the guns and dogs have made the big cats timid. The 
little brother of the once plentiful gray wolf, the coyote, remains on visiting 
terms with the hen-houses and sheep-corrals, but the bounty on his scalp gen- 
erally keeps him to a rabbit or grass-hopper diet among his native hills. The 
great herds of antelope, the fewer flocks of elk, are gone, but the black-tailed 
deer, his slaughter limited by law, inhabits the northern woods and affords game 
for the city clerk turned hunter for his two-weeks vacation. The hares, rabbits 
and squirrels practically complete the "field force" of Sonoma's mammalia, 
though a smaller fry of animal life might be listed. 

PARK-LIKE HEALDSBURG. 

The township grew rapidly in population and presently most of the arable 
land was taken up by the settlers. Naturally the grants were objects of 
interest by the new comers and the usual squatter troubles were on. But these 
subsided and nothing has occurred to check the progress of this fertile region. 
Healdsburg because of its favorable location on the river was presently a "city" 
working under corporate regulations. Schools and churches were organized 
and public buildings constructed. Among the early arrivals were the printing 
people and Healdsburg had her pioneer newspaper. A. J. Cox who had run a 
paper in Sonoma opened the journalistic field in Sotoyome with the Review. 
This was in i860, and four years after it passed into the Advertiser. After a 
series of changes in names and publishers it appeared under the name of Russian 
River Flag, owned by John G. and S. S. Howell who afterwards sold out to 
L. A. and A. D. Jordan. Tn 1876 John F. and Felix Mulgrew began printing 



200 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

the Healdsburg Enterprise. It was Democratic in politics — the Flag being 
Republican — and was edited with exceptional ability, in fact the two papers 
did much to promote the early growth of the city and locality. The Sonoma 
County Tribune was established in 1888 by lsadore Abraham, a merchant in 
Healdsburg, and Louis Meyer. The same year the Flag passed into the Enter- 
prise, and ceased to "wave." R. E. Baer is the publisher of the Enterprise. 
and Alexander Crossan directs the weekly issue of the Tribune. The So- 
toyome Scimitar conducted by Ande Nowlin is the third newspaper of the city. 
Among the excellent training and educational institutions of this county 
is Golden Gate Orphanage in Mendocino Township, conducted by the Salvation 
Army. It is not an orphanage in the usual meaning of the word, but is an 
agricultural training school, where a large number of children of both sexes 
are given a practical education in farm management. It is the well known 
Lytton Springs property of 650 acres, four miles north from Healdsburg, and 
is conducted by Major and Mrs. C. Wilfred Bourne. S. A., and a corps of as- 
sistants. While the farm is a private property the school course of instruction 
is under the jurisdiction of the County Superintendent of Public Instruction. 
When its grammar school pupils are graduated they pass to the high school at 
Healdsburg. In addition to their school-room work the boys do practically all 
the work of the dairy, poultry-yard and farm, and the girls under qualified 
instructors are drilled in all branches of household duties, including cooking 
and laundry work. Situated as it is in the heart of the rich Russian River valley, 
this fine industrial farm is almost self-sustaining, but is burdened with an in- 
debtedness — the remainder of its purchase price. Major Bourne says : "We 
have no uniforms, no needless rules, no oppressive regulations, no formidable 
high-walled fences, no yard guards, and at all times one hears the hum of free 
and proper conversation. We base this tuition upon a carefully developed sense 
of right and wrong, and the knowledge that if he be good and in all things 
honest, he is in all things worthy. Thus is the child made a law to himself." 

RUSSIAN RIVER TOWNSHIP. 

Across the stream from Healdsburg is the township of Russian River, 
the smallest township in the county. This district extends south to Santa Rosa 
township and contains one town, Windsor, though the building of the railroad 
made two towns. The surveyors arbitrarily declined to run the line through the 
pretty little village and passed about a mile to the west. A portion of the 
town went down to the track and was called West Windsor. Some early settler, 
more comical than correct in his statements, called this portion of the great 
central valley "Poor Man's Flat." That was before the flat became vineyards, 
hop-yards, orchards and grain fields and the homes of men who are anything 
but "poor." Practically all of the 41,000 acres of land of the township are 
under cultivation. Its southern boundary line is Mark West creek, named for 
the ancient Scotch mariner who "went ashore" on the bank of that stream in 
an early dav. Near the old home and picturesque wreck of a flouring mill for- 
merly owned by Mark West, is located the noted Burke's Sanitarium, and 
farther up the creek are the well known Mark West Springs, both places popular 
health resorts. Russian River township is occupied by portions of the Sotoyome, 
San Miguel and El Molino ranchos ; the former tract containing the ranch and 
Mome of Cyrus Alexander, the first white settler in the township. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 



CHAPTER XL. 
THE DALE OP THE CLOVER BLOOM. 

Like the name of Redwood township, the name of this section of Sonoma 
county is a growth from the soil. Here yearly for uncalendared ages the little 
blossoms have blown over the grassy levels and the place of the red and white 
floral jewels in their emerald settings could only be a clover dale. The time is 
iost among the unrecorded things of the past when this bit of vegetation became 
the symbol of pastures rich in the drapery of riotous plant life, and the pas- 
toral theme of "flocks thick nibbling through the clovered vale." It may have 
been when "belted earl'' taking from the wayside as he rode to the tourney- 
field, the green trefoil which on his shield became a sign-manual of knightly 
valor, and to be one of the blooms when knighthood was a-flower. Or it may 
have been when the master-mason of the grand gothic temples saw in the three- 
leaf growth at his feet the graceful form that now appears chiseled in the tri- 
foliated ornamentation of architecture. The saintly missionary of Ireland, the 
land where the clover is the fadeless emblem of nativity, plucked from the sod 
a spray of the triple-blade of green and taught the fierce pagan Celts the faith 
of a Trinity, three in one, divided and indivisible ; and the shamrock, dainty and 
sweet clover of the Irish turf, grows green in the Irish heart when all else lies 
withered and dead. To the island-exile wandering afar over distant lands and 
seas it is the token of home. 

The name of this district fits into the fertility of its fields, and the grassy 
places among its hills. That wide map of valley and highland lay unrolled be- 
fore her as Mrs. R. B. Markle, just from "across the plains" fifty-five years ago, 
gave it the title it bears today. Probably a full degree of latitude north of the 
cooler bay airs, its warm volcanic soil under foot, Cloverdale township lies with- 
in a thermal zone. "Semi tropic" here is not a shop worn term of the real 
estate expert, nor was the local climatic condition invented for use in the scenic 
vocabulary of the railroad transportation agent. The Russian river watershed 
from its beginning in the Mendocino mountains to its ending in the sea is a 
vast plain of stored richness, not all of which the plow-share has touched and 
turned into activity. But time and intelligent tillage are widening the cultured 
area and the generous soil responds in plenteous harvests. Tree and vine here 
flower and fruit as successively as the seasons cvcle on their orbits. The citrus 
and the grapes of this region are its specialties, the first coming near the open- 
ing of the year and the second when the leaves grow yellow in the forests. Thus 
Cloverdale appears as a winter bride in her orange blossoms and again as a 
russet-robed matron when the vineyard workers are calling blithely on the warm 
slopes. Cloverdale is the central market for fruit, wool, hops and stock of the 
surrounding country, even from Mendocino and Lake counties. Here in this 
mild climate grow oranges, lemons and olives to a high state of perfection and 
the annual Citrus Fair held in Cloverdale is the chief agricultural feature of 
Sonoma county. The exhibits in this institution at the "Citrus City" everv year 



202 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

are equal to the production of Southern California and Florida. Like Santa 
Rosa, Cloverdale owns her own water system, installed in 1906 at a cost of 
$18,000. It has a weekly newspaper. The Reveille, published by Clayton T. 
Coffey. Its origin was the Cloverdale News, first issued in 1876, then removed 
to Santa Rosa, where it suspended. The plant was returned to Cloverdale, 
where the publication settled down under its present name. 

ASTl's FAMOUS CAVE OF WINE. 

In this bloomy, vine-clad vale is the famous Asti — the name smacks of 
the winey slopes of the southern Alps. This is the property of the Italian- 
Swiss Colony, whose people dress and harvest their splendid vineyards as they 
did on the Mediterranean seaboard. The president is Chevelier P. C. Rossi, 
a broad minded, cultured man, graduate of the university of Turin, and who 
has made technical and practical grape growing the study of his life. M. Charles 
Jadeau, French expert, with a corps of experienced assistants — no other are em- 
ployed at the colony — under the direct supervision of Mr. Rossi, make the noted 
wines of Asti. It is a beautiful place though English speakers mar the melody 
of the Italian name, as they do that kindred tongue, the Spanish, by pronouncing 
the word with a nasal a and long i. Another citizen who has done heavy team 
work for Asti is Chevelier Andrea Sbarboro of San Francisco, secretary of the 
colony. Like Mr. Rossi, he was knighted by the King of Italy in recognition 
of his labors in behalf of fellow Italians in this country. Not only has Mr. 
Sbarboro labored assiduously for this county, but for this state, making her 
grand possibilities known to worthy home seekers across the seas. 

Out of its 1,750 acres of dry wines comes a vintage of about 4.500,000 
gallons of dry wine, one sixth of the 27,000,000 gallons annual dry wine out- 
put of the state. As a storing place for its rich vintages. Asti has the largest 
tun in the world, a mammoth cellar drilled in solid rock, and out of that rock- 
crypt gushes the nectarous Tipo Chianti which has made Asti famous far and 
near. In this cave-reservoir lined with cement and its wall glazed like marble, 
with a mountain for its roof, five hundred thousand gallons of wine sleep and 
gather richness for the tables of the world, unless the earthquake should fissure its 
floor and drop that ruby flood to mingle with the waters of some deep, sunless 
sea. The subterranean lake is ten times larger than the great tun of Heidelberg, 
long the theme of verse and song along the viney Rhine. From Asti's cavern 
store of the Sonoman vintage 20,000,000 people could at once from goblet-brim 
pour out a libation to the ruddy god of vintners. Hebe, the girl cup-bearer 
of Olympus, could serve Jove through an eon of space ere she dip the last red 
drop from this cave of wine — providing, with the gods, the time is not too short 
between drinks. 

KNIGHT'S VALLEY AND WASHINGTON TOWNSHIPS. 

In 1853 Thomas Knight arrived in the beautiful mountain township and 
valley that bears. his name, and purchased from the Spanish Berryessa family 
their 13,000-acre grant, this being about one-third of the 36,800 acres of the 
entire township. William McDonald seems to have been the first American 
settler in the region, having preceded Knight about three Years. Afterwards 
came Calvin Holmes, the most prominent of the valley's pioneers. With his 
brother, Henderson P. Holmes, he first settled near Santa Rosa, thence to the 
splendid estate of twenty-five hundred acres in the valley, a portion of the orig- 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 203 

ma! Rancho de Malacomes. Knight's valley nestles among the oak-covered hills 
of the Mayacmas range, its rich plant-promoting soil and rare alpine scenery 
making it an ideal choice of home. And towering above is its great landmark, 
grand sentinel of the coast range — blue peak with the sacred and princely title — ■ 
St. Helena. The principal industries of the township are grain and fruit grow- 
ing and sheep-raising. The Great Western Quicksilver mine is in this township 
and in Lake County. Near the fine property of the Holmes estate is the ranch 
and residence of George Hood. The summer resort known as Kellogg is situ- 
ated in the valley, seventeen miles from Healdsburg and seven from Calistoga, 
Napa county. It is the most picturesque place in Scenic Sonoma, the hotel 
being Berryessa's old abode with modern additions. Fossville is a station on the 
road between Kellogg and Calistoga and was named after Clark Foss, the well 
known stage-owner and driver of these mountain grades. The name of Foss 
is so associated with the famous ridge and ravine roads, and with the steaming 
geysers of the vicinity that he with his stage-outfit seem to be a creation of the 
infernal place. Even his remarks to his six "half-broke" horses — the blue sul- 
phuric profanity of the California stage-whip — appear to have been heated in 
the devilish caldrons of that boiling canyon. The Pluton river drops its fresh 
and pure waters down through this plutonic locality, and two forks of Sulphur 
creek — their streams quite un-sulphurous — splash cool and refreshing toward 
the distant Russian. What a choice and fitting collection of names is here, and 
how well they play the part. "Crater," "Witches' Caldron." "Proserpine's Grotto, - ' 
"Devil's Machine Shop," "Devil's Canyon," "Devil's Canopy;'' a black sul- 
phur pool called "Devil's Ink;" "Devil's Oven," and close by, as it should be, 
the "Devil's Tea Kettle." In fact if Satanus should conclude in propria persona 
to make a summer-stay at the Geysers, he would find the place well furnished, 
and doubtless looking quite home-like. From some of these places issue jets 
of hot water and from others white clouds of steam that gush out of the clefts 
of the rocks with hissing sound. For ages these wonders have existed. Down 
in volcanic fires streams of water are heated to the boiling point and the high- 
expansion forces it up into the open. That the chemical works below are in 
activity is shown by the carbonates and salts of magnesia, iron, sulphur, alum, 
soda and other substances washed and boiled from the earth's crust. The ground 
is hot and vibratory under the rush of the uplifting streams. Scattered along the 
canyon are slumberous pools — "baths," they are called — Indian baths, acid baths, 
soda baths, and the atmosphere is thick enough with the fumes of sulphuretted 
hydrogen to tickle the nasal nerves of the most exacting student in chemistry. 

A STEAMY, SMELLY GARDEN OF METALS. 

It is a steamy, smelly, druggy place, that Canyon of the Geysers. It is a 
garden of metals where iron, copper, sulphur, borax, alum, ammonia grow 
spontaneously, nourished by the hot volcanic fumes that seep through the 
soil. In the near vicinity of these malodorous boilers are springs of cold water 
which somehow have run the gauntlet of burning chemical to gush from the 
hills healthful and sweet as the waters Moses struck from the rocks of Rephi- 
dim. Reaching to this place ideal to the tourist and scientist are several roads 
over high ranges and through deep ravines ; along the walls of touring peaks 
and the crests of ridges so narrow that the stage-coach passengers may look- 
down on either side over the pine-tree tops into the levels far below. One of 



204 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

the grades of this order is the "Hog's Back," not a title bristling with euphony, 
but answering to the description to the letter — as if some mammoth swine 
crossing the valley had suddenly become petrified, or molded into a mountain. 
Up and down and around the sharp turns of this dizzy highway — this thin air- 
way between a cliff and a cloud Foss or Van Arnim used to rush their teams. 
With the lines taut so he could feel the heart of each horse beating up to his 
finger-tips, the charioteer of the aerial plains would pull out for an alpine run. 
Along the way there was to the passenger an ever-present possibility of being 
pitched from the grade into the groves of oak, madrona and manzanita in the 
gorges beneath. "I have all the road I can use," was the general reply of the 
driver to the anxious queries; and he at least was satisfied if the outside wheels 
did seem to roll on air. 

FLOODS OF SATANIC BREW. 

Only by seeing can the visitor fully appreciate the rare scenic grandeur 
of this region. The famous geysers of the Yellowstone gush amid the sublimity 
of desolation, and Hecla of Islanclic solitudes play within the dreary surround- 
ings of frigid latitudes. The geysers of Sonoma spring from their basic cal- 
drons under hills and valleys clad in the beauty of almost eternal verdure. The 
hot sulphurous streams, the steaming caverns in many instances are overgrown 
with trees and shrubs. On the quivering ground of the canyon grows the 
"copa de oro," the golden poppy of California. The phenomenon of the eternal 
intermittent ebb and flow of the seething waters have long been the visitors' 
chief subject of discussion. It is held that the everlasting heat is produced by 
the combination of certain chemicals or mineral substances — as the action of 
water and lime ; but a stronger and more general belief is that these boiling 
springs have a common origin with volcanoes active or dead. The great Ger- 
man chemist, Bunson, of Heidelberg, who has made a special study of geysers 
in all their spouting stages, says : "A crevasse or hole reaching down to sub- 
terranean heat is filled with water, and this becomes hot, exceedingly hot, at 
the lower end of the tube, this decreasing in layers toward the upper end where 
the pressure is less. Anything which disturbs one of these horizontal layers 
will lift it a little higher and relieve the pressure upon it. The water of this 
layer will then be above the boiling point and will burst into steam. The steam 
lifts the whole column, thus relieving pressure on all water below the dis- 
turbance. The steam and water escape from the crevasse, the tube refills, but 
until the new waters are heated for the recurring maneuver the geyser is dor- 
mant. The vent-pipes from the great boilers below will perform their inter- 
mittent functions relieving the old globe from its steam pressure as long as the 
fires flame in its center. The chemicals are thrown up in solution and left bv 
the cooling or the evaporation of the water, where they fell. These geysers 
were discovered in April, 1847, by William B. Elliott, the pioneer of Mark 
West creek, near Santa Rosa. With one of his sons he was tracking a bear 
when the hunters observed a huge volume of smoke arising from the canyon. 
Believing it came from an Indian rancheria, they turned aside to visit the place 
and found the boiling springs, the locality uninhabited except by the bear they 
were seeking. The animal was a full-grown grizzly, and the big fellow put 
up a good fight for his domain. Fight and domain he lost, also his life soon 
after the rifles of the invaders began their deadly work. The Elliotts learned 
that the springs for ages had been used by the Indians as a "health resort." 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 205 

Over one jet of steam a rude scaffold of tree-branches had been constructed, 
and upon this platform the rheumatic, or other afflicted member of the tribe, 
was deposited to be treated as the Great Spirit above, or the underground pow- 
ers of evil, decreed. No mind may fix the day when these safety-valves of the 
globe began their functions, but for unrecorded centuries they have faithfully 
performed their office, relieving the awful pressure below. While the geysers 
live — while "Proserpine's Grotto" remains hot and steamy, while the lid of the 
''Devil's Tea Kettle" is occasionally lifted to let out some of the expanding 
vapor or a few million gallons of the Satanic brew, St. Helena will remain 
a-slumber and only the earthquake will remind the people of the Range that 
Vulcan is yet at his forge clown under the hills. 

DEAD TREES THEIR OWN GRAVESTONES. 

Another scenic freak of this wonderland is the near-by Petrified Forest. 
Petrifaction of vegetable matter under certain chemical conditions is a simple 
affair whenever Nature concludes to do some "preserving," but this is the 
only instance known where she dried, or canned or put in cold-storage a whole 
grove of full-grown redwood trees. When she did it, and why she did it, and 
how she did it are three eternal queries hovering over this arboreal cemetery — 
where each one of the dead is its own gravestone. They are big fellows, too, 
not slender saplings easy to handle, change or destroy. No miniature terrestrial 
or atmospheric disturbance threw down those great trunks and embalmed them 
for after ages, and no chance force felled them to lie all in one direction. 
There was method in the geological madness, but — why and how and when? — 
the questions will bubble upward. Some of these huge logs have been exhumed 
from the dry ashy soil — the volcanic output of long ago. Several of the big 
sticks have been broken or cut into equal lengths, as for some prehistoric saw- 
mill — who was that woodman? Had the petrifaction struck him when it found 
his woodyard, that question might be answered. But the dead sequoias lie in 
their everlasting cerements, with heads to the south as they fell when the great 
boreal gale blew through their living boughs. They are the mummies of a 
past vegetable age, and the Russian flowing through its noble valleys is the 
Nile ; and the wondrous fertility of an Egypt shows in the newer vegetation 
along its fruitful shores. 

But the noted Petrified Forest near Geyserville does not complete the list 
of Sonoma County's scenic freaks. A short time ago three redwood trees were 
unearthed in the town of Occidental, perfect petrifactions, but much larger 
than the Geyserville fossils, and in fact larger than any petrified trees ever found. 
Their diameters are twenty-three feet, thirteen feet and twelve feet respectively, 
while the largest trunk in the Geyserville grove measures eleven feet. Like the 
other dead sequoia the Occidental trees lie north and south, showing that the 
same mighty force tending in the same direction acted in the same manner on 
these once-growing giant trees. The grain and other markings on the great 
shafts are clearly shown in the stone, and in one of the dead trunks the rotted 
heart was petrified — the natural decay was arrested by the mysterious chemical 
power that turned the wood to stone. The younger redwood trees have grown 
thickly over the dust and debris of the centuries that have passed since the older 
trees were felled and petrified, and this later grove has hidden the fossils till 
this latest dav. Oh, the rare wonders of this wonderland! 



206 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 



CHAPTER NLI. 
IN THE EARTHQUAKE'S DEADLY ZONE. 

The great earthquake of April 18, 1906. which rocked and wrecked the 
heights and levels of the California coast, wrought an architectural revolution 
in Santa Rosa. It took something like a half-minute to make the change, but 
out of the fallen buildings that crushed their occupants, out of the flames that 
consumed the ruins, arose the new city. San Francisco was a victim of the 
subsequent fire that swept that metropolis with a besom of destruction, and other 
places within the zone of disaster suffered when this portion of the continent 
heaved in the throes of terrestrial agony. Santa Rosa, midway in the belt of 
death lay under the ashes of herself when the pent forces had found release 
and the trembling globe had grown still. The scene of that morning's tragedy 
can never fade and its story can never grow old. Scientists burrowing in the 
tomed wisdom of centuries, or down in the earth "faults'* and the cleavage of 
seismic forces, have sought to locate the center of disturbance, and the source 
and course of the waves of oscillation. However, the Santa Rosan who felt the 
universe around him rolling up like a scroll and the streets swing under him as 
the tide flowed and ebbed below, is convinced that the vortex of the jumble, 
the middle-point of the whirl of trouble was just where he stood. It was a 
calm April morning when the air hung soft and sweet between the solemn sky 
and the solid earth, — a California spring-dawn when nature is in the last rest- 
ful moments of night-slumber and dreams are rounding to their finish. Little 
shudderings passed through the atmosphere and through the ground as the sen- 
sitive, subtle ether became responsive to premonitions of a disturbing element. 
Thtn followed the heavy shock, and the grinding crash as the planet crust lifted, 
buckled and broke — as the opening notes of that hellish dies irae burst on the 
world. 

Twenty-eight seconds is said to have been the duration of that awful act, 
and this was succeeded by a numbing silence that fell over and around the 
pitiful wrecks. The tumbled roadway and the shattered walls gave off a thick 
dust-cloud which for a moment veiled the ruin, but as this passed into the upper 
airspaces, the perfect work of the earthquake was shown. The business portion 
of the city — almost every building, not constructed of wood — lay a melancholy 
heap on the ground, and the few not completely destroyed, were more or less 
damaged. One structure, formerly built and occupied as a Hall of County 
Records, now the Savings Bank of Santa Rosa, stood fast within that storm- 
center while its neighbors fell against it. The second Hall, then occupied bv 
the County Recorder, dropped like a card-house. There was a general falling 
of chimneys and cracking of plaster throughout the city and in the residence 
portion many old frame buildings were shattered. The deaths — and the cases 
of serious injury, occurred in the hotels and rooming-houses of the brick section, 
where the victims were crushed in their beds. That early hour — 5 :i3 — found 
the stores, offices and other public places empty, else the death roll would have 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 207 

gone high up in the hundreds. The exterior of a new stone Masonic Temple 
had been completed and when the wrecking wave had passed an imposing pile 
of ruins lay on its dedicated corner-stone. The big brick Athenaeum Building — 
theater above, postoffice below — was scattered around the block. Tragedy in- 
deed would have been staged there had Death found another hour for his appear- 
ance. But he faced an empty house. The three floors of the new St. Rose 
Hotel flattened down into one like an accordion after its melody and life has 
departed. The fire did not reach the wreck and the sleepers who never awoke 
were removed for burial. The large Occidental hotel mingled its remains with 
those of the adjoining buildings. Ex-Councilman Michael McDonough, the 
landlord of the Grand Hotel, was shaken out of his apartments in the hotel 
on that eventful morning. His piano went with him, the two survivors landing 
on the sidewalk very much damaged — very much jangled and out of tune. After 
the dust had blown away Mike was revealed, patriotically and modestly draped 
with the national ensign, sitting on the wreck of the instrument — like the Roman, 
Marius, on the ruins of Carthage. The Grand did not arise phoenix-wise as 
did its charred neighbors. That piano when it came tumbling down to the base- 
ment, its breaking harp-strings discordant in the agony of dissolution, twanged 
its own dirge. 

THE RECALL OF THEMIS COMPLETE. 

The great dome of the county courthouse rolled from its high estate shat- 
tering every floor and apartment of the building in its downward path. Themis, 
goddess of justice, dropped from her roof-pedestal and lay prone on the pave- 
ment, her sword and scale broken beyond repair. Her recall had been complete. 
The county jail was slightly damaged, and the prisoners in their steel cells were 
the only inhabitants in the city who were immune during that dangerous half- 
minute. When the Odd Fellows' brick hall fell it stopped that issue of the 
Press Democrat which was on the press in the basement, also the pressman 
who was operating it. He was found on the sidewalk, with one of the small 
boy-carriers, where the wrecked walls had crushed them. After the fire had 
gone through the plants of the Press Democrat and Evening Republican, turn- 
ing them into picturesque piles of scorched iron, the editors of these journals, 
E. L. Finley and A. B. Lemmon, pooled their respective issues — not their papers, 
nor their capital. These assets were in the junk and ashes of the "once were." 
Sweet's Business College, a wooden building out of the swath of fire, escaped, 
and in its equipment is a small printing outfit. Professor James S. Sweet im- 
mediately placed this at the service of the printers and the stranded news men 
went to work. The morning journal force used the night for operation, and the 
evening paper the day — each publication about the dimensions of an infantile 
pocket-handkerchief. Having a rich harvest of real, live news at hand, and a 
small square of space in which to print it, "brevity." perforce, was the office- 
motto, consequently the daily issues were gems of the journalistic art. Shortly 
a small house was erected, press and type borrowed from members of the craft 
in neighboring towns, and the dual publication began to grow. The first to 
recover, re-stock and resume business from new permanent locations were 
these newspaper people. They now occupy large buildings on Fifth street, 
directly opposite each other, from which their dailies are issued. They have 
furnished their quarters with expensive, modern machinery, and have the most 



208 HIST! )RY ( ) F SONOMA CO U N T Y 

complete printing plants in this portion of the State. These purchases came 
exceedingly "high" to the burned-out printers, but they had to have them — and 
they have them. 

By a dispensation of the powers that govern earthquakes or the construction 
of strong buildings, the walls of the fire engine house were not much damaged 
nor the horses within injured. The two fine steamers were dragged out over 
the piles of bricks before the flames reached and consumed the building, and 
there machines were soon working on the burning blocks. Sebastopol had lately 
purchased a steamer, and on a flatcar this was rushed to Santa Rosa, where it 
received its first baptism of fire in the flame-swept streets of that stricken city. 
For days the two departments under the direction of Fire Chief Frank Muther 
worked among the wrecked buildings saving much damaged and undamaged 
property. A man caught under a fallen wall — finally rescued before the wreck- 
age was burned — said that as he lay cramped and bound, choking with the plaster- 
dust that filled his dark place, he "did not lose heart," for he heard the engines 
plaving on the flames that were drawing near him, and he knew "the boys" 
would win. And when the cool, refreshing water began to trickle down through 
the heated mass that enclosed him. he knew they were winning. In the steady 
throb of the machine was the pulse of life beating, beating, and the rhythm of 
the -troke sang of hope that lives even in the presence of death. 

LABOR THE ONLY CAPITAL. 

The local guard. Company E, and Company C, of Petaluma, Fifth Infantry 
Regiment, N. G. C. joined forces, and patrolling the streets, gave the desolate 
scene a warlike appearance. By order of Mayor John P. Overton, the saloons 
were closed and for several weeks the town went "dry."" It is said, in conse- 
quence of this. man\- workmen saved more money than ever before. A squad 
of sailors with their officers, one of whom was a surgeon, sent from Mare Island 
Navy Yard, did good work clearing away the ruins and recovering the bodies 
of the dead. All the stores being destroyed, the question of food early menaced 
even those who were not homeless. Measures were immediately taken to re- 
lieve the destitute, from the carloads of food and clothing sent to the stricken 
city. Out of the mighty flood of dollars that rolled into California from a gen- 
erous world, Santa Rosa received approximately $40,000. all of which were 
judiciously and freely distributed. Even medical treatment was provided for 
many persons injured. About ninety persons were killed in the falling buildings. 
The debris was raked off the rails of the electric road on Fourth street, and 
this "hooked" on to the track of the Northwestern Pacific, both systems being 
of same gauge, and trains of flatcars of the two lines were run among the 
ruins. Then everybody worked — even "father."" Labor and its logical supply 
were inexhaustible. All hands, virtually, were out of a job. and broke. It was 
more practical and more philosophical to shovel brickbats and ashes on to a 
platform car. than to stand around sadly contemplating the ruin of office and shop. 
The storekeeper with no store to keep kept his soft hands blistered dragging 
metal beams, plates and gaspipes out of piles of wreckage. Machinists with 
no machine in sight except the engine that was hauling the dirt-train, picked and 
shoveled to the manner born. Youthful attorneys with no cases before the 
court until the insurance companies began to "welch" on the fire losses, took 
a summer-school course in railroad construction and the method of fillins; in 



HISTORY OF SONO'MA COUNTY 209 

grade-cuts with train-loads of debris from burnt cities. Manual labor was the 
only recognized profession, and by this Santa Rosa was preparing to rise phoe- 
nix-like to another life. But in that day of gloom there was heard no complaint. 
There was no responsive audience for a complaint. 

THE BUILDERS BEGAN BUILDING. 

"We are all 'busted' together." cheerily called the erstwhile business man 
over the ashes of his "business," to his neighbor and brother in misfortune. 
The wizard. Fashion, will drape a malformation into lines of exquisite beauty. 
It was the fashion here to be "broke," but philosophy, not vanity, made it so. 
The man who comforted in the knowledge that he was just as hard-up as the 
other fellow, was a philosopher. And, the earth was still there — a little worse 
for the wear and tear of that April A. M. when the clocks struck the hour of 
disaster — and the builder commenced to build anew. Building began when the 
Creator laid the corner-stone of the Universe, set the foundations of the land 
and stayed the proud waves of the sea. From star-dust the stellar-systems build 
themselves, and with its dead-body the coral rears from the dark ocean-floor 
to the sunlit surface, where the small architect of a continent rests from his 
labors Then man takes up the work of his late fellow-insect, and builds on. 
No one can tell how long the coral was on the job, but man is staying with his 
lap of it, and his end is not yet. Foundations of cities so old that they do not 
seem to have had a youth, and so dead that they do not seem to have lived, 
exhumed, uncover successive foundations below. Pavement under pavement 
marking the building planes of each municipality, the architectural record goes 
down to the primal substructure, to the handiwork of the pioneer builder toil- 
ing in the purple dawn of time. It takes one's breath away to think how long 
ago that was, but evidently he was there piling up stones for a house to live 
in. True, Babel was not a success in the building line ; the Tower which was 
to be a step-ladder to the sky, grew into the clouds and the workmen on the 
upper story could not communicate with those at the base. Forty centuries 
later they could have used the telephone or wireless, and saved the world the 
labor of learning more than one language. 

Soon as the burnt district was cool enough to handle, the indefatigable 
merchant was digging among the ruins for property perchance not in ashes, 
stock for a new store. These stores were pitifully primitive. 'Twas harking 
back to earlier times. Old buildings long relegated to vacancy and back- 
streets, were rejuvenated and reoccupied, and again became part of the com- 
mercial world. Lumber from the yards, which were without the fire-zone, went 
into small frame houses — mere shacks — and into business. The indomitable 
desire to "put up a good front," and be cheerful about it, was abroad. The old 
spirit of "Let brotherly love continue," permeated every nook and corner of 
the jumbled-up town. The two or three dealers whose stocks-in-trade had not 
been lifted into the great smoke cloud, sold down to the last ounce of food 
commodity on their shelves, at the old prices and on any terms suiting the 
sufferer, and never an advantage was taken of the purchaser. There has been 
recorded no act of selfishness, no act of lawlessness, and not an act discrediting 
Santa Rosa during those trying days. Her people stood together. 



210 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

A CITY RIVETED TO THE PLANET. 

Then another Santa Rosa grew — sprang up in the night of the former city's 
desolation. The master builders — Industry and Energy — wrought in the dark- 
ness and the morning saw the new rising far above the place of the old. Con- 
crete walls, that will crystalize into the density of granite, through which runs 
a warp of steel, have been molded into graceful form. Within these is woven 
a fabric of metal, reinforcing and binding the mural structures into solid mass. 
Steel columns, beams and girders tie the entire building to itself, and to its 
concrete foundations. Nothing has gone into the construction of these houses 
that is not riveted down — down to the planet below them. Their builders built 
for the future — and the earthquake, and so, in the limestone, clay and iron, 
this old globe is made to provide against her own disastrous vagaries. Behind 
the metal-mesh of these walls was another metal that came at the call of the 
master-builders, and it gathered, and amalgamated, and reassembled its kindred 
elements into one, and this combination created the New Santa Rosa. As a 
substitute for the three or four millions lost in that dreadful day, as many new- 
millions of dollars have been poured into the empty sites. The supervisors 
of Sonoma county solved their problem of restoration, in the splendid new edi- 
fice that stands on the place of the old. Their first session was held under a 
tree in the plaza shortly after the ground was still enough to stand on, and no 
time was lost at that meeting. A rough board structure for immediate occu- 
pancy and a bond issue of $280,000 were ordered as a starter. The courthouse, 
restored, including its rich furnishings, will go over the half million dollar mark, 
but it is built for all time and the earthquake. From solid concrete foundation 
reinforced with metal, so firm that every square inch of that bed will support 
two tons of dead weight, to walls of same concrete riveted to their base and 
bound in bands of triple steel, this house will stand, and when it falls there will 
be none here to rebuild it. Even the artistic finish of the interior was placed 
there to stay. The marble stairways panelled with rare Mexican onyx, corri- 
dor and chamber lined with marble and scagliola, are not to be shaken from 
their settings. And the dome — crowning glory of that noble temple — lifts its 
mass of glass and bronze ninety feet above the pavement, and its rectangular 
body sixty-five feet long and forty-four feet wide, is so arranged that waves of 
sunshine — the pure gold of Sonoma's long summertime — will flow into her in- 
comparable capitol all day long. Under this, laid in the stone floor is the Banner 
of the Bear — red lone star in right dexter point, grizzly pedant at fesse, legend 
"Republic of California" at nombril, and red flannel band along the base. This 
in heraldry is the State Flag, a knightly ensign with no bar sinister across its 
argent field. It waved over the plaza of Sonoma from June 14 to July 9, 1846 — 
the briefest life of any flag known, but during that period, and under its folds 
a Commonwealth was born. On the marble wall of the entrance to the great 
building are the names of the supervisors, the builders, — Chairman Herbert Aus- 
tin, Blair Hart, G. J. Armstrong, Lyman Green, J. A. McMinn, C. J. Patte- 
son, I. J. Button, Wm. King, Fred L. Wright, clerk of the Board, and J. W. 
Dolliver, architect. 

On the night of April 17 the lately-elected mayor and council were ushered 
into office, taking the usual official oath to labor for common good and for the 
advancement of the municipality. Like all inaugural occasions it was rather a 



HISTORY ( )F S< )\( IMA ( '< >UNTY 211 

period of relaxation after the labor of their late campaign, and of self-congrat- 
ulation on their political and civic advancement. Official duties would begin 
on the tomorrow — only seven hours away — let it bring its own cares. It did. 
When the tomorrow came it landed with a jar that turned the new officials out 
of their beds to find their city on the crest of a tidal wave that arose and fell 
in its gigantic heave, rocking the old hills on their bases, and the dust-foam of 
its violence was mantling the sky. It turned them out to face ruin and death 
and the attendant ills of these twin-agents of desolation, for many weary months. 
And well they kept their oath of office. While San Francisco was yet sadly 
contemplating her piles of brick and stone, Santa Rosa was building anew. 
Carefully and skilfully has she been raised from the wreck of April 18, 1906, 
and Sonoma's county-seat stands today — April 18. 191 1 — physically and civicly 
as secure as human ingenuity can make her. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 



CHAPTER XLII. 
LUTHER BURBANK— TRAVELER IN PLANTLAND. 

To pass from Sonoma, her wondrous fertility and her plant-life, to Luther 
Burbank is only a step, the mere advancing of a thought. Each humble veg- 
etable growth, each brilliant, queenly flower of this soil is of the kingdom of 
Santa Rosa's famous planter. It may be that the plant is growing as God bade 
it grow far back in the Third Day of Creation, but another day Burbank may 
stretch forth his hand, touch its life and bid it grow into another form, its 
petals glow in another tint. They call him "wizard" — which title he resents, 
calling himself only a student who has gone to school in a flower-garden. Luther 
Burbank will have no reference to magic, no association to wand-waving or the 
exorcism of genii applied to his work. As a common laborer in the field he has 
sought and found the secret of herb-life. There is nothing mystical in these 
fruit and flower achievements of which the world has heard, but after all, 
"Wizard" may not be an unfitting title for the man who has formed a new 
fruit for the tree and tinted the flower anew. "I only strive to intelligently 
follow natural laws and learn the secrets of the growing plant," says Mr. Bur- 
bank, and thus he has won for himself, and the world shares in his victory. 
Nothing that can be written here of this man may be offered as news. All 
lands know of him, and for years all civilized nations have hastened to do him 
honor. Naturally seedmen, florists, nurserymen, botanists and biologists were 
the first to see and appreciate the importance of the work that Burbank was 
doing. It soon came to be no unusual thing for a noted botanist from Sweden 
or France to arrive one day to see Mr Burbank, followed next day by a repre- 
sentative of the Emperor of Japan, tnen by a commissioner from the Czar of 
Russia, and the next day by a company of distinguished German savants. The 
late Cecil Rhodes was thoroughly familiar with Mr. Burbank's work, and gave 
standing orders to the superintendent of his immense South African farms that 
he should procure each and every new creation that Mr. Burbank should offer, 
no matter what the cost. 

Unique as well as wonderful are the things this man frequently does among 
his plant-plots. It is an old (color) gag that a blackberry is green when 
it is red — red when it is green — green and red when it is black, but Burbank 
has made the blackberry white. It took years and sixty-five thousand hybrid 
vines to dim the jetty tintings of nearly fifty-five centuries, but one at last 
produced the white berry. The pineapple — exotic of the tropic jungle — he has 
crossed the zones into the northern quince, and now the new pineapple-quince 
gives promise of being the chief jelly-fruit of the orchard. One would imagine- 
that the rose — the empress of flowers, Flora in all her royal grandeur — is in- 
capable of change or re-creation, but the young Burbank Rose rivals her older sis- 
ters born when Eden burst into bloom. She will blossom when the plant is in tiny 
infancy, and if the days are not too cold will flower all the year around. She 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 213 

is the first out of winter-quarters, is rose-pink in color shading from the center, 
-is three inches in diameter, and was hardly out of her nursery till she won a 
gold medal — St. Louis Fair, 1904. He has given our dahlia the only feature 
long required to .complete her list of perfections — a perfume, and the verbena 
under his tutelage exhales the odor of the trailing arbutus ; while the scentless 
calla lily gives off the rare fragrance of the Parma violet. In the mountains 
of Bulgaria about two-and-one-half acres of red roses will yield each season 
an average of 6,600 pounds of petals from which is extracted 2.2 pounds of rose 
attar. This sells in the English market for a price equal to $7 or $8 an ounce. 
The United States consumes about $8,000,000 worth of perfumes yearly, and 
when our florists are breeding and harvesting the native flowers for the volatile 
oils in which they hold their rare, sweet fragrance, we will have no further use 
for the odors of Araby the Blest. 

A CHILD AMID THE FLOWERS. 

Luther Burbank was born in the year 1849 at Lancaster, Mass., and from 
earliest childhood evinced a passionate love for flowers and all forms of plant- 
life — the beginning of an occupation that was to make him world-known. If 
poverty be the nurse and incentive of genius, this boy was well equipped for 
after-fame, for all his earlier years his was the soul-wearing struggle to make 
both ends meet. Even after he had added the Burbank potato to the food-supply 
of the world, adding to the wealth of this nation an estimated increase of twenty 
millions of dollars (Burbank received $150 for the new plant), and had left 
Massachusetts, the home of culture and poverty, he found existence still a diffi- 
cult problem. Among the Marin county hills he landed, an argonaut of 1875, 
but there was no golden fleece awaiting him. As a laborer for his daily wage 
he sought among the dairies and small ranches for employment. Thirty-five 
years ago in California the fruit trees were not covering the land as now and 
this twenty-five-year old stranger, not physically strong, a nurseryman, found 
it hard to get a job. But industry and economy — a pair of winners in any game 
— brought him a patch of Sonoma county soil under a patch of Sonoma climate, 
and a new force entered the plant world, and a new name was seen in the realm 
of science. Not the name of a discoverer of a new luxury, as a new life-destroy- 
ing compound advertised to make war more speedy and deadly, not the name 
of one who has made it possible for the human voice to be heard across a con- 
tinent, nor the name of one who has made it possible to fly in the air or swim 
under the sea; but of the man who has learned how the fruits of the earth blos- 
som and ripen for humanity. And not only is that man repairing the deterior- 
ation of time, but he is leading the plant into greater and higher results. It is 
no wonder the savants journey far to see the one they call the "Master of Horti- 
culture" in his own kingdom, nor is it any wonder that national senates arise 
to their feet when his name is spoken. And yet, working among his flowers 
and committing no other offense than disturbing some honey-hunting bee that 
has its own ancient ideas and methods of pollenization, Burbank has stirred up 
a swarm of hybrid critics, — wasps to buzz viciously around the experimental 
grounds. Occasionally a United States government agricultural expert from 
behind his roller-top desk fires an "opinion"' on the work of this quiet laborer 
toiling among his millions of plants in Santa Rosa ; and to vary the class of 
criticism, occasionally an American citizen publishes adverse views to those held 
.1.4 



2i 4 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

by the eminent horticulturist, as instanced by the report several years ago of a 
number of Pasadena truck-gardeners, who probably could not see that Mr. 
Burbank was improving the market-value of carrots and cabbages. Let it be 
remembered that it is only in his own country that Luther Burbank's fame is 
less; foreign government officials have never dishonored him. But it is the 
unanimous verdict of horticulturists and biologists all the world over that he 
has added more to the number of useful plants than any other man who has 
lived, and that his experiments will benefit the world in all years to come, 
more than those of any other student of plant life. He has already added many 
millions of dollars to the wealth of the country in the increased value of its fruit 
and its vegetable and floral products. This benefit is of course increasing as his 
plants are more widely known. It takes a long time to produce, mature, test, 
propagate and introduce the increase of a single plant until people near and far 
can share its benefits. So the harvest of the good that Luther Burbank has 
done may be said scarcely to have begun, but even now it is amazing. 

HOW HE MAKES HIS PLANTS GROW. 

The work of plant hybridization is a mystery to many people. This brief 
statement of how it is accomplished may therefore be of interest : Mr. Burbank 
gathers a supply of anthers from the desired parent plant the day before the 
work of hybridization is to be done, and carefully dries them. When the anthers 
are dried he secures from them the fructifying pollen powder by shaking the 
anthers over a watch-crystal until it is covered. The blossoms of the seed par- 
ent that is to receive the pollen have previously been prepared by removing the 
anthers, leaving the pistils exposed but uninjured by the operation. Then the 
pollen is applied to these pistils, and the fructifying agency begins at once its 
journey to the ovule. 

The seeds resulting from this hybridized flower are of course gathered with 
great care, and the closest watch kept upon them after they are planted. The 
little seedling may give signs of its combined parentage, or may disclose the fact 
that it has drawn up something from the profound depths of the converging 
streams of remote ancestry. These cross-bred plants are again cross-bred, and 
the result noted carefully, and the same process repeated until the desired suc- 
cess is obtained. Sometimes thousands of specimens have to be destroyed, 
yielding no results. It is estimated that within the past fifteen years Mr. Bur- 
bank has conducted fully one million experiments. The result of these is about 
one hundred and fifty new creations which he has deemed worthy of preserva- 
tion — each of them better in some way than anything of its kind that had pre- 
viously existed. All the rest have been destroyed. 

GIVING GOLDEN POPPY A NEW GOWN. 

It is not the purpose to give here a list of the new plant changes, the 
new fruits and flowers Luther Burbank has created and given to mankind. 
The list is known, not only to the students in the science of which he is recog- 
nized as its greatest living exponent, but to the world at large. He has crossed 
the small dewberry and raspberry and the result is a new berry three and four 
inches in circumference, growing in clusters of a round dozen, sugared to a 
high jam and jelly sweetness and will fruit in a high latitude. The small, 
hard-shell English walnut has been changed to a soft-shell, large as a hen- 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 215 

egg, and even the wood of the tree has been improved for fine cabinet work, 
as well as its growth shortened to ten years, fully half of the time required 
for other walnut trees. Prunes and plums and vegetables have been changed 
and recreated, like the flowers, and these hundreds of new-forms have been 
given to the public. Sometimes Mr. Burbank takes a little recreation — a little 
recreation in a re-creation, and does a — well, funny things. As every Californian 
knows, the yellow poppy, the flower of the state, whose coming in early summer 
covers the California hills and valleys in a mantle of gold, resents handling 
or domestication. Blonde Eschscholtzia, born of the western plains, with the 
western showers in her green leaves, and the western suns in her golden 
chalice, boldly flaunts her vivid color in the face of "culture.'" However, Bur- 
bank — the only human being she has any reason to respect or fear — one day 
caught her showing a faint trace of crimson on one of her yellow petals. "Let 
us see if we can vary the color of Miss Poppy's gown," soliloquized the Flower 
Wizard. "I think she would look well in red." Then, instantly he removed 
the subject from her companions — he didn't want any sisterly interference 
from other poppies — and he watched that transplanted flower with jealous 
care. Its seeds were planted, and here and there on the petals of the new 
flowers was the red stain slightly widened. Poppy was getting a new dress. 
The newer seeds were planted and the Wizard watched. Nothing intruded 
there — no trespassers allowed — keep off the grass. Even a bee, perchance 
with foreign pollen on his legs, was told that he was not wanted there. When 
the new flowers took their places in the "show" many thousands of the great 
exhibition were as golden as when Mother Nature first bade them grow, and 
they nodded their yellow heads in saucy defiance to the Wizard who was trying 
to change the old, old fashion of flowers, especially of poppies, which had ever 
been true to ancestral life. But they noted among the blonde poppies many 
whose dresses were more red than yellow, and that startled and angered them. 
Some of the floral sisterhood were growing frivolous and changeable. Pro- 
fessor Eschscholtz had not interfered with their color or habits, but had only 
given them a name ; and this Mr. Burbank was changing their very looks so that 
when they returned to their native hills their own family wouldn't know them. 
But the reddening process went on for eight years. Poppy fought hard for 
her old habits, old colors, old clothes, but she was only matter, and mind was 
bending her to its purpose. In every succeeding generation she appeared redder 
and redder. Poor Poppy. Whenever a flower showed yellow — the loyal yel- 
low, the Wizard instantly removed her, and only poppies with the hybrid tint 
were permitted to grow there. She was thrown in contact with other poppies — 
"Papavers" — one the W 7 izard called "Papaver Somniferum" (the opium poppy), 
and the odor from this white cousin made her sleepy. The Wizard was work- 
ing year by year with these other poppies, too, and changing them to a variety 
of forms and colors. In fact it seemed to Poppy that he could do anything he 
pleased with a flower ; could enlarge it as the Shasta Daisy ; tint it at will as 
with a prism one resolves the solar white light into its seven primary colors. 
So Poppy shed her gold and became a bloom of deep lustrous red. Then the 
wrathy Californians protested against the act that lost the golden state her 
golden flower. What next would this indefatigable man of magic do? Dim 
the golden California sunshine and change the long golden summers to the 



2i6 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

leaden hue of an eastern season, — and ruin the stock-argument of the railroad 
transportation agent; or turn twenty dollar pieces into base-metal and wreck 
the financial-foundation of the commonwealth. But Air. Burbank smiled and 
looked out on the hillsides where the yellow floral mantle yet waves like the 
mighty oriflamme of a marching host, and said. "Peace! I have left them 
there, just as Eschscholtz left them." And the enchanted Poppy, her cup 
emptied of its native gold and filled with the red blood of wizardry, is fated 
to be an exile, a pampered pet in the gardens of culture. Nevermore will she 
race a floral-hoiden with the wild, yellow-sisterhood in mad flight over the 
California plains, when Flora calls her maidens into flower. 

THE TI-IORNLESS OPUNTIA. 

Burbank's most astounding achievement and the one most fraught with 
importance, is his spineless cactus. It is the estimate of eminent scientific 
authorities that the waste places of the world — the great deserts of Sahara and 
Obi, and the lesser ones of Nevada, Southern California and Arizona — may be 
planted to this cactus, and made to yield sufficient food to sustain four times 
the present population of the world. This statement will have little meaning 
to the reader who has not seen a desert ; and the reader who knows what a 
desert is will have to think several minutes to grasp the immensity of the state- 
ment. The world's waste places, that now produce nothing, made to yield four 
times enough food for all the world's population ! 

Burbank made this cactus by crossing the giant prickly pear of the Amer- 
ican desert with a small, spineless cactus sent to him from Central America. 
The little cactus bore a very small fruit of fine flavor ; the large one bristled 
with spines long and sharp as needles. The cross has no thorns, but bears a 
delicious fruit larger than an apple. Not only the fruit is edible, but the stems 
and leaves. One robust plant produces more than a quarter of a ton of food 
for either man or beast. The desert land of the globe is estimated to be 2,700,- 
000,000 acres, an area larger than the Cnited States including the insular pos- 
sessions by 6,000 miles. The semi-arable lands of the globe are estimated at 
9,000,000,000 square miles additional. Practically, all of this, as well as the 
desert lands, save with little exception, may, with the spineless cactus, be 
reclaimed for food. The fertile acres of this planet — 16,000,000,000 of them — 
will of course produce more and with greater rapidity than the desert lands. 
The population of the globe is estimated at something like 1,500,000,000, and 
Mr. Burbank holds that this "may be doubled and yet, in the immediate food 
of the cactus plant itself and in the food animals which may be raised upon it, 
there would still be enough food for all." 

In several countries there are certain kinds of cactus having few or no 
thorns, and these when considered edible are used for food. Even where there 
are no thorns, the woody fibrous skeletons of the leaves make them more or less 
indigestible. These overcome, the development of the fruit and leaves for food 
for man and beast must be accomplished. Air. Burbank has worked among 
these lines, and breeding in the good, and out the bad, rather than seeking to 
create a wholly new plant. In one sense, the cactus he has produced is new 
because it possesses excellencies, devoid of obnoxious elements, found in no 
other cactus. From the five genera of the plant common in this country he 
went to work, seeding and crossing for years to break up for all time the habits 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 217 

of millions of years. It was discouraging-. The "prickly pear" is not a modest 
little violet ready for floral-matrimony, nor a "primrose on the river-brim." 
It is a tough proposition wherever found, and Mr. Burbank's subjects for civili- 
zation not only refused to be improved and made nice, gentle, stickerless plants, 
but in many cases grew more thorny and more worthless than before. When 
Mr. Burbank thought he had a fine, promising young cactus well on the road 
to a spineless career, and he planted its seeds for further culture, up would 
sprout a new plant that fairly bristled with spines and thorns — reverting to 
an original type resembling a mad porcupine. But those showing change and 
improvement were selected and the fight went on. The systematic hybridiza- 
tion and selection began to win and after ten years' struggle a great cactus 
eight feet in height, its big fruit-bearing thalli or leaves without a thorn or 
spicule showing, was growing in the grounds — the heretofore invincible plant 
of the lifeless desert won by science to the uses of its conqueror, man. 

HE HAS MADE THE CACTUS SHED ITS THORNS. 

The fruit of the new cactus is about two and a quarter inches wide by 
three and a half inches long. Color is yellow, and it is delicious to the taste. 
Like any food first eaten, its flavor is different. To some it tastes like a peach, to 
others a melon, a pineapple, a blackberry. It may be eaten fresh, cooked or 
preserved. The leaves have an attractive flavor when cooked, and may be 
cooked in many ways, or may be preserved as melon or ginger rinds are so 
handled. The new cactus, when it is finished and ready for its life-work — 
the work it will do all down the coming countless ages — will not be raised to 
sell. It will be free for the billions of acres lying waste and useless on the 
surface of the globe. So this tireless man seeking subjects for his life-labor 
has gone down into the desert where nothing grows but the cactus, the pariah 
of the vegetable kingdom ; the plant that covers its leaves with deadly barbs 
fearing that some starving creature will find a morsel of food thereon ; a tree 
preserving an eternal hostility to all living things except to the rattlesnake or 
scorpion within its shade — if it ever casts a shade in its hellish habitat. There 
he has attacked this stubborn, irreconcilable thing, — stripped the coat of spikes 
from its body, taught it to produce edible fruit for beast, — in fact he has broken 
up the habits of billions of seasons and set it in the ways of usefulness. Any 
man with a few feet of earth in some village-home, or with a garden in the 
country, or with farms which have lost their fertility, or with large areas of 
desert or mountain lands, may become a sharer in the fruits of this act. For 
here, as in all he has ever done, the supreme purpose of his life looms up, 
colossal in its contrast with the mean selfishness of man. All his work is for 
humanity. If he can produce or improve a fruit or flower that will benefit 
or brighten the life of his fellow,' he is satisfied. He only wants the world to be 
better for his having lived in it. Yet to many of his own countrymen Burbank 
is unknown, — though this may not be to his injury. In a distant part of this 
state, the progressive real estate dealers proclaim that he lives in their neigh- 
borhood, and not a few accept the statement. In Europe, Asia, Africa, and in 
the Antipodes, whence they send scientists to learn of this man his wonderful 
methods, they know. In the far empires where shotted guns frown across the 
frontiers and where the genius of man is bent to the preparation of more direct 
means of destruction, they know. In the famine-blighted plains where human- 



2i8 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

ity starves and dies till the only product of their fields is a harvest of the dead, 
the}' know. In the new places newly mapped for immigration and civilization, 
they know of the laborer among his plants on the rim of the western hemi- 
sphere striving to assist the weary, old world to provide food for its fifteen 
hundred millions inhabitants. When the industrious explorers of the United 
States Government were scouring the desert places of the earth in search of a 
thornless cactus which they thought might be introduced into the arid regions 
of America, and finding at last in Algeria a prickly pear almost spineless, Bur- 
bank had been for years cultivating tens of thousands of cacti upon his grounds 
in Santa Rosa, U. S. ; thousands of them at that very time practicallv thorn- 
less and spiculeless, and all moving forward under his direction to produce a 
plant that should have for all time only the things desired. Hugo de Vries, 
the eminent Dutch botanist, who visited Burbank in 1904, said of him : 

"The flowers and fruits of California are less wonderful than the flowers 
and fruits that Mr. Burbank has made. He is a great and unique genius. The 
desire to see what he has done was the chief motive of my coming to America. 
He has carried on the breeding and selection of plants to definite ends. Such 
a knowledge of Nature and such ability to handle plant-life would be possible 
only to one possessing genius of a high order." 

HAS WORKED ALONE — AND MISUNDERSTOOD. 

David Starr Jordan, president of Leland Stanford University, adds this 
tribute to the laurels that have come to Santa Rosa's honored citizen: '.'In 
his field of the application of our knowledge of heredity, selection and crossing 
to the development of plants, he stands unique in the world. No one else, 
whatever his appliances, has done as much as Burbank, or disclosed as much 
of the laws governing these phenomena. He has worked for years alone, not 
understood and not appreciated, at a constant financial loss, and for this reason. — 
that his instincts and purposes are essentially those of a scientific man, not of a 
nurseryman, nor even of a horticulturist. To have tried fewer experiments 
and all of a kind likely to prove economically valuable, and finally to have 
exploited these as a nurseryman, would have brought him more money. In 
his own way, Luther Burbank belongs in the class of Faraday and the long 
array of self-taught great men who lived while the universities were spending 
their strength in fine points of grammar and hazy conceptions of philosophy. 
His work is already an inspiration to botanists as well as horticulturists, and 
his methods are yielding rich results in the hands of others. Scientific men 
belong to many classes ; some observe, some compare, some think, and some 
carry knowledge into action. There is need for all kinds and a place for all. 
With a broader opportunity, Burbank could have done a greater variety of 
things and touched life at more points ; but at the same time, he would have 
lost something of his simple intensity and fine delicacy to touch, — tnings which 
the schools do not always give and which too much contact with men some- 
tii§ies take away. 

"Great men are usually men of simple, direct sinceritv of character. These 
marks are found in Burbank. As sweet, straightforward, and as unspoiled as 
a child, always interetsed in the Phenomena of Nature, and never seeking fame 
or money or anything else for himself. If his place is outside the temple of 
science, there are not manv who will be found fit to enter. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 219 

"All that Luther Burbank has received, — observation of the keenest type, 
unsurpassed intuition, knowledge, understanding, scientific attainment, in a 
word, genius of the highest order for the interpretation of the work to which 
lie has devoted his life, — he has accepted as a sacred trust, not to be dissipated 
but to be administered with unswerving fidelity to the common interests of 
mankind." 

Elbert Hubbard in his inimical way thus gives his impression of Luther 
Burbank at close range : 

"I saw Burbank in his garden there at Santa Rosa. A man with iron gra} 
hair, furrowed face of tan, blue eyes, that would be weary and sad were it not 
for the smiling mouth, whose corners do not turn down. A gentle gentleman, low 
voiced, quiet, kindly, with a willing heart of love. On Broadway no one would 
see him, and on Fifth avenue no one would turn and look. His form is slender, 
and smart folks, sudden and quick at conclusion, might glance at the slender 
form and say the man is sickly. But the discerning behold that he is the type 
that lives long, because he lives well. His is the strength of the silken cord that 
bound the god Thor when all the chains broke. He is always at work, always 
busy, always thinking, planning, doing, dissatisfied with the past, facing the 
East with eager hope. He is curious as a child, sensitive as a girl in love, 
strong as a man, persistent as gravitation and gifted like a god. 

"His hands are sinewy and strong — the hands of a sculptor. His clothes 
are easy and inexpensive. Children would go to him instinctively. Women 
would trust him. 

"Luther Burbank was born in Massachusetts, and those prime virtues of 
New England, industry and economy, are his in rare degree. 

"Henry Thoreau said : 'The character of Jesus was essentially feminine.' 
That is to say, the love that could embrace a world was mother-love, carried 
one step further. The same could truthfully be said of Luther Burbank. 

"Much has been written in an exaggerated way of Burbank's achieve- 
ments, but the fact is his genius is of a kind in which we can all share, and 
is not difficult to comprehend. 

"Genius in his case is a great capacity for hard work. Fused with this 
capacity is great love, great delicacy, great persistency. Among scientists 
there is almost as much bigotry and dogmatism as there is among theologians. 
There is canned science as well as canned religion. In truth, most so-called 
scientists are teachers of text-books — purveyors in canned goods. 

"The most beautiful words I heard him utter were these: 'I do not know.' 
He makes no effort to explain things he does not understand. He lives out his 
life in the light. 

" 'The land that produces beautiful flowers and luscious fruits will also 
produce noble men and women,' said Aristotle. Also in producing beautiful 
flowers and luscious fruits, men and women become noble. 

"The finest product of the life-work of Luther Burbank is the man him- 
self." 

13UILDING THE GREAT SHASTA DAISY. 

The great Shasta Daisy, white as the noble California mountain that gave 
it name, was born of home-memorv. When Luther Burbank was a boy wooing 
with child-love the wild flowers of his native hills, there was one bloom in which 



220 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

he took a particular interest, possibly because every man's hand was against it. 
This was the little wild field daisy, to many a farmer an unmitigated evil, a pest 
to be fought at every possible point. When he had begun his seed-raising for 
market, years after, he frequently went to the hills for wild flower seeds, plant- 
ing them in his garden and noting with curious interest how the plants varied 
from the parent-plants. A certain chivalry, it may have been, a desire to re- 
claim the daisy from the company of the outcast \veeds> caused him to include 
it in his experiments. There came a day in after years when he was to demon- 
strate again his tenderness for his flower-sweetheart, the little waif he loved 
through pity, and to become its champion in a still larger way. For he had 
laid out in his mind a scheme for the ennoblement of this wild-wood flower; — 
he would lift it from its low-estate among the serfs and make it a queen. 

In England there grows the daisy beloved of the English poets, "Flora's 
page — with silver crest and golden eye," larger and coarser of stem than its 
American cousin ; in Japan is another of the family, not so large as the other 
two, but with petals like the dazzling snow-peak of sacred F'usiyama. From 
three continents Burbank would select his new daisy — America for the strong 
constitution that would bring life to the hybrid ; Europe for a liberal circum- 
ference of blossom, and Asia for the virgin snowy whiteness that is now the 
marvel of the new creation. The choicest seeds were sent him from over the 
two seas, and from the wild daisies of New England he personally selected 
those of the third subject. He planted in his grounds at Santa Rosa and 
planned for his new flower as he always plans, with systematic care. It should 
have grace, beauty and strength ; a slender but firm stem at least two feet in 
length, free from branches ; a big, big blossom, and petals of the purest white. 
In the rich Sonoma soil and under a Sonoma sun the three exotic cousins soon 
flowered and he crossed them, joining them in a union that was to bloom above 
the grave of their old selves — a new resurrection. So completely was the pol- 
lenating done that after the merging was ended the strain of blood, so to call 
it, of each plant now flowed in the veins of one. And yet this act of fertilization 
or new birth was but an early incident in the creation. The real struggle was 
ahead. The seeds from the first united-flower were six or eight in number, 
and from their plants only the few approaching the ideal were selected. From 
the third crop about fifty seeds of the union-plants were chosen, and the fourth 
in the progression produced a selection of a hundred thousand seeds. These 
took their burial to come anew into life, to seed, to be selected, to be planted 
and go the round, season after season, year after year. 

DOWN IN THE LIFE-CRYPT OF THE PLANT. 

People passing the Burbank grounds note the great beds of flowers, some 
old acquaintances, others strangers, all in vivid color, and wonder at the prodi- 
gality of bloom — the waste of work and plant. They do not know that among 
those thousands and thousands of blooms massed in one grarid bouquet there 
may be only one flower bearing the seed long sought. One day Mr. Burbank 
said to his men engaged in planting twenty thousand seeds in a plot of ground — 
"if I knew which one of these was the one wanted, how much time and work 
that knowledge would save us." Neither do they know that over the thousands 
and thousands of blossoms almost daily during the "selecting" season there 
is a supervision, a scrutiny that marks the most minute detail of growing 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 221 

change in leaf or stalk or petal. As he makes his way among the rare plants 
his genius has called into flower, he measures and records the individual growth, 
the variation of the young plant from the parent stock, and sets aside the can- 
didate chosen to carry ahead the creative work. Somebody has said that so 
strong is Mr. Burbank's perceptiveness, and his constant supervision over the 
grounds, that not a stranger-bee can come buzzing among those floral nurs- 
lings without its presence being known to the master. Even his workmen 
are trained in this labor where the utmost care is necessary and where an 
awkward move or step may ruin the result of ten years' work or destroy a 
tiny plant worth ten thousand dollars. Not only does he demand care, sobriety, 
nerve, but sympathy. The man who works for Burbank must labor with him 
— must follow him down into the life-crypt of the plant, and be near when the 
Master touches the key that bursts the new bloom or swells the new fruit in 
the kingdom of vegetation. The countless companies of visitors who seek Bur- 
bank, — many scientists like himself, equipped in mind and purpose to under- 
stand and appreciate and gather information concerning the sublime character 
and colossal magnitude of his work, and others who come through childish curi- 
osity and whose only purpose is a nosegay or an autograph, do not always under- 
stand that Luther Burbank's minutes are worth more to humanity than the days 
of any other man on earth. Conventions have come demanding to be enter- 
tained by this rare-minded analyst and explorer in the unknown, and have 
gone away dissatisfied because they did not have freedom to tramp and pluck 
at will among plants that had used up a decade of Luther Burbank's life, and 
whose commercial value is the ransom of a king. 

Returning to the new daisy, the re-creating work went on for seven years, 
the salient characteristics of the three originals, blended, slowly producing the 
flower sought. In the process of development often strange things would hap- 
pen. Hybrids will sometimes show a tendency to double like the chrysan- 
themum, and with petals strangely convoluted. The new daisy occasionally 
developed unusually large flowers, almost two feet in circumference — too large. 
They had grown to their great size under peculiarly favorable conditions, and 
this unfitted them for use for all sorts of soil, climate and people. Such blooms, 
however beautiful, are rejected, and Mr, Burbank never permits himself to be 
deceived by a show of surpassing excellence, which under ordinary conditions 
would not again manifest itself. "If I deceive myself," said Mr. Burbank, "I 
deceive the public, too." Deception has no part in the soul of Luther Burbank. 
Finally he was satisfied, and the great Shasta Daisy was born to brighten the 
surface of the earth. It is a beautiful flower, a rare brilliant white, the center 
a pure yellow, with long, graceful stem, — and in every detail the flower Mr. 
Burbank planned years ago. The little, humble daisy of the Massachusetts 
hillside grown into the queenly Shasta Daisy of the golden west. 

AS THE PLANT — SO THE CHILD. 

This story is a page of the history of Luther Burbank and his mission. 
Volumes would be required for the full story of his life-work, much of which 
has never been toid. Hundreds of new creations in fruit and flower, tree and 
plant, have gone out from his grounds and are grow-ing in distant places, pro- 
ducing for the men who have forgotten the creator. The writer of this brief 
account acknowledges his obligation to Mr. W. S. Harwood, whose "New 



222 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Creations in Plant Life" is an excellent and just tribute to Luther Burbank. 
But all who come to Burbank must honor that grand, simple character, molded 
by extreme poverty and toil, and hopes and fears, and striving after ideals that 
were almost too high, too rare for human reach. Grand, simple character — 
grand as nature and simple as the child whose purity of soul he can appreciate, 
as shown in the following from a recent public address : 

"I love sunshine, the blue sky, trees, flowers, mountains, green meadows, 
running brooks, the ocean when its waves softly ripple along the beach, 
or when pounding the rocky cliffs with its thunder and roar, the birds of the 
field, waterfalls, the rainbow, the dawn, the noonday, the evening sunset — but 
children above them all. Trees, plants, flowers, they are always educators in 
the right direction, they always make us happier and better, and, if well grown, 
thev speak of loving care and respond to it as far as is in their power ; but in all 
this world there is nothing so appreciative as children, — those sensitive, quiver- 
ing creatures of sunshine, smiles, showers and tears." 

Whence in all the world of melody e'er came a sweeter strain to vibrate 
along the pure, deep reaches of the soul, — sensitive tones of sunshine, smiles, 
showers, tears. 

Recently at a banquet given by the California Board of Trade in his honor, 
Mr. Burbank likened child-culture to plant-culture, and from his remarks the 
following is taken : 

"I was brought up in a family like most of you and my eyes have always 
been wide open when something appeared which promised to be useful to my- 
self or others. Among other things flowers and children never escape my 
notice, but children respond to ten thousand subtle influences which leave no 
more impression on a plant than they would on a sphinx. You may say, 'well, 
what do you know about children?' Anything we love, we study, and I have 
observed that in searching for good teachers you do not choose parents of 
large families on account of their superior knowledge of children. You gen- 
erally select those who have no families of their own, do you not? Therefore, 
as one of the latter class, I claim the privilege of saying a word for the helpless . 
little victims. * * * 

"We in America form a nation with the bloods of half the peoples of the 
world within our veins. We are more crossed than any other nation in the 
history of the world, and here we meet exactly the same results that are always 
seen in a much crossed race of plants ; all the worst as well as all the best 
qualities of each are brought out in their fullest intensities, and right here is 
where selective environment counts. All the necessary crossing has been done, 
and now comes the work of elimination, the work of refining, until we shall get 
an ultimate product that will be the finest human race which has ever been 
known. It is perhaps this country which will produce that race. Many years 
will pass before the finished work is attained, but it is sure to come. The 
characteristics of the many peoples that make up this nation will show in the 
composite with many of the evil characteristics removed and the finished product 
will be the race of the future. 

"In my work with plants and flowers I introduce color here, shape there, 
size or perfume, according to the product desired. In such processes the teach- 
ings of nature are always followed. Its great forces only are employed. All 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 223 

that has been done for plants and flowers by crossing, nature has already accom- 
plished for the American people. By the crossing of bloods strength has in one 
instance been secured, in another intellectuality, in still another moral 
force. * * * 

"Anil now, what will hasten this development most of all? The proper 
rearing of children. Don't feed children on maudlin sentimentalism or dogmatic 
religion; give them nature. Let their souls drink in all that is pure and sweet. 
Rear them, if possible, amid pleasant surroundings. If they come into the 
world with souls groping in darkness, let them see and feel the light. Don't 
terrify them in early life with the fear of an after world. There never was a 
child that was made more noble and good by the fear of a hell. Let nature 
teach them the lessons of good and proper living combined with an abundance 
of well-balanced nourishment. Those children will grow to be the best men 
and women. Put the best in them by contact with the best outside. They will 
absorb it as a plant does the sunshine and the dew." 



224 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 



CHAPTER XLIII. 

FARMERS' ORGANIZATIONS OF SONOMA COUNTY. 

By G. N. Whitaker. 

In writing the origin of Pomona Grange and other farmers' organizations 
of Sonoma county, I do not claim any literary or historical talent. I shall 
only give the facts and instances as my memory serves me, with the dates and 
figures as far as they can be obtained. To do this I must go back to July 6, 
1872, at the court house in Santa Rosa, when the Sonoma County Farmers' 
Club was organized with the late H. P. Holmes as president, G. N. Whitaker 
vice president, and the late A. W. Middleton secretary. 

At that time wheat was "King" in the productions of Sonoma county, 
and in the state, for that matter. Farmers' clubs were being organized in all the 
wheat producing counties of the state to fight Friedlander, the "wheat king,'" 
as he was called by the grain farmers of the state. He controlled the foreign 
shipping, had a monopoly in grain dealing and practically controlled the grain 
markets of the entire Pacific coast. Hence the organization of the grain grow- 
ers to procure better prices for their product and to buy grain bags at a lower 
rate. Sonoma county farmers were among the first to organize for their own 
protection. 

The wheat crop of the county in 1884 was 2,160,000 bushels, and that year 
the wheat crop of the state was estimated at 60,000,000 bushels, the largest 
wheat crop ever produced in any state of the Union. After deducting for seed 
and home use it left 50,000,000 bushels for export. Sonoma county's estimate 
for export was 2,000,000 bushels. 

The farmers' club was foremost in advocating direct railroad connection 
from Sacramento to Santa Rosa for the purpose of having eastern connection 
for their fruit crops. At that time, 1872, it took three days to go from Santa 
Rosa to the Capitol city, now it takes three hours. The subject of a jute fac- 
tory was first introduced by the late W. H. Rector, a sturdy Scotchman who 
had been trained in the linen factories in Scotland. He followed the subject 
through all the farmers' organizations from the Farmers' Club to the Grange, 
and it was through his influence that the jute bag factory was established at 
San Ouentin. Mr. Rector was also the inventor of the Turbin water wheel ; the 
first one for use was at his Mark West flour mill, situated where Burke's Sani- 
tarium is now located. 

The Farmers' Club demonstrated by actual growth that sugar beets could 
be grown in the county at a profit. We quote from the report of the com- 
mittee: "To the president and members of Sonoma County Farmers' Club: 
Your committee, to whom was assigned the duty of testing sugar beets grown 
in this county, beg leave to report that we have tested four separate lots of beets 
grown on different varieties of soil from which, with very imperfect appli- 
ances, we have obtained from four to seven per cent sugar. The best obtained 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 225 

was from beets grown in Bennett Valley by G. N. Whitaker, but we are of the 
opinion that we would have obtained more satisfactory results from the others 
but for the fact that owing to some delay in getting the machinery in opera- 
tion, the beets were allowed to remain in the ground until they had taken a 
second growth after the rains set in. From the result of the experiments made 
we are satisfied that beets grown in the vicinity of Santa Rosa are as rich in 
saccharine and are as free from deleterious salts as those grown in any other 
locality. For the foregoing reasons and others too numerous for explanation 
in this report, your committee most earnestly recommend the enterprise to' your 
favorable consideration. For a detailed account of the experiment we refer 
to the report of Mr. Veling, who made the test. The seed was procured from 
France, the best variety, by our secretary, E. W. Maslin. 

"S. T. Coulter, 
"R. A. Thompson, 
"Theodore Staley, 
"H. P. Holmes, 
"'John Adams, 

"Committee." 
Mr. Veling wrote his report, which is too long for publication here. On 
motion, the thanks of the club were tendered Mr. Veling for his interesting 
report. A committee was appointed to confer with our citizens on the subject 
of the establishment of a beet sugar factory and straw-paper mill. The presi- 
dent named upon the committee S. T. Coulter, George Hood and George W. 
Davis. 

July 5, 1873, Judge T. Hart Flyatt, a farmer of Solano county, addressed 
the club upon the interests of agriculture. Again, at a subsequent meeting, the 
club was entertained by a paper read by Dr. A. S. Heath on "The composition 
of soils, plants and animals." The club was always very well attended and 
there were many quotations copied in the eastern agricultural journals from its 
meetings. There were many local questions of importance discussed and brought 
to the attention of the farmers and stock growers of the county. At a meeting 
W. H. Rector was invited to address the club on the subject of a jute grain- 
bag factory, to be located at San Quentin and operated by the prisoners of the 
state. The thanks of the club were tendered Mr. Rector on his very interesting 
address. I cannot leave this subject without giving the names of the charter 
members of the club, so far as my memory serves me, who pioneered the farmers' 
organizations in Sonoma county, viz. : H. P. Holmes, G. N. Whitaker, A. W. 
Middleton, R. A. Thompson, John Underbill, Robert Forsyth, A. Hagan, F. J. 
Drennan, G. W. Wilkes, A. J. Mills, John Hendly. Sr„ Dr. J. D. Stockton, 
R. Fulkerson, W. S. M. Wright, J. Harris, J. Hughes, A. Lacque, J. Farmer, 
G. W. Davis, H. Witzer, P. Maddox, R. Maddox, Robert Crane, A. J. Peter- 
son, James Fulton, George Hood, I. De Turk. T. J. Drennan, S. T. Coulter, 
and E. W. Maslin. Judge Ross and others addressed the club and predicted 
good results from the organization. We regret that we did not have 
the names of all those farmers that pioneered the organization in the county. 
The club ceased to do business, apparently for the want of interest, but went 
down with all honors as being the pioneer of all farmers' organizations in Im- 
perial Sonoma. 



226 HISTORY OF Sn.XOMA COUNTY 

Much credit is due them for the notice they brought to the outside world 
of the wonderful climate, the varied products of the county, their advocation 
of the farmers' interests and rights, and for the firm stand they always took for 
the best interests of the county. 

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY OF SONOMA COUNTY. 

On February 20, 1886, the Sonoma County Horticultural and Viticultural 
Association was organized. Those present at die organization of the Horticul- 
tural and Viticultural association of Sonoma county, which was called to order 
by W. C. Pridham, chairman pro-tem, were N. Carr, E. A. Rogers, J. C. F'orbs, 
J. H. Hornbeck, L. H. Chinn, E. G. Light, G. T. Trowbridge, F. D. Munz, N. 
G. Finley, S. M. Martin, A. J. Mills. G. X. Whitaker, I. De Turk. Captain G. 
E. Grosse. Each member was urged to interest himself in the movement to 
enlarge their market, which was too small, and work together as a unit for the 
betterment of all. G. T. Trowbridge was appointed secretary pro-tem ; on mo- 
tion of E. A. Rogers and seconded by G. N. Whitaker the meeting was made a 
permanent organization under the name of Sonoma County Horticultural and 
Viticultural Association with its officers W. C. Pridham, president: John Mark- 
iey, vice president ; G. T. Trowbridge, secretary. A committee of five was ap- 
pointed to draw up by-laws and a constitution. The meeting then adjourned 
until February 29th to meet again at the Grand hotel in Santa Rosa. 

This society continued to hold regular monthly meeings until the earthquake, 
April 18, 1906. Its aim was the betterment of the interests of the fruit growers of 
the county. There were many questions of much interest discussed and it was 
the means of inducing the growing of better fruits, how and when to combat 
the insect pests, to seek better markets and many other matters of interest to 
growers. During the life of this society it maintained an exhibit in the court 
house with much credit to the fruit growers and the county as a fruit-growing 
section of the state. In 1887-88 the society collected an exhibit of the various 
fruits grown in the county and exhibited them in Sacramento during the annual 
meeting of the American Pomological Society of Boston, Mass. This exhibit 
was in charge of Martin Braughler. The Santa Rosa Press Democrat had this 
article: "Another Trophy!" "Sonoma, as usual, gets away with the honors." 
"It will be remembered that the American Pomclogical Society, whose head- 
quarters are in Boston, Mass., visited Santa Rosa two years ago after an annual 
meeting held in Sacramento. At the Sacramento meeting an exhibit was made 
by the Sonoma County Horticultural Society of the products of this county in 
competition with other counties of the state. Nothing was heard of this critical 
test until a few days ago when G. X. Whitaker, who was then president of the 
society, received a registered package without a letter of explanation. The ex- 
president opened the package and, to his surprise, found it was a bronze medal 
of the American Pomological Society, awarded to Sonoma county for the best 
display of nuts, seeds and fruit. It was a surprise to Mr. Whitaker as well 
as a great satisfaction to him and Sonoma now has another decoration to add to 
many other triumphs along similar lines. Xo man has done more to win these 
honors than G. X. Whitaker, the eminent horticulturist, to whom this medal 
was forwarded." 

At the time of the disaster of April 18. 1906, the horticultural society was 
weak and its exhibit was destroved. There never has been another meelinsr 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 227 

that I know of, and the organization has gone the way of the Farmers' Club, 
but the people .of the county owe to this pioneer society a debt of gratitude for 
the work it did. 

In the year 1SS9 another fanners' organization sprung up called the 
Farmers' Alliance, and some twelve lodges were formed with one central lodge, 
but it being somewhat of a political nature, it never added anything to the re- 
sources of the county and after the first general political campaign in the county, 
after its organization, it died from the effects of too much "hot air." Thus it 
will be seen that the farmers have never adopted any co-operative organization 
that has had the staying qualities of the Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry . 

THE ORGANIZATION OF THE FIRST GRANGE. 

May 27, 1873, the first Grange in Sonoma county was organized, by W. H. 
Baxter, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. G. N. Whitaker, who furnished the harvest 
feast in Bennett Valley with twenty-six charter members and with the late N. 
Carr master, G. N. Whitaker overseer, and the late Heber Plank secretary. It 
was christened Bennett Valley Grange No. 16, Patrons of Husbandry. Santa 
Rosa Grange was organized May 28, 1873, with the late G. W. Davis master and 
J. A. O'Brien secretary. Healdsburg Grange was organized May 29, 1873, with 
the late F. H. Merry master, and N. L. Holt secretary. Petaluma Grange or- 
ganized June 14, 1873; L. W. Walker master and G. Heald secretary. Windsor 
Grange organized July 8, 1873, with A. B. Nally master and J. H. McClelland 
secretary. Bodega Grange organized July 9, 1873, John H. Hegler master, W. 
Smith secretary. Sebastopol Grange organized August 15, 1873, with J. M. 
Hudspeth master, Joseph Purrington secretary. Sonoma Grange organized 
August 26, 1873, with Leonard Goss master, Alfred V. Lamont secretary. 
Cloverdale Grange organized September 2, 1873, Charles H. Cooley master, D. 
M. Wambold secretary. Geyserville Grange organized September 11, 1873, C. 
M. Bosworth master, R. R. Leigh secretary. Bloomfield Grange organized 
September 25, 1873, William H. White master, D. Bruner secretary. Two Rock 
Grange organized December 16, 1873, John R. Doss master, John H. Freeman 
secretary. The Grange being strictly a farmers' organization non-partisan, non- 
sectarian and having state and national calling, also all the elements in it to com- 
plete a perfect organization, it absorbed all the farmers' societies previously- 
organized in the county. At the time of its organization the other farmers' 
societies were weak and the farmers being anxious to co-operate for mutual pro- 
tection was the reason for such rapid organization of the various Granges. From 
August 10, 1870, to May 25, 1875, there were two hundred and forty-eight sub- 
ordinate Granges and four county councils organized in California. 

Bennett Valley Grange built their hall in the fall of 1873 and it was dedi- 
cated to the use of the Patrons of Husbandry, December 4th. with appropriate 
services by the late Professor E. S. Carr. The hall is built in a beautiful grove 
of trees and has become one of the fixed places for the people of the valley to 
meet for business and social enjoyment. Not only this Grange, but all the 
Granges of the county have contributed their share along these lines. 

Sonoma county had twelve subordinate Granges. At that time there was 
need of a central organization in the county but the State Grange had not pro- 
vided, in their organic laws, for a central body, hence the subordinate Granges 
of Sonoma county sousrht to organize a County Council. There was a call is- 



228 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

sued by the several Granges, and I regret that I have been unable to get an ac- 
count of that meeting. It was convened at Santa Rosa. J. N. Bailhache was 
elected chairman and S. T. Coulter secretary. When the convention adjourned 
it was to meet on the Monday or Tuesday after the close of the State Grange, 
or at the call of the chairman. This call was never issued. On May 14. 1874, 
the Granges of the county issued a call for a convention to form a County Council 
of the Patrons of Husbandry. At that convention a constitution was submitted 
to the several Granges for ratification and August 3, 1874, delegates from the 
subordinate Granges of the county met in Santa Rosa and organized a County 
Council, it being found that two thirds of the Granges had ratified the constitu- 
tion submitted May 14, 1874. .These resolutions were passed at that convention 
by the subordinate Granges of the county : 

"Resolved that the action of the meeting heretofore held for the purpose 
of organizing a Sonoma County Council be annulled, and that we now proceed 
to organize a County Council under the constitution that has been ratified by 
the subordinate Granges in this county." 

After much discussion the resolution was returned to a selected committee 
and a recess declared for thirty minutes, during which time a lunch was served 
by the ladies in attendance. After the recess the committee presented their report, 
viz. : "Whereas, in times past a convention was held to form a County Council 
in Sonoma county and a resolution was adopted organizing a County Council, 
Brother J. N. Bailhache was elected president, and Brother S. T. Coulter secre- 
tarv of said Council. Said convention, or Council, was adjourned to meet in 
Santa Rosa on the Monday or Tuesday after the close of the State Grange, or 
at the call of its president ; and whereas, said convention, or Council, has not 
met since its first adjournment; and whereas, a meeting was held in Santa Rosa 
on May 14th, last, pursuant to a call issued by members of the several Granges 
in Sonoma county, at which a constitution was submitted for their ratification 
and whereas, said constitution has been ratified by three fourths of the subor- 
dinate Granges in Sonoma county. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the 
action of the first named convention be. and the same is hereby, annulled." 

S. T. Coulter, 
W. W. Chapman, 
A. B. Nally. 

Committee." 

On motion, the report of the committee was adopted. The minutes of the 
meeting of May 14th were then read, after which S. T. Coulter offered the fol- 
lowing resolution and moved its adoption, 

FEAST OF POMONA. 

"Whereas, the election of officers by the convention of May 14th was pre- 
mature, unauthorized and void. Now, therefore, resolved that we proceed to 
the election of officers for this Council, under the constitution which has been 
adopted." Motion carried. The chair appointed A. B. Nally and G. N. Whit- 
aker tellers. A vote being taken, the following were elected : William M. P. 
Hill, of Sonoma Grange, master ; G. W. Davis, of Santa Rosa Grange, overseer : 
W. W. Chapman, of Petaluma Grange, lecturer; A. S. Edwards, of Sonoma 
Grange, steward ; C. H. Cooley, of Cloverdale Grange, assistant steward ; N. 
Carr, of Bennett Valley Grange, chaplain ; S. T. Coulter, of Santa Rosa Grange. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 229 

secretary; B. B. Berry, of Sebastopol Grange, treasurer; VV. W. White of Bloom- 
field Grange, gate keeper ; Mrs. E. R. Davis, of Santa Rosa Grange, Ceres ; Mrs. 
H. S. Carr, of Bennett Valley Grange, Pomona ; Mrs. R. N. Coulter, of Santa 
Rosa Grange, Flora ; Mrs. C. H. Cooley, of Cloverdale Grange, assistant lady 
steward. During the recess the ladies present served an excellent harvest feast. 
This completed the formation of the County Council with the exception of an 
announcement made in reference to some changes in the by-laws and fixing the 
time for holding meetings. There was a rising vote of thanks given the ladies 
for the fine repast served. This was the first Pomona feast held by the County 
Council. 

The offices of the County Council were for the disseminating of informa- 
tion on crops and of statistical matter for the benefit of the members. The 
Council held five meetings from August 3, 1874, to May 9, 1875. In April, 
1875, delegates from the various subordinate Granges in the county attended a 
state convention for the purpose of establishing a grangers' bank. These dele- 
gates were Hill, Goss, Coulter, Whitaker, Carr, and Chapman, Davis. Cooley, 
and others. On their way home by boat, they held an informal meeting in ref- 
erence to disbanding the County Council and forming a county, or district, 
Grange; their object, as stated by Coulter, Whitaker and Cooley, was that the 
County Council had no calling, further than the County Granges. By forming 
a County Grange it would have county, state and national standing. At a meet- 
ing on May 9th, of the County Council at Sonoma, Master W. Mc. P. Hill 
stated that a change in the constitution of the state and national Granges made it 
apparent that the County Council might reorganize into a District Grange. We 
submit the minutes of the meeting for a more detailed account. 

"Sonoma, May 9, 1875. Sonoma County Council met pursuant to adjourn- 
ment and was called to order by the chairman, William Mc. P. Hill. The minutes 
of the previous meeting were read and approved, the roll was called and a 
quorum was present. Worthy Master Hill stated, that by the amendment of 
the constitution and arrangements of the state executive committee, made it appar- 
ent that we might disband and take the necessary steps for the organization of a 
County, or District Grange. A motion to adjourn was offered and after some 
discussion, it was withdrawn by permission and the consideration of the pro- 
posed organization of a County Grange was debated upon at some length. A 
motion was offered by S. T. Coulter and seconded by G. N. Whitaker; moved: 
that it is the sense of this Council that it is in favor of the organization of a 
District Grange, in accordance with the provisions of the state constitution and 
that the five masters present be requested to prepare a petition and present it 
to the several subordinate Granges ; motion carried. It was moved and carried 
that boundaries be confined to Sonoma county for a County Grange. 

"Resolved, that the secretary of this Council be instructed to call the atten- 
tion of the several Granges of the county to the provisions of the amended con- 
stitution of the National Grange, and ask them to pass upon the advisability of 
a County Grange, and present their decision to the district deputy, George W r . 
Davis, with authority to call a meeting for the purpose of instituting such a 
County Grange ; resolution adopted. Members were called upon and spoke on 
the good of the order. It was moved and carried that this County Council now 
disband and turn over all books and papers to the County Grange, when organ- 
15 



230 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

ized. The County Council then closed with singing and toasts for all, espec- 
ially for Sonoma Grange for their general entertainment. Congratulations were 
exchanged on all sides and a happy goodby, and Sonoma County Council ceased 
to do business. S. T. Coulter, secretary." 

This was one of the most enjoyable meetings that the Council ever held and 
many thanks are due the Sonoma Grange for their hospitality on that occasion. 
Such a harvest feast has never been excelled by the subordinate Granges in the 
county. It is well that such a change should take place in the historic town of 
old Sonoma. It was only following the critical times of earlier days. 

William Mc. P. Hill spoke that day and made one of the most masterful 
addresses of his life in advocacy of the Patrons of Husbandry. During his 
address he said, "I would rather be master of the State Grange than to be gov- 
ernor of the state of California." Such was the close of the County Council and 
the initiatory steps to organize the Sonoma County Pomona Grange, and history 
will point to Sonoma as being the place of one more historic event in the county. 
I submit the names of those who pioneered the organization of the County 
Council, viz. : N. Carr, G. N. Whitaker, of Bennett Valley Grange ; P. Warner, 
W. H. Rector, G. W. Davis and S. T. Coulter, of Santa Rosa Grange ; C. H. 
Cooley and D. M. Wambold, of Cloverdale Grange ; James Gregson, B. B. Berry, 
John Gallagher, James Gannon, of Sebastopol Grange; C. H. Cheney and J. 
Wilkinson, of Bodega Grange ; W. H. White, D. M. Parks and W. P. Hall, of 
Bloomfield Grange ; A. Wilsey, John Doss and J. V. Wilson, of Two Rock 
Grange ; L. W. Walker, W. W. Chapman, A. Caldwell, J. L. Mock and George 
D. Green, of Petaluma Grange ; William Mc. P. Hill, L. Goss and A. S. Edwards, 
of Sonoma Grange ; A. B. Nally, E. H. Barnes and J. H. McClelland, of Windsor 
Grange. Healdsburg and Geyserville Granges were not represented. There 
were a number of the ladies present but I do not have the names of any except 
those who were elected to office. I regret not having all of the names of those 
present and who took part in the deliberations of that eventful day. The call 
was issued by the masters of the five Granges, represented as per resolution passed 
and after the district deputy received a reply from the several subordinate Granges 
he issued a call for a meeting of delegates in Santa Rosa September 21, 1875, 
for the purpose of completing the organization of a District, or County Grange. 
The minutes of that meeting are as follows: "Santa Rosa, September 21, 1875." 
"Pursuant to call, a meeting of masters, their wives, and delegates from the sub- 
ordinate Granges of the county met at Grange Hall, Santa Rosa, for the organ- 
izing of a County Pomona Grange. W. H. Baxter, state deputy and secretary 
of the State Grange called the meeting to order, and appointed the following 
committee on credentials : N. Carr, C. H. Cooley. W. W. Chapman. C. H. 
Cooley was requested to act as temporary secretary. The committee reported 
the following entitled to seats : Sonoma Grange, Hill, Goss, Harding, and the 
Mesdames Harding and Goss ; Cloverdale Grange, C. H. Cooley ; Healdsburg 
Grange, B. Capell, and Charles Alexander ; Bennett Valley Grange, Mr. and Mrs. 
N. Carr and G N. Whitaker: Petaluma Grange, W. W. Chapman; Bloomfield 
Grange, La Coste, and W. H. White; Bodega Grange, Mr. and Mrs. Purrine. 
After reading instructions and regulations the convention elected the following 
officers for a Pomona Grange : master, L. Goss, of Sonoma ; overseer, W. H. 
White, of Bloomfield ; lecturer, W. W. Chapman, of Petaluma ; steward, C. H. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 231 

Cooley, of Cloverdale ; assistant steward, B. B. Capell, of Healdsburg; chaplain. 
N. Carr, of Bennett Valley; treasurer, G. N. Whitaker ; secretary, William Mc. 
P. Hill; ceres, Mrs. L. Goss; pomona, Mrs. N. Carr; flora, Mrs. Harding; lady 
assistant steward, Mrs. C. H. Cooley, was elected but not present; gatekeeper, 
Purrine of Bodega Grange. Fifteen paid membership fees amounting to $63. 
By motion the secretary was instructed to draw a warrant on the treasurer for 
$25 in favor of W. FI. Baxter, $10 for expenses as deputy and $15 to procure 
a charter for the Pomona Grange. The lecturer was instructed to submit a code 
of by-laws at the next meeting, also to prepare a circular to the several Granges 
of the county and invite their co-operation. A vote of thanks was given Santa 
Rosa and Bennett Valley Granges for the dinner served. The Grange was 
closed to meet at the call of the master. 

This completed the organization of Ponoma Grange that was begun with 
so much hope for the future prosperity of the Patrons of Husbandry. This 
organization has never missed holding a quarterly meeting except in excep- 
tionally stormy weather or for some other good cause, and has made history for 
all time. William Mc. P. Hill never qualified as secretary ; he had been nom- 
inated and was elected to the joint senatorship of his district and his time was 
occupied making his campaign. The treasurer, G. N. Whitaker, acted as secre- 
tary and treasurer during the year and at the next annual election he was re- 
elected secretary and served in that capacity nine successive years. At the last 
mentioned meeting the masters and their wives were required to pay only $3 
each and the delegates $5 each as a charter fee. At a subsequent meeting the 
law was changed to make the fee $3 for each member. 

Pomona Grange is a fifth degree Grange, with authority to confer that de- 
gree upon its members. Its officers are to look after the educational features 
of the subordinate Granges, and also everything pertaining to the good of the 
order. It is made up of masters of subordinate granges, their wives, and such 
fourth degree members as delegates. Its quarterlv meetings are held in Santa 
Rosa, and it holds special meetings with the subordinate granges when invited 
to do so by them. Many important subjects are brought out for the welfare of 
the farmers of the county. Such subjects are discussed in their sessions and, 
if found advisable, are brought before the public through the newspapers or by 
a committee. The grange committee often come before the board of super- 
visors on subjects of importance and generally with good results. Thus their 
influence results in co-operation which could not be secured in any other way. 
"How long will it take a farmer to become a granger?" This can be answered 
by first identifying himself with one of these organizations, and by so doing 
meeting the co-operation of others and in exchanging ideas reap a mutual bene- 
fit as well as surrounding himself and family with uplifting influences. 

Although the Grange is non-sectarian and non-political, yet the work of the 
ritual and teachings are of the highest moral character, such as cannot be found 
in any other farmers' organization. The wisdom of the members of the subor- 
dinate, Pomona, State and National Granges being combined it will readily be 
seen with what force any measure that is just can be presented to the county, 
state and national congress, wherein one individual or one grange could accom- 
plish but little even in a local manner. 



232 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

SONOMA COUNTY AGRICULTURAL PARK ASSOCIATION. 

In 1878 a number of farmers and stockmen of Sonoma county organized 
an association for the purpose of improving their stock. On December 30th 
of that year the following persons signed articles of incorporation for the So- 
noma County Agricultural Park Association : Dr. W. Finlaw, J. P. Clark, James 
Adams, H. W. Byington, Baker & Ross, Joseph Wright, W. G. Atkinson, Mur- 
phy Bros., E. Latapie, V. Quackenbush, G. W. Savage, John Taylor, Ragdale 
Bros., and E. T. Niles. This association held several successful fairs and stock 
shows. In 1884 it increased its capital stock to $50,000, and changed its name to 
the Sonoma County Stockbreeders Association with its object the breeding of 
draft and driving horses, fine sheep, cattle and hogs. This association paid its 
own expenses without any outside assistance, except in premiums and stock 
entries. The fairs from 1882 to '85, inclusive, were very successful and would 
have done credit to any district fairs of the state. They built a race track in 
Santa Rosa which is still maintained for harness racing and training purposes 
and is said to be one of the finest in northern California. 

On April 18, 1882, Pomona Grange took up the subject of making a col- 
lective county exhibit. It was canvassed by individual members and at the 
quarterly meeting of April 18th, of that year, the subject was discussed at some 
length. G. N. Whitaker offered this resolution, which was seconded by I. De 
Turk, "Resolved: that a committee of three be appointed by the master to 
collect samples of the products of Sonoma county and make a collective exhibit 
and display them at the Sonoma County Fair, Sonoma and Marin District Fair 
and at the State Fair." The resolution carried and a committee composed of 
John Adams, E. A. Rogers and G. N. Whitaker was appointed. This manner 
of exhibiting farm products originated from an account given by I. De Turk 
of a mineral state display he had seen in Denver, Colo. This committee was 
given full power to act and to appoint a sub-committee if necessary. Among 
their aids appointed were : I. De Turk, J. Hockins, W. Church and wife, N. 
Carr and wife, S. T. Coulter and wife, Mrs. G. N. Whitaker, and others. The 
committee at once took up their task and the first difficulty confronting them 
was the lack of means to prepare the samples for exhibition. Many of the 
farmers contributed liberally of their products and the first exhibit was made at 
the Santa Rosa Fair. This being a new method of displaying a county's re- 
sources there were no awards in the premium list and the committee had diffi- 
culty in getting any awards for their first exhibit ; however, one gold medal, 
valued at five dollars, for best general display of farm products, was awarded 
them. At the Petaluma District Fair they received a ten dollar cash premium 
which did not begin to pay expenses, but notwithstanding these discourage- 
ments they kept adding to their display all the grains, grasses and other prod- 
ucts until it had assumed large proportions. In transferring this display to the 
State Fair the railroads and boats carried it free of charge. G. N. Whitaker 
was in charge of the display and for the first few days it was looked upon as 
something curious and a joke. On the afternoon of the second day a reporter 
of the Record Union looked over the exhibit and was asked by Mr. Whitaker 
"if he would give his exhibit a notice in the next issue''? He was told that 
there did not seem to be much to write about, and when it was explained that 
this was a new wav of exhibiting the resources of a countv and that it con- 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 233 

tainecl more than had been displayed heretofore, and was an enterprise well 
worth the notice of the papers, and in a joking way told the reporter he would 
give him a "half dozen big, red apples if he would give his display a notice in 
his next issue." There appeared a short article in reference to the exhibit as 
follows: "In the southeast corner of the east room is a large exhibit of the re- 
sources of Sonoma county, made by Pomona Grange. It embraces a large 
number of all kinds of cereals, grass and grass seeds, hops, wine, wool, and 
dried fruits — the latter both sun and factory dried — a few samples of green 
fruit, also tan bark and charcoal. This is the only display of the kind in the 
building and is very creditable to the county and Grange. It is in charge of 
G. N. Whitaker, secretary of the Grange. This is a class of exhibits that ought 
to appear from every county in the state at each annual fair. We expect that 
the placards Mr. Whitaker had printed, 'Raised in Old Sonoma, Without Irri- 
gation, ' attracts no little comment." 

Early the next day the reporter returned, smiling, and was asked if he had 
come for his apples. He said he wanted to take a more careful look over the 
display. Mr. Whitaker then spent an hour going over the exhibit and explain- 
ing fully its merits and when the reporter left he was offered the apples, but 
refused all but one to show, as he said, to the boys at the printing office. The 
next issue of the Record Union had the following: "A successful exhibit — the 
Pomona Grange exhibit of the resources of Sonoma county — is attracting much 
attention. The display of cereals, vegetables and seeds is made in regular sized 
bottles arranged in terraces, each sample is labeled showing the grower's name, 
the particular part of the county in which it is grown and the number of bushels 
of yield per acre. There are sixty-two samples of No. 1. wheat, twenty-five 
samples of barley, twenty-four of corn in bottles, fifteen in the ear, twenty-six 
samples of oats, eight of wool, nine of grass seeds, four of charcoal, four of 
tanbark, one of English walnuts, one of oranges, one of chestnuts, two of hops, 
nine of grasses, -fourteen of grain in sheaf, two of woolen goods from the Peta- 
luma and Santa Rosa Woolen Mills, twelve samples of wine from Hood's Gey- 
ser Vineyard, twelve of wine from I. De Turk's vineyard of Santa Rosa, twelve 
samples of sun-dried fruits from Sunny Knoll, six varieties of factory dried 
fruit from G. N. Whitaker. The latter is in charge of this exhibit and is verv 
attentive to visitors and apparently takes much pride in showing the resources 
of his county." 

Pomona Grange is indebted to Messrs. John Markely, E. W. Maslin and 
the late T. L. Thompson for favors shown Mr. Whitaker during this critical 
trial of the display of the agricultural resources of the county. It was through 
their influence, to a great extent, that the Grange was awarded the gold medal, 
valued at $100, and it was also through the notice that the Record Union gave 
the display that brought Sonoma's exhibit so prominently before the public. 
The Breeder and Sportsman had this mention of the exhibit while it was on dis- 
play at Santa Rosa, in 1883 : "While at Santa Rosa we noticed and commented 
on the splendid collection of cereal samples of Sonoma county, gathered to- 
gether by Pomona Grange. The local press took a pardonable pride in the 
display and suggested that it be moved bodily to Petaluma and from there to the 
State Fair. This was done and at Sacramento Pomona Grange was voted a spe- 
cial gold medal worth $100 for the collection. We thought from the first that 
this displav was destined to be a missionarv messenger sent to tell the 



234 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

world ihe glorious advantages of Old Sonoma"s soil and climate and so it 
proves, for like John Brown's soul, the show has gone marching on and today 
is in Chicago on exhibition." 

SONOMA EXHIBIT SENT TO EUROPE. 

John Markely at that time was a member of the State Board of Equaliza- 
tion and E. W. Maslin was secretary, and the late T. L. Thompson was secre- 
tary of state under Governor Stoneman. These three gentlemen were former 
residents of Sonoma county. Mr. Whitaker stopped at the same hotel with 
them and had a good opportunity to solicit their favor, as well as the governor's. 
The committee were determined that their enterprise should receive the favor 
from the State Agricultural Society that they thought it deserved. There was 
no premium for a collective exhibit from counties, hence the directors were at 
a loss to know what kind of a premium to award. At the close of the fair the 
display was given to the Central Pacific Railway, to be exhibited at the Illinois 
State Fair and to be placed in Chicago. The railway gave Mr. Whitaker a 
guarantee that they would exhibit it in the name of "The Resources of Sonoma 
County, California." and they carried out their agreement to the letter. Part 
of the exhibit was eventually sent to London, England, and was displayed there 
in the company's office. The commissioner of the Illinois State Fair in his re- 
port, which was published in the Chicago Inter-Ocean, October i, 1883, said. 
"The Golden State exhibit at the Illinois State Fair, closing on September 29, 
1883." "California with her products has almost created a stampede for the 
southern end of the huge building. California made an exhibition of some of 
her various and magnificent productions, including grapes, apples, pears, 
peaches, canned and preserved fruits, big squashes, potatoes and vegetables 
generally ; of this exhibit the superintendent of fruits and general farm prod- 
ucts department made a most flattering report, which was published in full in 
the daily Inter-Ocean on October 1st. Among other things the committee said 
one of the greatest attractions of the present fair is the exhibition of California 
products in the fruit and vegetable hall. The tables on which this exhibition 
was made have been thronged early and late every day from the beginning of 
the fair and all who have had the good luck to see the exhibition have been struck 
with wonder and astonishment at the extraordinary size of the vegetables and 
fruits and wonderful profusion of the grains. The exhibition was removed 
from the State Fair to the Inter-State Exhibition in the exposition building of 
Chicago on the Tuesday following the closing of the fair and from that day to 
this has been one of the most attractive exhibitions in the building. On Satur- 
day afternoon a very large addition of wheat, barley and oats from Sonoma 
county and from Butte county, California, was made to the said exhibition. 
The Sonoma exhibit was contributed by Pomona Grange in Sonoma county and 
the exhibition from Butte county came from the magnificent farm of General 
John Bidwell, generally known in California as "Rancho Chico." In the display 
of cereals among the curious and exceedingly attractive features of the cereal 
addition are noticed some very fine samples of macaroni wheat from Rutte 
county by General Bidwell, also some beautiful specimens of native grasses, 
among the various kinds are some specimens of the true California wild oats 
that are said to grow so high in the valleys and hills of Sonoma county that a 
man on horseback can tie the standing grain in knots in front of his saddle." 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 235 

General Bidwell's exhibit, spoken of above, was one of the most complete 
displays from one ranch that was ever made in any state in the Union. It was 
on exhibition at the California State Fair in 1883-84. There was one sheaf of 
Scheivelere barley in Sonoma's display by Mr. C. S. Gibson, of Petaluma, that 
showed a wonderful growth of five feet, with heads of six and seven inches. 
It grew south of Petaluma on sediment land. This sheaf was sent to London. 

From the showing that Pomona Grange, and the notice that was given of 
the exhibit throughout the state and in the east by the papers, the directors of 
the state fair became at once interested in county exhibits and offered special 
premiums to encourage them. The notice of this and other exhibits Pomona 
Grange made for five years proves the wisdom of Mr. Whitaker in securing the 
first two notices he solicited in the Sacramento Record Union. He was de- 
termined his display should not be ridiculed, as was being done the first two 
days of the State Fair, even if he had to pay for some write-up in the papers. 
He wrote the other two members of the committee how the display was being 
received and his determination to bring it to the front, and they heartily agreed 
with him and told him to go ahead, as he and the exhibit would come out 
winners. 

SONOMA LEADS AS USUAL. 

At the State Fair, in 1883, but for the exhibit of General Bidwell and 
Pomona Grange the agricultural display of farm products would have had the 
smallest showing it had had for years. The committee in charge of Sonoma's 
exhibit declared that, leaving out his and General Bidwell's display, he could 
have wheeled all other grain exhibits all over his county in a wheelbarrow, but 
the display of Pomona Grange awakened an interest in other counties and from 
that time for four years, the entire north wing of the immense pavilion was 
filled to overflowing with agricultural and horticultural products of the state. 
Pomona Grange never received the credit from the directors of the State Fair 
that it should have been accorded, outside of the premiums they received. The 
only recognition was from the secretary when he forwarded the gold medal 
won in 1883, which was as follows: 

Sacramento, Cal. , Nov. 7, 1883. 
Mr. G. N. Whitaker. Secretary Pomona Grange, of Sonoma County. 

Sir : On November 2nd I had the pleasure of forwarding to your address 
the gold medal especially awarded your enterprising county for the unequalled 
display of cereals and other products of your prosperous county. The notice 
"Old Sonoma" received from this display in the east is worth more to Califor- 
nia than the labor of many able writers upon the subject of agriculture. Prac- 
tical exemplification is what the people want, seeing is believing, and I am 
pleased that Sonoma Pomona Grange was the first to recognize this long-felt 
want. The proper way to show your productions is to produce them for inspec- 
tion, people then can be their own judges. It is our desire next year to have a 
representation from each county. Wishing the medal comes safe to hand and 
hoping to see you in the lead next year, I remain Very truly, 

Edwin F. Smith, Sec. of the State Agricultural Society. 

In 1884 Pomona Grange had the most complete display they ever had. and 
after exhibiting at Santa Rosa, Petaluma and Sacramento, where they took the 
first prize at each fair, as well as numerous other premiums. At the close of 



236 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

the State Fair the exhibit was given over to the Southern Pacific Railway to be 
displayed at the New Orleans exposition. On the second day of the fair, in 
1884, the Record Union reporter stated he wanted to give the exhibit credit for 
all there was in it, viz. : "There is no exhibit in the pavilion at the present State 
Fair more striking and suggestive than made by Pomona Grange in behalf of 
Sonoma county. In a large space there is shown by samples all the products 
of that fertile and prosperous county, from corn to millet, from wool to wheat, 
from fruits to woods, from roots to raisins, from nuts to oranges. Each sample 
is labeled with the product, yield per acre, name of locality in which it is 
grown, name of the producer, etc. Let us suppose that the other fifty-one 
counties of the state had made each an exhibit by samples of their products, 
what a splendid exposition of the resources of California the State Fair would 
be. The example of Sonoma county should be followed next year by all the 
counties and it may be easily done. The matter is one full of suggestion and 
profit. Pomona Grange of Sonoma county is one of the few live Granges in 
this state, we have watched its progress since its organization with a good deal 
o-f interest and it has always been practical and wide awake to the interests of 
the farmers and fruit growers of the county. It is well managed by level-headed 
farmers and, I believe, today exercises more and better influences than any 
other organization of the kind in the state. Its exhibition at Santa Rosa, Peta- 
luma and Sacramento was a credit to it, the county and the state and the mana- 
gers deserve the thanks of the entire county for their splendid exhibit. Every 
resident of "Old Sonoma" is proud of her and well they may be. In the recent 
exhibition of the resources of the various counties at the State Fair she brought 
away the palm. Notwithstanding such rich and productive counties as Ala- 
meda, Santa Clara, San Joaquin and Sacramento competed with her and the 
diversified resources of Butte representing the grain fields and orchards of Gen- 
eral Bidwell and the splendid semi-tropical resources of the foot hills stretch- 
ing away from Oroville northwest, were endeavoring to gain the prize. It is 
a marked and honorable acknowledgment to that glorious empire." Thousands 
who thronged the new exposition building saw what "Imperial Sonoma" could 
produce without irrigation. This exhibit was given to the Southern Pacific 
Railway to be taken to New Orleans with the agreement that they were to 
exhibit it as Sonoma county's products by Pomona Grange. The display was 
placed in the possession of Charles B. Terrill, the railroad's agent, who signed 
the agreement and Sonoma county received several premiums and diplomas. 
Mr. Terrill carried out the agreement in full and at the close of the New Or- 
leans exposition it was taken to the Louisville, Kentucky, exposition, where it 
was awarded a diploma, which follows : 
Pomona Grange of Sonoma County, Santa Rosa, California. 

Gentlemen: The Southern Exposition, by resolution of its Board of Di- 
rectors, hereby conveys to you its thanks for your interesting exhibit made under 
the auspices of the Southern Pacific Company. 

The exhibition was a valuable addition to the attractiveness of the exposi- 
tion of 1885, and the board has ordered that this testimonial be made of your 
display of productions of Sonoma county. 

By order of the Board of Directors. 

J. M. Wright, President. M. C. Tompkins, Secretary. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 237 

Mr. Whitaker was awarded a diploma for the best display of farm prod- 
ucts from Bennett Valley, in acknowledgment of meritorious display of produc- 
tions of Bennett Valley, in a collective exhibit. 

Pomona's exhibit at New Orleans exposition was the center of attraction 
of all California's agricultural displays and' the exhibit did more to advertise the 
resources of this county than any other method that had been used. In 1885 
the Grange made an exhibit at the State Fair, also at the Mechanic's Fair in 
San Francisco, and at the close of those fairs the exhibits were brought to 
Santa Rosa and a display made in a theatre building and maintained by the 
Grange. In 1886 it was arranged to display at the Santa Rosa, Petaluma, 
State and Mechanics' Fairs. In 1887-8 it was only displayed at the Santa Rosa, 
Petaluma and Mechanics' Fairs. At that time the Grange offered to set the 
exhibit up in Santa Rosa for a permanent display and keep it renewed if the 
city would furnish a suitable room, but the city was indifferent and the state 
board of trade offered to take the exhibit and place it in San Francisco with 
other county exhibits. Pomona Grange kept it renewed until it was destroved 
by fire when the Grange and the county lost a most valuable display, which 
could not be replaced for less than $2,000. The report of the committee on 
exhibits, of their work , in 1884, follows: "To the officers and members of So- 
noma County Pomona Grange : Your committee appointed at the January meet- 
ing report that we collected the various products of the county, prepared and 
labeled them in as neat and attractive manner as means would permit and ex- 
hibited them at the various fairs, for which we received the following pre- 
miums : At Sonoma County Fair, first premium on best general display of 
farm products ; at Sonoma and Marin District Fair, the first premium on best 
general display of grains and farm products, first premium on best and largest 
varietv of wine grapes (from Cloverdale) ; and four other premiums on minor 
products and at the State Fair, first premium on most varied and complete ex- 
hibit of farm products ; first premium on largest and best display of apples and 
a premium for the best and most extensive display of grapes and woods and on 
crochet work made by Georgia E. Darwin, a six year old girl. The committee 
takes this opportunity to return thanks to the members of the Grange and to 
fruit-growers, farmers and different wine makers and to all others who were 
liberal in contributing articles and products for this enterprise. We found it 
impossible to collect samples of the entire products of the county for lack of 
sufficient means and time to reach the remote sections of the county, it being 
impossible to get the aid of anyone by letter to take an active interest in collect- 
ing samples of the different products of their sections that can only be collected 
in their proper season." 

"Respectfully submitted, 

"G. N. Whitaker, 
"John Adams, 
"E. A. Rogers, 

"Committee." 

In 1885 the exhibit won numerous premiums. During these years Pomona 
Grange was awarded three gold medals, fourteen silver medals, besides a num- 
ber of diplomas and certificates, five of the latter were won in 1885. What the 
Grange has done for the farming interests of Sonoma county cannot be com- 



23S HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

puted in dollars and cents. During the five years that Pomona Grange was 
exhibiting at the various fairs the committee worked without pay. they man- 
aged to get enough out of the premiums to pay expenses. What they got from 
the board of supervisors, $100, and $15 from each subordinate Grange, they 
paid back at the close of the fair of 1884. T. L. Thompson contributed $5 for 
the first exhibit of 1883 and some smaller amounts came from others. Messrs. 
Rogers and Whitaker borrowed $100 of the Santa Rosa Savings Bank, giving 
their joint note, and with this amount often purchased deserving articles they 
could not get otherwise. 

A POWER AMONG THE FARMERS. 

The Grange has become an acknowledged power in the land and that it 
will be for good, past results are a sufficient answer. The results of exhibits 
along the line of co-operation ought to prove to the farmers of the county what 
good results can be obtained along other lines if put to a practical test. The 
Grange is the only secret order that gives women equal standing with the 
men ; they are eligible to any of the offices and it has been proven that they do 
more to keep up the order than any other agency, for where the women do not 
lake an active interest you find the Grange lagging. 

The women of the count} owe Carrie Hall a debt of gratitude, for it was 
through her influence with her uncle, O. H. Kelly, one of the founders of the 
order, that women were allowed full membership. While he was traveling in 
the south in the interests of the agricultural department, he was in correspon- 
dence with her about his plans of the order and when he returned to Washing- 
ton and made his report to the department he visited her in Boston and ex- 
plained his plans for the organization to her. She told him that unless he gave 
women full membership powers his order would never succeed and from that time 
there was never any other thought than to accord them equal standing with 
the men. In many of her letters to her uncle suggestions were made that were 
of value, one in particular when he wrote her about fixing the membership fee 
at ten dollars for men and five dollars for women. She answered him not to 
get the fee too high, as dollars were not over plenty among farmers and ten 
dollars was not found on every bush ; she also said that five dollars was enough 
for men and half that for women, as they could get but half the wages paid 
men. From her suggestions the fees were placed at five dollars for men and 
three dollars for women. Miss Hall wrote out the degree of "Maid," sub- 
mitted it and it was adopted and at this time is in full force in every subor- 
dinate Grange in the United States and Canada. She was the first lady assistant 
steward elected to that office in the National Grange. 

Had it not been for the subordinate granges co-operating with the Pomona 
Grange and its members, Pomona never could have achieved the results, and 
the manner of exhibiting by the county in a collective exhibit proves what can 
be accomplished by co-operation. Had it not been that Mr. Whitaker grouped 
the farm products from Bennett Valley together in a co-operative way, he 
could not have secured the diploma from the New Orleans Exposition in favor 
of Bennett Valley. There were many other worthy articles from California, 
but this valley's exhibit was a collective display of many exhibits grouped as 
one, hence it won the prize. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 239 

In writing this brief resume of Sonoma county 1 do not claim it to be free 
from errors, as a record of the very early incidents in the history of the county 
was never kept or has been lost. The early settlers kept but few records, they 
little thought how they were laying the foundation of Imperial Sonoma, as it has 
grown to be in the past sixty-four years. They lived, surrounded by the most 
bountiful resources of any county on the Pacific coast, in peace and plenty. 

Sonoma county once comprised all the territory west of the Sacramento river 
and north of San Francisco bay to the Oregon line, hence the early name of 
"Northwest California" (how true it was we will not vouch for). At one time 
General Vallejo applied to the Mexican government for a grant covering that 
vast area, but he and Governor Alvarado were not on good terms or he might 
have been successful in having his grant allowed. There is no doubt but that 
Vallejo would have made a better Governor than Micheltorena or Alvarado, as 
he was much more liberal in his views of what was best for his country. He was 
progressive, quick to see danger or good, and often warned his government of 
the danger of losing California and the defenseless condition his settlement was 
in, and predicted what did happen June 14, 1846, when Sonoma town was in- 
vaded and no doubt if he had been in a position to have spoken his sentiments, 
would have welcomed the "Bear Flag Men." 

Vallejo once had a meeting with several thousand of the Indians, but for 
what purpose that council was held has never been accounted for with the ex- 
ception of some remarks he himself made, at the laying of the corner stone of the 

Sonoma county courthouse May 7, 1884, viz: " but this is the first county 

to come to this laying of corner stones in California and I am glad to hear it, 
because this very month, fifty years ago, in 1835, I was not on this spot but in 
the neighborhood here with General Figueroa, governor of the state. Then 
we had six hundred troops, we met here the tribes of Cainemeros, Guilicos, 
Sotomelos, and all the tribes were collected here to meet the great general. Very 
well, and what did we meet ? About 20,000 people, all naked, no hats, no shirts, 
no pants, no anything, well dressed, but all naked." The general spoke of the 
Bear Flag party as his friends that came to this county and in his own Sonoma 
home raised the Bear Flag. 

At the time of the raising of the Bear Flag those pioneers took their lives 
in their own hands. They were a band of Americans that knew no fear, but 
this the Mexican governor did not know when he ordered them out of the coun- 
try after having promised them homes and titles to land. The\ r had been a 
peaceable people, had recognized the government, what little there was of it, 
but when ordered out of California without cause was not the way that a pioneer 
went. "Father" James Gregson was once asked if they did not feel a little 
shakey when this order was made; "No." he said, "but we looked well to our 
guns and ammunition." Such expressions tell more of the character of those 
Bear Flag men than can be written in many pages of history. 

ALWAYS WITHOUT IRRIGATION. 

The land produced heavy crops of any product planted ; potato raising, 
which was confined mostly to the coast range valleys and hills became profitable, 
and there was always a ready market in supplying the mines. Grain was in de- 
mand and as soon as there was an opportunity to export, then it became an in- 
dustrv followed extensivelv throughout the county and wheat, oats and barley 



240 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

were the staple exports. Vegetables of all kinds brought top-notch prices ; beef 
steers sold at from $80 to $100 a head, cows $75 for dairy purposes ; hens, when 
sold at all, brought from $15 to $25 per dozen, and eggs from $1 to $1.50 per 
dozen. The soil produced wonderful crops, wheat often running as high as 
fifty to seventy-five bushels to the acre, barley and oats from fifty to eighty 
bushels. We knew of one eighty-acre field of oats that yielded 121 bushels to the 
acre and we could have picked out several acres of that same field that would have 
threshed 150 bushels. Grain farming was followed extensively until 1885, since 
then fruit raising, dairying and poultry-raising have been the leading industries. 

From 1865 to 1885 Sonoma county produced — wheat, 33,746,850 bushels; 
oats, 27,217,125 bushels; barley, 37,650,017 bushels; corn, 1,985,350 bushels; 
r)e, 138,225 bushels; buckwheat, 4,800 bushels. The latter is not grown as a 
commercial crop. Corn is grown principally on Russian river, Dry creek and 
Mark West creek. In an early day there was not much market for his crop 
and the Russian river farmers fed it to their hogs, then they had a hard time to 
create a market for their bacon, on account of there being so much eastern bacon 
shipped from the east to the mines, but by the time it arrived in the mining camps 
it was almost unfit for use and large quantities of California bacon was sold 
as the eastern product and was delivered fresh and sweet. The ranchers then 
devised a plan to dispose of their stock on hand, several were selected to visit 
the different markets and call for Russian river bacon. Santa Rosa, Petaluma 
and San Francisco were visited in turn and a call at all the stores was made for 
the article, but none could be found and they would say they "wanted that or 
none." They finally found one market in San Francisco where their query was 
met with a demand to know "where that bacon could be secured, if there was 
much of it, and where it was made ;" the merchant was given the names of the 
very men who were his visitors but was not told that they were some of those 
that had the bacon for sale. It was not long after that until the product of 
the enterprising Russian river farmers could be purchased at almost every store 
in these cities. The wine makers of the county found much the same trouble 
in establishing a market as had the Russian river farmers with their bacon. After 
they had visited the various cities with the demand for Sonoma county wine, 
that or none, it was not long until the product of the Sonoma county vineyards 
could be found in nearly every wholesale and retail liquor establishment in all 
the cities visited. 

Dairying and stock raising has been carried on at a profit. The methods 
of the dairymen are much different now than they were in the early days. Then 
each dairyman made his own butter, but now they have their dairy equipped 
with a separator, the cream being extracted and taken to a creamery and the 
milk retained and fed to hogs. The results are much more profitable. Dairying, 
fruit raising and the poultry business are followed so extensively that the county 
does not produce its own food supply except hay. Instead of being an exporter 
of grain it imports large quantities of cereals and ground feed. 

While fruits are grown all over the county, likewise every other product, 
even to semi-tropical fruits, yet there are some sections where they will grow 
to perfection. The time will come when each section of the county will be 
devoted to growing the fruits best adapted to the local conditions as has been 
shown by the oranges about Cloverdale and the Gravenstein apple of the Analy 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 241 

district. Apple growing has been followed for many years, for home use and 
market. The Russians planted on orchard at Ft. Ross in 181 1, and apples were 
planted by General Vallejo very early at Old Sonoma. In the '60s one good 
apple tree was worth more than any acre of good grain land. Olives are grown 
but not to any commercial extent ; peaches, prunes and apples are now becoming 
some of the staple products of the county and the prune, like the apple, will 
thrive over a wider range than most fruits. 

RAIN AND TEMPERATURE. 

The following tables are taken from the Sonoma Democrat; comparative 
temperatures. "We have frequently referred to the fact that there is a warm 
belt on the slopes of the hills which surround the valleys of Sonoma county. 
Within this belt frost seldom falls, and when the soil is suitable, the most sen- 
sitive tropical plants can be successfully cultivated. During the winter months 
the range of the thermometer at sunrise is at least ten degrees higher in the warm 
belt than it is in the valleys, while during the heat of the day it is several degrees 
lower. We give herewith a table of the range of the thermometer within this 
belt and at Santa Rosa, for every day during November and December, 1878. 
The observations were taken three times a day, in the hills, by G. N. Whitaker, 
whose fruit farm is situated on top of the divide separating Santa Rosa from 
Bennett valley, between six and seven hundred feet above the sea level ; in Santa 
Rosa the observations were taken by the late R. A. Thompson. The thermome- 
ters were of the same make and were previously compared. It will be observed 
from the table that the average mean temperature for the month of November at 
sunrise, is ten degrees higher in the warm belt than at Santa Rosa, while the mean 
temperature is higher by several degrees at noon in the valley than at Whitaker's. 
At sunset the mean temperature of both places is nearly equal. On the mornings 
of the 28th and 29th of November, when it registered as low as 29 degrees and 
there was a heavy black frost, it marked but 39 and 40 degrees at Whitaker's and 
there was just the color of frost in very low, moist places on the farm. These 
figures are worthy of the careful attention of those engaged in or those who pro- 
pose to engage in agricultural pursuits in any of its branches in this locality.'' 

Day of 



Santa Rosa- 


-November. 






Sunrise. 


Noon. 


Sunset. 


Remarks. 


44 


59 


63 


fog 


4S 


60 


50 




54 


59 


57 




40 


60 


54 


rain 


36 


66 


61 


N.W. 


47 


VI 


60 


clear 



242 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

The observations for December are of peculiar interest and value for it was 
a phenomenon in the climatic history of the state as far as my experience runs. 
Old residents claim that it was as cold in the winter of '50-'5i, but no one re- 
members and the records do not show any night when the mercury went below 
the mark set in 1878, of 18 degrees above zero in Santa Rosa. By a comparison 
of the tables it will be seen that on the 29th. it was 13 degrees higher at Whit- 
aker's at sunrise than in Santa Rosa. During the warm nights the difference is 
not as great as during the coldest. It will be seen that the thermometer did 
not fall below the freezing point but twice during the month of December at 
Whitaker's. The table shows a remarkable difference and demonstrates to a 
mathematical certainty the existence of a warm belt on the hills. It is believed 
that the soil on the hills is as rich in many places and often richer than that of 
the plain, which gives an additional interest to this development of a warm belt 
of the hill lands because sensitive plants which will not stand the frosts of the 
valley would be certain of growth on the hills. 

Santa Rosa — December, 187S. Whitaker's. 

Day of 

month. Sunrise. Noon. Sunset. Remarks. Sunrise. Noon. Sunset. Remarks. 

Dec. 1 38 62 52 clear 41 60 53 clear 



Mean 32% 55% 50 52 52 49 

From the memorandum kept by Mr. Whitaker it shows that the temper- 
ature was taken three times a day from October i, 1878, to October 1. 1879. 
During that year there were forty-one rainy days, March taking the lead with 
thirteen and October the least. There were seventy foggy clays : October, 2 ; No- 
vember, 5; December, 3; February, 2: March, 1 ; July, 16, August 16; September, 
25. As a general thing the fogs did not last but a few hours, coming in early in the 
evening or during the night and spreading over the land causing all vegetation 
to put on bright colors. It disappeared by ten o'clock with the exception of 
five days when it remained all day. Many days during the winter the valleys 
are enveloped in fog. while the sun is shining brightly upon the mountain homes. 
On the night of December 22, 1879, the wind blew almost a gale and at sunrise 
the thermometer registered 23 degrees, the lowest it was ever known to be in 
the hill section. The warmest day in '79 was August 1st, when the mercury stood 
at T02 at noon; August 2nd it was 101 : and on the third it was 99 degrees. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 243 

The heaviest rainfall for a period of thirty-six years was in 1890, when it 
registered 65.75 inches, and the lightest was in '63-'64, when only 12.06 inches 
fell, also in '67- '68 there was only 13.15 inches. The rainfall from 1889 to 1901 
was: 1889, 25.99; 1890, 65.75; 1891, 21.55; 1892, 28.83; 1893, 33-45; 1894. 
27.16; 1895, 45.81; 1896, 31.48; 1897, 31.41; 1898, 18.74; 1899, 23.04; 1900, 
28.83; T 9° I ! 28.71. In Petaluma the record for ten years was as follows — 1876-7, 
13.15: 1877-8, 39.24; 1878-9, 20.83; 1879-80, 26.83; 1880-1, 24.55; 1 881-2, 
17.04: 1882-3, 19.15; 1883-4, 24.55; I 884-5, 14.96; 1885-6, 28.89. In tne ten 
years the average rainfall for the southern part of the county was 23.14 inches. 
From the observations taken by Robert Hall in the Sonoma valley for three years, 
1886, 34.74; 1887, 20.75; 1888, 20. From these observations a good idea can 
be obtained of the average rainfall in the county. 1863-4 were dry years in the 
state and the stock throughout the southern part died from starvation ; in Sonoma 
county there were enormous crops. There is only one other record known of 
a dry year in the state and that was in 1828, at which time the Spaniards lost 
all their stock except some young animals that were driven to Tulare lake and 
there lived on the tides. 

SONOMA ASSESSED VALUATION. 

The following tables will give the comparison of the assessed valuations of 
real and personal property as taken from the assessor's books in 1873 and 1910. 

Total assessments for 1910, $33,829,645, a gain over 1909 of $636,355, and 
gain of $17,653,085 over 1873. Incorporated cities: Santa Rosa, $4,942,730; 
Petaluma, $3,111,640; Healdsburg, $948,650; Sebastopol, $624,735; Sonoma, 
$463,615; Cloverdale, $361,485. Road Districts: Glen Ellen, $468,616; Agua 
Caliente, $656,570; San Luis, $1,099,185; Penn Grove, $1,348,805; Lakeville, 
$1,066,800; Magnolia, $1,548,140; Marin, $859,815; Bloomfield, $980,195; Gold 
Ridge, $1,384,460; Forestville, $867,930; Russian River, $1,205,250; Fulton, 
$2,136,510; Bellevue, $2,136,510; Geyser, $865,565; Washington, $872,585; 
Knights Valley, $484,820; Mendocino, $2,098,250; Bodega, $1,216,665; Ocean, 
$685,765; Redwood, $1,216,665; Salt Point, $815,050. Number of acres sown 
to grains in 1910, wheat, 2,200. acres; oats, 4,060; barley, 1,200; corn, 780; hay, 
57,760; potatoes, 1. 120; alfalfa, 340. The list from the assessor's books for 1873 
was as follows : Money on hand or deposit, $146,466 ; goods, wares and mer- 
chandise, $502,093; ships, vessels and other water craft, $2,706; wagons, imple- 
ments, harness, machinery, robes, $415,303; live stock, all kinds, $1,394,824; 
household goods, fixtures, etc., $243,960; libraries, jewelry, musical instruments, 
firearms, $104,694; toll road, $5,000; telegraph lines, $2,000; wood, lumber, 
$58,408; bees, poultry, wool, butter, $34,250; hay, $1,598; wines, brandies, 
$130,688, making a total of $2,939,578. The total cash value of real estate in 
the four grades No. 1 — 185,129 acres, $368,618; No. 2 — 90,819, $664,033; No. 
3 — 168,869, $21388,894; No. 4 — 601,862, $4,796,096; total recapitulation, real 
estate and improvements, $12,551,317. Personal property, $2,939,578; railroad 
tracks and rolling stock, $685,665, making a grand total of all property assessed, 
$16,176,560. for 1873. 

A GREAT ORCHARD. 

Statistics of the fruit producing sections secured from the books of the 
assessor for 1910: 



244 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Grapes — Table 495 acres bearing — 12 acres non-bearing. 

Wine 16,440 " " — 460 " " " 

Apple trees 229,120 bearing — 85,860 trees " " 

Apricots 22,540 " — 19.350 " " " 

Cherrv 45,720 " — 10,810 " " " 

Fig 4,510 " — 550 

Nectarines 740 " — 72 " " " 

Olives 67,080 " —25,410 ' 

Peaches 81,270 " —59,750 " " " 

Pears 82,270 " —13,810 

Plums 6,740 " — 510 

Prunes — French 540.820 " —64,170 " " " 

Others 47,220 " —27,760 

Hops 2,760 " 

Quince 1,310 " — 100 " " " 

Lemon 792 " — 65 

Oranges 9,760 " — 810 " " " 

Almonds 7,085 " — 1,680 " " " 

Walnuts 4,890 " — 570 

This is a very creditable increase over former years, yet fruit culture may 
be said to be only in its infancy. 

In 1905-6 I take from my inspector's book the following stock imported into 
the county for propagation : 266,000 trees consisting of apples, cherries, plums, 
pears, and in addition 139,000 budded and grafted trees; apples, pears, peaches, 
plums, lemons, oranges, nectarines, prunes, apricots, nut bearing trees besides 
a vast number of ornamental trees, plants and shrubs. This does not include the 
stock raised by the nurserymen. 

In 1884 the county assessor classified the lands of the country into four 
grades, first and least valuable was the mountain land amounting to 300,000 
acres : second, timber and hillside pasture land, 200,000 acres ; third, rolling 
lands denuded of timber lying along or near the sea coast and used for dairy 
purposes estimated at 200,000 acres ; and fourth, the rich bottom lands of about 
150,000 acres. This estimate was given twenty-seven years ago, and I will not 
vouch for its accuracy at this time. It was the best classification that could be 
made at that date. No mention was made of the tule and overflowed lands of 
which there must be about 100,000 acres. 

Sonoma mountains occupy the central portion of the county and in them 
the old Indian chieftain left a record of his name that will never die, as Sonoma 
valley and mountain were named after him. The highest peak is Sonoma of 
about 2,306 feet elevation. The chain is about thirty miles long and eight to 
ten miles wide and ninety per cent of the land is tillable even though of a vol- 
canic formation. There is hardly a forty acre tract of land scattered through- 
out these mountains that is not supplied with a spring of fine water or upon 
which water cannot be developed from shallow wells. Soil thrown out of wells 
from a depth of 10 to 20 feet along this range, produces better than the surface 
soil. Gas has been found in many places and only awaits capital to develop it in 
paying quantities. It is of very fine quality and burns equal to that found in 
the eastern fields. The base of Sonoma peak is the ending of Bennett valley, 
the peak which looms high and lofty as if to say to the valley "thus far shalt 
thou go and no farther, for I am lord of all southern Sonoma county and my 
height there is none to dispute." 

The Evening Bulletin in 1884 said and this will apply more forcibly today 
for Sonoma county than at that time : "Is there any probability that fruit is to 
be over-done in California?" The answer may be furnished in part by such sta- 
tistics as those furnished a short time ago by the leading house in the dried-fruit 
trade in San Francisco. The product of dried fruits for 1883 is here shown ; sun- 
dried raisins, 125,000 pounds; apples, 800,000; peaches, 500,000; pears, 75,000: 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 245 

apricots, 300,000 ; nectarines, 20,000 ; figs, 60,000 ; evaporated apples, 250,000 ; 
apricots, 90,000; sun dried French prunes, 250,000; grapes, 150,000; pitted plums, 
100,000; comb honey, 125,000; extracted, 835,000; almonds, 700,000. Suppose 
the products here noted had been ten times as large, would there have been any 
difficulty in finding a market? 

The firm that furnished these statistics also furnished an answer that will 
apply as well today as it did then. "Out of a population of oyer 80,000,000 
people east, it is quite safe to say that not to exceed 20,000,000 have ever yet 
tasted California dried fruits." 

So the question of over-doing the fruit industry in California is one that 
is not likely to arise for several generations if it ever does arise. This is as 
true for Sonoma county as it is for the state and we make the assertion without 
fear of contradiction that Sonoma county today produces more dried fruits than 
was reported for the whole state in 1883. French prunes alone in Sonoma county 
amounted to 15,560 tons in 1910, while in 1883 the whole state produced 250,- 
000 pounds. I have been unable to get the correct tonnage of the dried fruit ship- 
ments from the county on account of the unwillingness of some of the shippers 
to give this data. 

THE HARVEST GATHERED — REST. 

In reviewing the incidents of my connection with the Order of the Patrons 
of Husbandry I am too sensible of my defects not to think it impossible to have 
at times differed with my fellow Patrons of the order, but I shall always indulge 
in the hope that what errors I may have made will be considered errors of the 
mind and not of the heart, and after forty-one years of active service in the 
order with earnestness and zeal, the faults, whatever they may be, will be con- 
signed to the pages of oblivion as I must soon be, to the mansions of rest. 

G. N. Whitaker. 



NOTICE. 
Shortly after writing the foregoing pages of Sonoma county farm history, 
and before the publication of this work, Mr. Whitaker died at his beautiful 
home in Bennett Valley near Santa Rosa. He went to his bed and to sleep at 
the close of day, and never awoke. A long, a useful, a noble life ended during 
the still watches of a soft summer night. How true was his prediction, noted at 
the close of his article — "I must soon be consigned to the mansions of rest." 

Tom Gregory. 



246 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 



CHAPTER XLIY. 

SONOMA COUNTY STATISTICS. 

In this work there has been little or no attempt to make a county finance 
"exhibit," but only to show the grand, unfailing sources of wealth in this ter- 
ritory. From Petaluma, with her treasure-producing factories placing their 
output on tidewater, passing along through the hop and poultry yards, prune 
and apple orchards, grape and berry vineyards, grain and hay fields up to the 
citrus groves of Cloverdale, the golden dollars are harvested every season — 
Without Irrigation. In all these flourishing centers are the banks, — those in- 
stitutions of trade, testamentary of the local commerce. Geyserville — Bank of 
Geyserville ; Cloverdale — Bank of Cloverdale ; Healdsburg — Farmers' and 
Mechanics' Bank of Healdsburg, The Sotoyome Bank of Healdsburg; Sebastopol 
— Analy Savings Bank of Sebastopol, First National Bank of Sebastopol ; Santa 
Rosa — Exchange Bank, First National Bank, Savings Bank of Santa Rosa, 
Union Trust-Savings Bank, Santa Rosa Bank ; Petaluma — Bank of Sonoma 
County, Swiss-American Bank of Petaluma, California Savings Bank, Peta- 
luma National Bank ; Valley Ford — Dairymens' Bank ; Guerneville — Bank of 
Guerneville; Sonoma — Sonoma Valley Bank. All crops this year (1911) are at 
hightide — grapes, apples, eggs, oranges, hops — hops recently jumped from ten to 
forty cents per lb., because of the scarcity in foreign countries. "Without Irri- 
gation,"' is one of the boom texts of Sonoma. There is not a water ditch in the 
county. When the first settlers looked around they found Mother Nature attend- 
ing to the irrigating, and she has been holding down the job ever since. And 
doing it well. With Burbank to invent new agricultural things, and Nature to 
make them grow, Sonoma harvests will come through just as sure as the sea- 
sons roll around. 

PROPERTY VALUATION OF ICjII. 

The property valuation as shown by the assessment rolls for this year, 
191 1, show the financial advancement of the county. The total assessment is 
$36,047,925, a gain of $2,226,000 over the year 1910. But deducting certain 
properties which are exempt from county taxation, the present real assessed 
valuation of Sonoma is $35,025,680, divided as follows : 

Real estate other than city and town lots $16,250,175; improvements of 
same, $5,066,000. City and town lots, $4,332,250; improvements on same, $4,- 
859,725. Value of improvements on real estate, assessed to persons other than 
owners of real estate, $154,945. Total value of real estate and improvements, 
$30,663,095. Personal property, $4,301,485; money, $36,700; solvent credits, 
$24,440. 

Property in cities: Cloverdale — real estate, $108,235; improvements, $188-, 
945; personal property, $48,380; total, $345,560. 

Healdsburg — real estate, $323,240; improvements, $461,245; personal prop- 
erty, $186,245; total, $970,730. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 247 

Sonoma — real estate, $168,970; improvements, $232,585; personal prop- 
erty, $76,675; money, $1,200; solvent credits, $800; total, $480,220. 

Santa Rosa — real estate, $2,102,410; improvements, $2,136,365; personal 
property, $635,060; money, $5,800; solvent credits, $2,200; total, $4,881,835. 

Petaluma — real estate, $1,240,395; improvements, $1,355,365; personal 
propeity, $591,140; money, $6,200; solvent credits, $2,210; total, $3,195,310. 

Sebastopol — real estate, $194,415; improvements, $304,975; personal prop- 
erty, $116,195; money, $5,490; solvent credits, $2,400; total, $621,475. 

Total value of property in cities, $10,495,130. 

On the new assessment rolls of the county the acreage of table grape vines 
is given at 500, and the acreage of wine vines at about 17,000. 

Number of growing fruit trees: Apple 234,410 bearing, and 61,740 non- 
bearing; apricot 23,640, and 16,410; cherry 45,980, and 10,120; fig 4,670, and 
470; olive 68,110, and 24,160; peach 24, 830, and 58,730; pear 82,190, and 12,- 
710; plum 6,870, and 530; prune 598,230, and 97,150; lemon 805, and 45 ; orange, 
9,790, and 720; almond 8,020, and 1,310; walnut 5,050, and 430. 

Acres sown for crop of 191 1 : Wheat 2,310; oats 3,070; barley 1,370; corn 
480; hay 54,310; hops 2,850; potatoes 1,070; standing alfalfa 345. 

POPULATION. 

According to the census of 191 1, the population of the Republic — without 
Alaska and insular possessions, the state, the county and its cities and towns, 
is as follows : 

United States 91,972,299; California 2,377,549; Sonoma county 48,394. 
Cities — Santa Rosa 7,817; Petaluma 5,880; Healclsburg 2,011; Sebastopol 1,265; 
Sonoma 957 ; Cloverdale 823. The populations accredited to Santa Rosa and 
Petaluma are the residents within the respective limits of those places which 
were established years ago. In each city there are probably 3,000 people living 
without the municipal lines. Towns — some of these places are mere post office 
stations or small hamlets with nominal population, the figures of which are 
not given: Agua Caliente 33; Annadel ; Asti no; Bay; Bellevue; Black Point; 
Bloomfield 359 ; Bodega 283 ; Burke 44 ; Camp Meeker 40 ; Cazadero 1 10 ; Clover- 
dale 830; Cotati 45; Cozzens 233; Duncans Mills 185; Eldridge (State Hos- 
pital) 1,100; El Verano 75; Fort Ross 63; Freestone 122; Fulton 215; Glen 
Ellen 350; Geyserville 400; Guerneville 695; Hilton 21; Jenner; Kellogg 20; 
Kenwood 220; Lakeville 67; Lytton 26 (Salvation Army Industrial Home con- 
tains probably 200 additional) ; Markham ; Mark West 25; Monte Rio 20; Oc- 
cidental 640; Penn Grove 330; Pine Flat; Plantation no; Preston 70; Rio 
Nido; Sears Point; Sea View 55; Shellville 143; Skaggs 22; Stewarts Point 
120; Stony Point 60; Geysers 22; Valley Ford 220; Wilfred; Windsor 532; 
Forestville, 300. 

SONOMA COUNTY SCHOOLS. 

Every acre of Sonoma county is covered by a school district, in the center 
of which is a school house and in which is a school. No Sonoma child can live 
far enough/back or high enough up in the mountain sections to be out of touch 
with his or her district school, and no established country school ever closes its 
doors during the session-period. In the most populized centers, Cloverdale, 
Healdsburg, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, Petaluma and Sonoma, are the High 
Schools, occupying splendid buildings, ranking well up as educational institu- 



248 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

tions, and according to the grade of work done, on the State University ac- 
credited list. The number of districts is 49 — a talismanic term in California. 

From the office of Miss Florence Barnes, County Superintendent of Schools, 
is given the following information : 

Elementary schools: 

Number of census children 1910-1911 10,659 

Average daily attendance 1909-10 5,980 

Number of teachers employed 252 

The sources of revenue for these expenditures are as follows: 

Amount received from State taxes $117,342.10 

Amount received from County taxes 93,656.40 

Amount received from District taxes 5,119.45 

The valuation of Elementary School property in Sonoma County is as follows: 

Value of lots, buildings, furniture, etc $497,395.00 

Value of school libraries 32,285.00 

Values of apparatus 15,060.00 

Total value of school property $544,740.00 

High Schools: 
Number of schools. 6. 

Average daily attendance 1909-1910 706 

Number of teachers employed 35 

Amount paid for teachers' salaries 1909-10 $42,663.00 

Amount paid for current expenses, supplies, etc 16,188.74 

Amount for buildings 2 o>533-37 

Amount paid for books 1909-10 1,259.22 

Total expenses for the year 1909-10 $80,644.33 

Sources of revenue for the support of high schools are as follows: 

State taxes $ 9,103.09 

Special taxes 50,758.69 

Value of High School property in Sonoma County: 

Lots, buildings and furniture $ 98,450.00 

Laboratories ■ 6,025.00 

Libraries 4,510.00 

Total A^alue $108,985.00 

COUNTY OFFICERS. 

The official salaries of the California counties of the tenth class — of which 
is Sonoma — are as follows: Superior judges (two) $4,000 a year each; super- 
visors (five) $1,000 each and fifteen cents a mile going to and from residence 
to county seat, also same mileage traveling as road commissioners ; clerk $2,000, 
chief deputy $1,500, three deputies $1,200 each, also several additional deputies 
for registration purposes between June and November in general election years, 
$4 a day each; sheriff $2,000 and fees, undersheriff $1,500, four deputies $1,200 
each; recorder $2,000, deputy $1,200, four copyists $900 each; auditor $2,400, 
deputy $900; treasurer $2,000 and fees, deputy $900; tax collector $3,000 and 
fees; revenue and taxation deputy $1,200, with the fees additional clerks are 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 249 

employed when needed; assessor $4,200, chief deputy $1,500, revenue and tax- 
ation deputy $1,500, with the fees additional deputies are employed when needed; 
district attorney $2,400, assistant $1,800, deputy assistant $1,200, stenographer 
$750; coroner fees and mileage; public administrator fees and mileage, school 
superintendent $2,000 and fees, deputy $1,200; surveyor $1,800, deputy $900. 
When not employed in public service the surveyor may engage in private work. 

Tables Showing the State and County Officers from the year 1849 to 1911, inclusive. 

NAME OF OFFICE. 1S49. 1S50. 1851. 1868. 1853. 

State Senator M. G. Vallejo M. E. Cook M. E. Cook J. M. Hudspeth ... J. M. Hudspeth. 

Assemblymen J. E. Brackett A. Stearns J. M. Hudspeth. .. H. P. Ewing J. N. Burnett.. 

" J. S. Bradford J. S. Bradford L. W. Boggs James W. McKameyW. B. Hagans.. 

County Judge H. A. Green 0. P. "VVilkins P. E. Thompson. .Frank Shattuck. 

Sheriff I. Brockman I. Brockman I. Brockman I. Brockman... 

Clerk John Hendley John Hendley John Hendley N. MeO. Menefee 

Treasurer A. C. McDonald. . A. C McDonald. .. G. W. Miller G. W. Miller... 

District Attorney J. E. McNair T. E. McNair J. E. McNair Asheal Clark... 

Assessor J. A. Reynolds J. A. Reynolds R. F. Box 

Administrator J. A. Brewster Coleman Talbot. 

Coroner Elisha Ely, M.D. 

Supervisor D. 0. Shattuck, Sr.H. G. Heald... 

" James Singley James Singley. . 

W. A. Hereford . . . S. L. Fowler . . . 

" L. P. Hanson Alex. Copeland.. 

" W. 0. King 

NAME OP OFFICE. 1854. 1855. 1856. 1857. 1858. 

State Senator H P. Heintzleman. H. P. Heintzleman. A. W. Taliaferro. . A. W. Taliaferro. . Jasper O'Farrell 

Assemblymen James Stewart H. G. Heald Uriah Edwards. .. .Uriah Edwards. ... J. B. Lamar.... 

" James Singley. .. .J. S. Rathburn. .. .Richard Harrison. .J. S. Ormsby J. S. Robertson. 

County Judge J. E. McNair. ... Wm. Churchman. .. Wm. Churchman. . Wm. Churchman. .Wm. Churchman 

Sheriff I. Brockman A.C.Bledsoe A.C.Bledsoe E. L. Green E. L. Green 

Clerk. N. McC. Menefee. . N. Mc. Menefee. . . N. McC. Menefee. . W. H. Crowell W. H. Crowell. 

Treasurer D. W. Miller W. B. Buster John Hendley John Hendley John Hendley... 

District Attorney E. McNair I. G. Wickersham. I. G. Wickersham .. W. S. Gordon W. G. Gordon.. 

Surveyor , J. B. Woods J. B. Woods 

Recorder Joel Miller Joel Miller 

Assessor S. D. Towne W. G. Lee W. G. Lee Nath. Nuckols Nath. Nuckols. . 

Superintendent Schools B. B. Bonham . . . . E. A. Fisher W. G. Lee 

Administrator Josiab Moran W. B. Atterbury . . W. B. Atterbury. . F. G. Hahman....F. G. Hahman.. 

Coroner S. Cheeseman J. S. Williams J. S. Williams J. S. Williams J. S. Williams. 

Supervisor Robert Smith D. McDonald James Prewitt. . . . W. B. Hagans .... Alex. Copeland. 

" R. Harrison Stephen Akers D. B. Berry R. Smith J. Morin 

" S. L. Fowler Wm. T. Allen. ... C. J. Robinson. ... Josiah Morin J. Estis 

" Alex. Copeland Jos. Knowles . . . 

NAME OF OFFICE. 1859. 1860. 1861. 1862. 1863. 

State Senator Jasper O'Farrell. .. John H. Hill John H. Hill J. H. McNabb George Pearce. . 

Assemblymen C. P. Wilkins. . . . W. M. Ross G. W. Reed Wm. Rider Jacob Smith.... 

Jj G. Dow J. B. Beeson O. H. Hoag 

" W. A. Eliason . . . . E. T. Dunne Murray Whallon. 

County Judge Wm. Churchman. . Wm. Churchman. .Wm. Churchman. . Wm. Churchman. . C. W. Langdon. 

Sheriff J.J.Ellis J. J. Ellis J. M. Bowles J. M. Bowles J. P. Clark 

Clerk Frank Shattuck ... Frank Shattuck . . . W. L. Anderson . . W. L. Anderson . . W. L. Anderson. 

Treasurer John Hendley John Hendley F. G. Hahman.... F. G. Hahman.... H. P. Holmes.. 

District Attorney R. C. Flournoy. . . R. C. Flournoy. ... Wm. H. Jones. ...Wm. H. Jones....Wm. Ross 

Surveyor J. B. Woods J. B. Woods H. B. Martin H. B. Martin N. Grey 

Recorder T. H. Pyatt T. H. Pyatt T. H. Pyatt T. H. Pyatt T. H. Pyatt 

Assessor Chas. C. Snider .. Chas. C. Snider. . James M. Henry. . James M. Henry. . Wm. R." Morris.. 

Superintendent Schools. Frank Shattuck. .. E. D. Harris C. G. Ames C. G. Ames C. G. Ames.... 

Administrator J. H. Holman....J. H. Hohnan....W. S. Canan W. S. Canan L. C. Reyburn. . 

Coroner Stephen Payran ... Stephen Payran...L. C. Lewis L. C. Lewis R. G. Baker.... 

Supervisor Josiah Morin H. M. Willson. ... Wm.McPherson Hill Josiah Morin N. Fike 

Wm.McPherson Hill Josiah Morin N. Fike N. Fike T. F. Baylis 

H. M. Willson Wm.McPherson Hill. Josiah Morin T. F. Baylis A. S. Patterson. 

NAME OF OFFICE. 1S64. 1S65. 1867. 1S69. 1871. 

State Senator Geo. Pearce Geo. Pearce Geo. Pearce Wm. Burnett. .. B. F. Tuttle. . . 

Assemblymen Jacob Smith A. C. Bledsoe S. Martin Barclay Henley. E. C. Hinshaw. . 

" 0. H. Hoag O. H. Hoag Wm. Caldwell. . B. B. Munday. . B. B. Munday. . 

" Murray Whallon.. J. L. Downing J. B. Warfleld..Wm. Caldwell. .. Wm. Caldwell.. 

County Judge C. W. Langdon.. C. W. Langdon... C. W. Langdon.. C. W. Langdon.. A. P. Overton.. 

Sheriff J. P. Clark J. P. Clark Sam Potter Sam Potter E. Latapie 

Clerk W. L. Anderson. . W. L. Anderson. . . W. L. Anderson. W. R. Morris. . . W. R. Morris. . 

Treasurer H. P. Holmes E. T. Farmer E. T. Farmer.. G. T. Pauli G. T. Pauli 

District Attorney Wm. Ross Wm. Ross A. P. Overton.. A. P. Overton .. Barclay Hendley. 

Surveyor N. Gray J. B. Woods J. B. Woods J. B. Woods. . . J. B. Woods. . . 

Recorder T. H. Pyatt Murray Whallon. . W. H. Bond W. H. Bond W. H. Bond 

Assessor W. R. Morris G. W. Huie A.J.Gordon A. J. Gordon.. W. C. Gaines.. 

Superintendent Schools. C. G. Ames C. G. Ames C. G. Ames. ... G. W. Jones G. W. Jones... 

Administrator. ... . . . L. C. Reyburn R. G. Baber L. D. Coekrill. . G. P. Noonan..L. B. Hall 

Coroner R. G. Baker L. D. Coekrill Wm. Mead S. Larrisen Chas. Humphries 

Road Commissioner Zadock Jackson . R. Head R. Head 

Supervisor T. F. Baylis J. K. Smith G. W. Frick J. D. Grant J. H. Griggs. . . 

J.R.Smith A. B. Aull J. K. Smith. .. J. H. Griggs J. M. Palmer. . . 

" A B. Aull Zadock Jackson ... John D. Grant. . J. M. Palmer. . D. D. Phillips.. 



250 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

NAME OF OFFICE. 1873. 1875. 1877. 1879. 

Senator B. F. Tuttle B. F. Tuttle A. P. Whitney W. W. Moreland. 

Assemblymen ...... . W. S. M. Wright James Samuels B. F. Tuttle James Hynes. . . . 

James Dixon E. C. Hinshaw E. C. Hinshaw II. K. Brown.... 

W. H. Northcutt Walter Fcrral C. H. Cooly lames Adams... 

County Judge A. P. Overton J. G. Pressley J. G. Pressley J. G. Pressley. . . 

Superior Judges lacks™ Temple. 

Sheriff. . E. Latapie Joseph Wright J. L. Dinwiddie J. L. Dinwiddie. 

Clerk J. T. Fortson J. T. Fortson R. A Thompson I!. A. Thompson. 

Treasurer G. F. Pauli T. N. Willis Mathew Aiken Mathew Aiken . . . 

District Attorney W. E. McConnell Barclay Henlev Wm. E. McConnell \. B. Ware 

Surveyor David Scott J. B. Woods A. L. Cox A. L Cox 

Recorder Ben. S. Wood 0. II. Hoag Ben. S. Wood Ben. S. Wood. . . 

Assessor. W. C. Gains Geo. W. Sparks Geo. W. Sparks Geo. W. Lewis. . 

Superintendent SchoolsAlex. McMeans Alex. McMcans E. W. Davis Chas. S. Smyth. 

Coroner & Adm'r J. H. Holman Kelly Tighe Kelly Tighe Kelly Tighe 

Supervisor J. M. Palmer W. K. Rogers J. M. Charles lohn Tivnen 

" G. A. Topper Thos. Beacom R. W. Acker A. Averell 

" D. D. Philips J. D. Hassett lohn Field Robert Crane 

W. K. Rogers Gus Warner H. Weatherington . . . .11. W. Acker. . . 

Thos. Beacom H. Weatherington John Tivnen Tohn Field 

name of office. 1882. 1884. 1886. 

Congressman Barclay Henley Barclay Henley T. L. Thompson 

State Senator G. A. Johnson G. A. Johnson E. C. Hinshaw 

Assemblyman J.T.Campbell S. I. Allen J. W. Ragsdale 

S. S. Martin M. E. C. Munday Robert Howe 

John Field W. T. Mears F. B. Mulgrew 

Superior Judge Jackson Temple Jackson Temple Jackson Temple 

J. G. Pressley J. G. Pressley J. G. Pressley 

Sheriff T. C. Bishop T. C. Bishop E. 1". Colgan 

Clerk R. A. Thompson J. F. Mulgrew J. F. Mulgrew 

Treasurer Matt Aikin G. A. Tupper G. A. Tupper 

District Attorney Thos. .7. Geary D. C. Allen Geo. Pearee 

Surveyor p. R, Davis F. R. Denman P. R. Davis 

Recorder. A. C. McMeans J. F. Naughton A. P. Moore 

Auditor A. C. McMeans J. F. Naughton A. P. Moore 

Assessor G. W. Lewis . . '. G. W. Lewis Wm. Longmore 

Superintendent Schools C. S. Smyth C. S. Smyth Fannie McG. Martin. 

Coroner & Administrator Kelly Tighe N. King John Tivnen 

Supervisor E. E. Morse John O'ilara John O'Hara 

Geo. F. Allen Geo. F. Allen Geo. F. Allen 

T. J. Proctor S. T. Coulter S. T. Coulter 

John Gannon T. D. Connollv J. D. Connolly 

H. .7. Pool S. R. Houser G. V. Davis 

S. R. Houser L. G. Ellis 

L. G. Ellis 



NAME OF OFFICE. 188S. 1S90. 1S92. 

Congressman J. J. De Haven Thos. J. Geary Thos. J. Geary 

State Senator E. C. Hinshaw I. W. Ragsdale J. W. Ragsdale 

Assemblyman J. W. Ragsdale J. D. Barnett Jas. C.Sims 

Robert Howe H. L. Weston E. E. Drees 

F. B. Mulgrew F. J. Murphy 

Superior Judge Jackson Temple S. K. Dougherty S.K.Dougherty... 

" Thos. Rutledge 

J. G. Presslev R.F.Crawford 11. F. Crawford... 

Sheriff e. P. Colgan J. F. Mulgrew Sam I. Allen 

Clerk L. W. Juilliard L. W. Juilliard W. F. Wines 

Treasurer p. N. Stofen P. N. Stofen P. N. Stofen 

District Attorney A. G. Burnett A. G. Burnett Emmet Seawell. . . 

Surveyor p. R. Davis L. E. Ricksecker P. R. Davis 

Recorder. A. P. Moore G. P. Hall G. P. Hall 

Auditor a. P. Moore G. P. Hall G. P. Hall 

Assessor Wm. Longmore Wm. Longmore Wm. Longmore. . . . 

Superintendent Schools F. McG. Martin F. McG. Martin E. W. Davis 

Coroner & Administrator John Tivnen A. J. Blaney H. W. Ungewittcr. 

Supervisor M. R. Cady M. R. Cady P. H. Thompson. . . 

Geo. F. Allen James Mead James Mead 

Benj. Clark Benj. Clark Jacob Joost 

F. A. Smith F. A. Smith J. W. Hall 

G. V. Davis J. W. Sales J. W. Sales 

name of office. 1894. 1896. 1898. 

Congressman J. A. Barham J. A. B.irham 1. A. Barham 

State Senator J. C. Holloway J. C. Holloway Jas. C. Sims 

Assemblyman w. F. Price W. F. Price W. F. Cowan 

W. S. Staley John Keegan H. M. LoBaron 

Superior Judge S. K. Dougherty S. K. Dougherty S. K. Dougherty. . 

" R. F. Crawford A. G. Burnett A. G. Burnett 

Sheriff Sam I. Allen Sam I. Allen Frank P. Grace. ... 

Clerk s. B. Fulton S. B. Fulton S. R. Fulton 

Treasurer E. F. Woodward E. F. Woodward E. F. Woodward . . . 

District Attorney Emmet Seawell Emmet Seawell o. O. Webber 

Surveyor L. E. Ricksecker L. E. Ricksecker N. V. V. Smyth . . . 

Recorder. A. J. Atchinson \. J. Atchinson Fred L. Wright... 

Auditor A. J. Atchinson A. J. Atchinson Fred L. Wright... 

Assessor M. V. Vanderhoof M. V. Vanderhoof Frank E. Dowd... 

Superintendent Schools E. W. Davis E. W. Davis Minnie Coulter. . . . 

Coroner * Administrator. . . . T. G. Young T. G. Young J. G. Pierce 

Supervisor H. W. Austin H. W. Austin H. W. Austin 

J. W. Hall F. B. Glynn F. B. Glynn 

E. W. Hayden David Walls David Walls 

Jacob Joost T. C. Putnam T. C. Putnam 

" e. S. Gray E. S. Gray J. A. McMinn.... 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 251 

NAME OF OFFICE. 1900. 1902. 1904. 

Congressman Frank (Jombs Theodore Bell D. E. MeKinlay 

State Senator Jas. C. Sims E. P. Woodward E. P. Woodward 

Assemblyman F. A. Cromwell E. A. Cromwell F. A. Cromwell 

" W. E. Cowan ^ . . . C. O. Dunbar Hiram Tripp 

Superior Judge S. K. Dougherty S. K. Dougherty S. K. Dougherty 

" A. G. Burnett A. G. Burnett A. G. Burnett 

Sheriff E. P. Grace E. P. Grace F. P. Grace 

Clerk S. B. Fulton Fred L. Wright Fred L. Wright 

Treasurer E. F. Woodward G. E. Murdock G. E. Murdock 

District Attorney O.O.Webber C. H. Pond C. H. Pond 

Surveyor N. V. V. Smyth N. V. V. Smyth N. V. V. Smyth 

Recorder F. L. Wright Fred G. Nagle Fred G. Nagle 

Auditor F. L. Wright C. A. Pool C. A. Pool 

Assessor Frank E. Dowd Frank E. Dowd Frank E. Dowd 

Superintendent Schools Minnie Coulter Minnie Coulter Minnie Coulter 

Coroner & Administrator. ... J. G. Pierce F. L. Blackburn F. L. Blackburn 

Supervisor H. W. Austin H. W. Austin Ii. W. Austin 

" F. B. Glynn Gallant Raines C. L. Patteson 

Gallant Raines Blair Hart Blair Hart 

" Blair Hart G. J. Armstrong G. J. Armstrong 

J. A. McMinn J. A. McMinn I. .1. Button 

NAME OF OFFICE. 1906. 1911. 

Congressman D. E. MeKinlay William Kent 

State Senator W. F. Price L. W. Juilliard 

Assemblyman Stanley Collister Herbert W. Slater 

.H. VV. A. Weske J. W. Hamilton 

Superior Judge Emmet Seawell Emmet Seawell 

" A. G. Burnett T. C. Denny 

(T. C. Denny) 

Sheriff J. K. Smith J. K. Smith 

Clerk Fred L. Wright W. W. Felt, Jr 

Treasurer G. E. Murdock G. E. Murdock 

District Attorney Clarence F. Lea Clarence F. Lea 

Surveyor U. H. Winkler G. H. Winkler 

(Thos. McNamara) 

Recorder Fred G. Nagle Fred G. Nagle 

Auditor C. A. Pool c. A. Pool 

Assessor Frank E. Dowd Frank E. Dowd 

Superintendent Schools DeW. Montgomery Florence M. Barnes 

Coroner & Administrator F. L. Blackburn F. L. Blackburn 

Supervisor H. W. Austin H. W. Austin 

" C. L. Patteson C. L. Patteson 

" Blair Hart Blair Hart 

" 1. J. Button Lyman Green 

" G. J . Armstrong William King 

" (Lyman Green) 

Note. — Between 190S and 1911 L. W. Juilliard and W. B. Whitney were in the State 
Assembly. The advance of A. G. Burnett to the Appellate bench lett a vacancy tor T. C. 
Denny, and the death of Surveyor G. H. Winkler brought about the appointment of Thomas 
McNamara for the remainder of the official term; Lyman Green was lirst appointed to the 
unexpired term of Supervisor G. J. Armstrong. 



o 







MAP 

0ftl]f 

COUNTY OF 



CALIFORNIA 

COMPILED AND DRAWN 
3Y 
ritM.y.iM.iii.i 




f 



<2? 



^C 



dr?C£ 



BIOGRAPHICAL, 



mark l. Mcdonald. 

It seems eminently fitting that the names of the early settlers in now 
progressive localities should be perpetuated in such manner that their labors in 
the days of trial and hardship may remain an inspiration and encouragement 
to those who are to come after them. It is sometimes claimed that Republics 
are ungrateful, but this claim is not true in individual communities, for in all 
points of the compass are reminders of hero citizens, in the names of streets, 
towns, rivers, valleys or institutions, this happy method being particularly pop- 
ular in the west, where heroism and toil have figured so largely in the make-up 
of the pioneers. Of the early settlers in the town of Santa Rosa few if any have 
accomplished as much toward its upbuilding and development into the thriving 
city that it now is as has Mark L. McDonald, whose name is perpetuated in the 
avenue of that name as a mark of honor. 

The son of James and Martha (Peters) McDonald, natives respectively of 
Virginia and Kentucky, Mark L. McDonald was born in Washington county, 
Ky., May 5, 1833. He was reared in this southern home until he was about 
sixteen years of age, in the meantime attending the schools of the locality and 
gathering as much information therefrom as was possible. It far from satis- 
fied his ambitious nature, however, and in 1849, after a short stay in Missouri, 
he went to Schenectady, N. Y,, and continued his studies in Union College, from 
which he was subsequently graduated. This was the period of the interest sud- 
denly created in California as a result of the finding of gold, and it was not a 
matter of any wonder that this ambitious young man should feel that the invi- 
tation to come and partake of the benefits therefrom were meant for him as 
much as for the thousands who flocked to the eldorado. After his graduation 
from college he returned to Kentucky and made preparation to cross the plains. 
Arrangements were finally completed, and with his parents he set out on the 
long march that extended from ocean to ocean. The train was a large one, 
consisting of sixty wagons, but it did not prove large enough to forestall inter- 
ference from the Indians ; however, had their number been less their trials 
would undoubtedly have taken a still more formidable aspect. As captain of 
the company Mr. McDonald was obliged to go ahead and select suitable camping 
places, and he records experiencing considerable difficulty in crossing the Platte 
river on account of quicksands. 

Two brothers had preceded Mr. McDonald to the west and were located 
in Sacramento, and arrangements had been made for the comforts of the family 
when they arrived. In that city the family were ultimately reunited. About this 
time the mines of Virginia City were attracting considerable attention, on ac- 
count of recent finds of silver, which later developed into gold. One of the 
brothers. Capt. James M. McDonald, had had a preliminary survey made by 

17 



258 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Mr. Kingsbury for the building of a road into Virginia City, and as soon as 
Mark L. came he started him back to Virginia City to take entire charge of the 
building of it. He also did the engineer's work and had charge of the hiring 
of the men employed, and later, when they charged a toll, he had charge of the 
toll collections also. The work which this involved was enormous, including 
besides the responsibility of construction, looking after the men and keeping 
the books of the business. It proved an invaluable experience in the life of 
the young man, and he counts it as one of the most enjoyable as well, as it 
brought him in contact with many men of note, among whom may be mentioned 
the late Mark Twain, and he later became a close friend of Senators Stewart 
and Jones of Nevada. He also met Senator Hearst while there, and they be- 
came life-long friends and business associates. The salary which Mr. McDon- 
ald received as constructing engineer was $80 per month, a small remuneration 
for such responsible work in the light of present-day conditions, but neverthe- 
less he managed to save $1,500 from his earnings, and with this he went to 
San Francisco and later purchased a seat on the stock exchange. In June, 
1864, he purchased the seat of H. Camp, on the San Francisco Stock and Ex- 
change Board, for $1,400, and put through some of the largest transactions of 
stock of that time. In the history of the San Francisco Stock and Exchange 
Board written by Joseph L. King, the following paragraph is found : ''Mark 
L. McDonald was six feet four inches high, towering over all in the turmoil 
of the ring. A Kentuckian by birth, with sandy hair and a full beard and blue 
eyes, he was a handsome man and a power on the Board." During his resi- 
dence in the metropolis he bought and sold considerable land, and in this, as in 
whatever he undertook, he was very successful. It was while a resident of that 
city that he made the acquaintance of Leland Stanford and Charles Crocker, 
and until the death of both of these men their friendship was close and inti- 
mate. While in Virginia City Mr. McDonald had become acquainted with Mr. 
Hearst, and in living the crude camp life they became great friends. They 
bunked and ate together, and later were interested in the mines in the Black 
Hills. After going to San Francisco Mr. McDonald went into the home of Mr. 
Hearst, and remained there until his own marriage several years later. In the 
meantime they had become associated in many enterprises and they remained 
intimately connected in business, Mr. Hearst making many trips to the mines, 
while Mr. McDonald looked after their interests in San Francisco. After Mr. 
Hearst's death Mr. McDonald and Mrs. Hearst continued the friendship estab- 
lished, and today Mr. McDonald regards her as the queen of all great and good 
women, not alone on account of her philanthropic work, but also as one of the 
few remaining close friends of his pioneer days. 

Mr. McDonald's identification with Sonoma county and Santa Rosa dates 
from the year 1879, at which time he came to this city, and in the northeastern 
section bought one hundred and sixty acres of land, then a waving wheat field. 
With prophetic vision he saw the possibilities for the future of the little town, 
and at once set about subdividing the land and laying out streets and avenues 
in what was known as McDonald's addition to Santa Rosa. Residents of the 
town less courageous than he were delighted with the future prospects of their 
home city, and as a mark of appreciation for their benefactor, voted that the 
best residence street in the new subdivision should bear his name. This was 



1 11ST( )RY ( )F S( )N( )MA C( )UNTY 259 

done, and today McDonald avenue is pointed out as one of the show places of 
Santa Rosa. All the trees that now adorn the subdivision were planted by him, 
as well as shrubs and plants. Expense was not spared in carrying out his plans 
for the adornment and beautification of the tract, one of his ideas along this 
line being the representation of each state in the Union by a tree brought from 
each state, and many foreign countries were also represented. He also built 
and established the first water works in the city (now known as the Santa Rosa 
Water Company), laying the pipe lines with the aid of an experienced engineer 
from the east. An abundance of pure water has since been supplied to the city. 
He also laid out the first street railway in Santa Rosa, and was instrumental 
in having the first steam railroad built (now owned by the Southern Pacific), 
being one of the directors of the company that planned and financed the enter- 
prise. One of his duties in furthering the enterprise was buying up the rights 
of way from the ranchers through the many miles of country traversed by the 
road, and as indicative of the esteem and honor in which he was held by his 
compatriots, Stanford and Croker, in the enterprise, to him was given the 
honor of driving the last spike in Santa Rosa, thus completing the road. It 
would have been surprising if Mr. McDonald had not been called upon to help 
in the administration of the young and growing city. Recognizing the value 
of his superior judgment and ability his fellow-citizens elected him a member 
of the city council, and for a number of years he served that body faithfully. 
As became a man so thoroughly in touch with the upbuilding of the town as 
he was it was natural that he should take a keen interest in educational affairs 
and kindred enterprises. This interest was shown in a marked degree through 
his 'abors in the establishment of the first free library in the town, of which he 
was president for a long period. In later years Mr. Carnegie gave a library tp 
the city and the city's free library was finally merged into this. 

In all of his labors and benefactions Mr. McDonald has had the support 
and encouragement of his wife, who before her marriage in 1866 was Miss 
Ralphine North, a native of Natchez, Miss. Seven children were born of this 
union, and of them we mention the following : Mark L., Jr., was the eldest of 
the number, and a sketch of his life will be found elsewhere in this volume; 
Stewart passed away in 1907 ; Mabel is the wife of William H. Hamilton, of 
San Francisco, where they make their home ; Edith is the wife of Selah Cham- 
berlain, also of that city ; Florence became the wife of Maxwell McNutt, of the 
same city ; and two daughters died in childhood. Now in his seventy-eighth 
year Mr. McDonald can look back over a life well spent, in the conscientious- 
ness that he has intentionally wronged no man, but on the other hand has made 
it the thought uppermost in his mind to help, support and sustain his fellow 
men in every way possible. That he has done this long and faithfully, every 
citizen of Santa Rosa will attest. Mr. McDonald is affiliated with but one fra- 
ternal order, being a member of the Masonic order, in which he has attained 
the Knights Templar degree. 



EDWIN HARRISON BARNES. 
In a countrv so replete with interesting historical characters as is the region 
west of the Rocky mountains, it is oft-times a most difficult matter for the 
historian to choose wiselv from the material offered : but it is not an everv-day 



260 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

matter to gather data regarding the life and the character of one of the first 
settlers in California, who came thither when the country was wild, unsettled 
and uncultivated. During his sojourn in California Edwin Harrison Barnes 
has been one of the most interesting spectators of the transformation of Sonoma 
county from a wilderness to a region embracing thriving towns and splendidly 
productive farms. 

Mr. Barnes came to California in November, 1849; there are only two people 
in the vicinity of Healdsburg, in which town Mr. Barnes resides, that were 
here when he came : George Story, who lives six miles below Healdsburg, and 
Airs. George Porter, of Windsor. For many years the Barnes' family pursued 
their various occupations in North Carolina, where it is thought John Barnes, 
the father of Edwin Harrison, was born. John Barnes married Diana Y. Harri- 
son, a native of the vicinity of Cadiz. Kv., and a representative of a distinguished 
family of the Bourbon state ; they lived on a farm in Livingston county, not 
far from Smithland. where was born Edwin Harrison Barnes December 26, 
1827. A few years later the family removed to Scott County, Mo., and there 
the parents died. Mr. Barnes was brought up on the farm, receiving his educa- 
tion in the common schools of that day and at Ford's Seminary, Cape Girardeau. 
He became interested in California in talking with Isaac Williams, who had 
returned from the western state with tales of natural resources and gold which 
aroused the interest of the ambitious youth. Thus incited, he determined to 
make the journey and crossed the plains in 1849 with an ox-team train, the party 
with which he traveled experiencing no especial difficulties on the way. Choos- 
ing to accompany that section of the party traveling to California by the Law- 
son route, Mr. Barnes journeyed with them and after several experiences that 
tested his courage, he arrived in Sonoma county and located about seven miles 
below Healdsburg. With a partner Mr. Barnes purchased two hundred and 
fifty acres of land from Captain Cooper, paying $5 an acre for the same. This 
property was not purchased direct, owing to the possibility of Captain Cooper's 
right being contested in the courts, and so it was agreed that Mr. Barnes should 
pay half cash and the balance when the title was perfected from the United 
States government. Mr. Barnes still owns half of this ranch, having sold the 
other half to T. Boon Miller for $22,000, the sale taking place five years ago. 
After engaging in various enterprises, Mr. Barnes decided to return east in 
January, 1854, and he proceeded thither by the way of Nicaragua and in the 
spring of 1855, having purchased a herd of cattle, he drove them overland and 
succeeded in getting them through in fairly good condition. Placing these 
animals on a ranch, he engaged in the cattle business uninterruptedly until tak- 
ing up his residence in Healdsburg in 1S82. Before this, however, he had 
started a store on the ranch with Lindsay Carson, brother of the noted scout, 
Kit Carson, conducting this business from 1852 to 1855, when he sold the store. 
From 1854 to 1867 Mr. Barnes engaged in the general merchandise business 
at Windsor in partnership with R. A. Petray. He was one of the principal 
organizers of the Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank at Flealdsburg, being elected 
its president and occupying that position for twenty-five years and also was 
one of the largest share holders. His duties in this large responsibility were 
discharged to the entire satisfaction of all concerned and upon his recent retire- 
ment from active business he was accompanied by the unbounded goodwill o1 



HISTORY OF SoXo.MA COUNTY 263 

the entire community. Air. Barnes later organized the Sotoyome Hank', in 
which he is a very active member of the board of trustees. At present he is 
engaged in the culture of hops and at the Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition he 
exhibited hops raised on his ranch and secured the first prize and medal. 
Always a progressive man, he has aided in every public enterprise and has 
materially assisted in the advancement of the county. 

On September 20, 1855. Mr. Barnes married, in Sonoma county, Mary M. 
Thompson, who came across the plains with her parents from Johnson county, 
Mo., in 1853, she being a daughter of John D. and Eliza M. (Steele) Thomp- 
son, who spent the remainder of their days in Sonoma county. Mr. Barnes 
was made a Mason, Santa Rosa Lodge No. 57. F. & A. M.. in 1855. Politically 
he is a Republican, but with the exception of the office of justice of the peace 
he has never held a public position. He hked California from the start and 
has made a success of all his undertakings, rounding out a useful and well- 
spent career. 



JOHN A. McNEAR. 

There is no name more widely and favorably known throughout Sonoma 
county than McNear, and in Petaluma, where John A. McNear has made his 
home for many years, his name stands for progress and development along every 
line that has made his home city the leader in trade and commerce in the North 
of Bay counties. Without doubt he has done more to develop the town in 
which he lives than any other individual, and now in the evening of his years 
lie can look back upon a life well spent and even now is actively superintending 
his interests with a vigor unusual in one of his years. 

John A. McNear was born in Wiscasset, Lincoln county, Me., December 
23, 1832. the son and grandson of John McNear, both of whom were natives 
of the same place. The grandfather was captain of a vessel on which he was 
lost at sea ; he married Elizabeth Erskine, a sister of Colonel Erskine. one of the 
first settlers of Pemaquid, Me. She became the mother of twelve children, 
all of whom lived to attain maturity, and she herself lived to reach the venerable 
age of ninety-six years. The great-grandfather, also John McNear, lived to 
the ripe age of ninety-seven years, and he, too. followed the sea throughout his 
lifetime. He was twice captured by the French and Indians during that war. 
and each time was ransomed. His wife attained the remarkable age of one 
hundred and three years. The McNear family are of Scotch ancestry and for 
seven generations, including the subject of this sketch, have been residents of 
the United States, and nearly all of the male members of the family have fol- 
lowed the sea. as master of ships, and a number of them have found a watery- 
grave, never having been heard from after being reported lost. 

Mr. McNear's mother was in maidenhood Sarah Bailey, a native of Maine 
and the daughter of George Bailey, of English descent, who died at the age of 
ninety-seven years, and all of his four brothers lived to be over eighty years of 
age. The mother passed away in Maine. Of the children born to her three 
grew to maturity, John A. being the eldest and the only one now living; George 
W. became one of the best known grain men in California and died in Oakland. 



264 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

in December. 1910, and Mary Fliza Xabors died in Mississippi. November 
9. i860. 

John A. McNear was reared in Maine, among its rugged hills and coast 
country, and receiving his education in the common schools of that day and 
locality. As the principal business that occupied the men of that place was 
following the sea, it was but natural that the young and . ambitious lad 
should want to follow in the footsteps of his ancestors, and accordingly he 
began to study navigation at an early age, and as it had been his ambition to 
become a captain and have a ship of his own to command, he entered upon 
the life with all the vigor of youth, making several voyages with his father. 
After he had attended the public schools he entered and graduated from the West 
Pittston Academy and was prepared to enter the profession of teaching, but did 
not do so. In 1852 he shipped before the mast on a new ship, the Cape Cod, 
under the command of Captain Hopkins. The vessel was bound from Boston 
to St. Johns, New Brunswick, thence to Liverpool and back to New York. On 
this voyage his salary was $14 per month and found, which consisted of salt 
beef and hard tack. During this voyage he lost no opportunity to study naviga- 
tion and became familiar with "altitudes of the sun" and "lunar observations at 
night." On his return home from this voyage he completed his education in 
the academy and received a certificate to teach in the spring of 1853. Although 
but a few months more than twenty years of age he accepted a position as mas- 
ter of the brig Tiberius. He made but one voyage with this vessel, as he sold 
it at Bangor, Me. His salary was on shares, and by taking unusual sea risks 
amounted to about $50 a month at this time, the old sea veterans saying "Not 
knowing anything, don't fear anything." So well did he negotiate the sale of 
this vessel that the owners gave him command of the Catherine, which he soon 
exchanged for the Jasper, and began freighting along the coast from Maine to 
Boston and New York. In the fall he went south as supercargo in the new ship 
Thalata, Captain Batchelder, from Bath to New Orleans. This voyage came 
nearly ending his sea-going experience, for the ship went ashore off the Missis- 
sippi river, and with the captain he and three men went to get a tug to pull them 
off. They were in an open boat all day and liable to be swamped at any time 
by the breakers rolling over them ; that night they got ashore and secured three 
tugs to pull the ship off the mud. After their arrival at New Orleans the cap- 
tain gave young McNear $25 and refused to make a charge for the freight and 
machinery he was in charge of for a sawmill on the Pascagoula river. This 
machinery was brought to the millsite by a schooner and Mr. McNear assisted 
in putting up the mill. During the time of its building, after a hard day's work, 
he would raft logs at night down the Pascagoula river to the mill boom, a raft 
containing as many as fifteen hundred logs brought down during the night, and 
many times he would be on one end of a log and an alligator on the other. For 
the night's work he would receive $2. Later on he purchased a vessel for the 
mill owners and sailed her on the coast between Pascagoula, Miss., and New 
Orleans, La., receiving $100 per month as his share of the business during this 
time. The following year he purchased a one-third interest in the sawmilling 
business of Plummer, Williams & Co., of Pascagoula, and turned the vessel 
over to be run by his brother, George W. McNear. Here he had the experience 
of a center board vessel which was being towed clown the canal at New Orleans 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 265 

by two mules passing over him from bow to stern — being a good swimmer saved 
him from being drowned. 

From this time John A. McNear superintended the work of the mill as well 
as marketed the lumber in New Orleans. He went through the yellow-fever 
and cholera epidemics of 1853-54. George B. Williams, his cousin, who was 
in Petaluma, Cal., sent him a map of Petaluma creek (the head of navigation 
at Petaluma) and told of the wonderful country of the coast. At that time, 
1856, there were but few scattering houses on the site that marks the flourishing 
city today. This information was interesting, and he made up his mind to see 
the country for himself, and if he did not find it satisfactory he could return 
and take up his duties where he had left them. His brother, George W., then 
nineteen years old, wanted to come also, but he was induced to stay with his 
work until the country had been prospected, and with the understanding that 
if John A. decided to remain and enter in business here, he was to send for his 
brother. This he did in i860, and took him into full partnership in the grain 
and real estate business. He considered himself fortunate that he got out 6f 
Mississippi before the war, for if he had remained there he would have un- 
doubtedly lost everything he had during that struggle. 

In the fall of 1856 an event happened that might be called providential, 
for having sold his interest in the sawmill and wishing to make a trip back to 
Maine before starting to California, he was offered at Mobile free passage on a 
vessel that was ready to sail for Boston, but after putting all of his household 
effects on board he decided to take a stage (one hundred and sixty miles) for 
Montgomery, Ala., and then by rail at an extra expense of %yj, which meant 
a great deal at that time ; a storm followed and that vessel and many others 
were never heard from again. Later in the same year, 1856, he took passage 
at New York on the steamer Illinois for Aspinwall, landing at Kingston and 
Jamaica, on the way crossing the Isthmus of Panama. On. this' side of the Isth- 
mus he took passage on the old Sonora, bound for San Francisco, where he 
arrived November 3, 1856. He came directly to Sonoma county, arriving in 
Petaluma November 6 of that year, and here he immediately interested himself 
with a cash capital of $3,000 as a dealer in real estate, loaning money and mer- 
chandising. There were but few houses in Petaluma and not many improve- 
ments. In 1857 he bought the Washington livery stable property and* took in 
P. E. Weeks as a partner and manager, to whom he sold out in January, i860. 
Having come to Petaluma after hearing Mr. Williams tell of its advantages as 
the head of navigation, etc., he realized that there would be thousands just like 
this Williams to tell of the wonderful future of the state and particularly of 
this section ; as a consequence he believed that it would become rapidly settled 
and thus insure the prosperity of the country, hence he was not backward in 
investing his money, and how well he prophesied is now seen from every view- 
point. 

In i860 Mr. McNear began in the grain and produce business, shipping to 
San Francisco, in w^hich business his brother George W. was interested as a 
partner. Their first place of business was on Washington street, and in 1864 
they erected what was then the largest warehouse in the state. This was a brick- 
building, and is now a part of the Golden Eagle mill. When Mr. McNear 
built this it was considered a riskv undertaking by many, as the war was in 



266 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

progress and government money less than fifty cents in gold on the dollar, but 
he had confidence in the good people in the country and in the government's 
ability to put down the rebellion. About this time another act of Providence 
intervened to save his life. He was going to San Francisco on the train and as 
usual rode in the car next to the engine. Happening to look in the cab, he saw 
a strange engineer at the throttle ; he stepped off the train and had not proceeded 
twenty feet when the boiler exploded and killed the man that was with him, the 
engineer and many others. 

From 1862 to 1865 the company carried on an extensive business in dealing 
in hardware and machinery in connection with their other business interests. 
In the last-named year they disposed of that branch of their business and con- 
fined their energies to the grain and shipping business until August, 1874, when 
the firm was dissolved, George W. taking the San Francisco business and John 
A. remaining in Petaluma. He also engaged in exporting to a great extent, 
and when that part of the business had expanded to considerable proportions 
it was turned over to George W. in San Francisco and he confined his attention 
to Petaluma and Sonoma county. George W. developed the grain business in 
California as did no other individual, and for years he was known as the "Wheat 
King" of California. 

One of the most valuable properties which Mr. McNear has is McNear's 
Point (Point Pedro), on the Bay, a natural deep water terminus for all of 
the railroads of Sonoma county. The original property was purchased in 1868, 
to which he has since added until it now comprises about twenty-five hundred 
acres, with a valuable water front of over five miles. This is exceptionally fine 
grazing land, and here he maintains a large dairy. With his son, Erskine B., 
he has built a large brick manufacturing plant, as they have the most valuable 
clay in the state for the manufacture of brick. They make about 80,000 per 
day, employing seventy-five or eighty men. The brick is shipped by their own 
barges and tugs to San Francisco, where they have a distributing place on Sixth 
and Barry streets. On the same ranch Mr. McNear has opened the most valu- 
ble bluestone quarries on the Bay, one of which is being operated by the San 
Francisco Quarries Company. Mr. McNear gave permission to the govern- 
ment to cut through his land to shorten the route of Petaluma creek, although 
it left him short thousands of feet of water front, but he was desirous of doing 
anything that would tend to shorten the route, thus keeping down freight rates, 
making them one-third less than formerly. In order to accomplish daily trips 
to San Francisco by steamer from Petaluma he built a canal nearly a m'ile long 
with a basin 250x500 feet so that steamers could enter at any time. This he 
did from his private means, as well as keeping it open at an expense of thou- 
sands of dollars. It is his belief that some day this canal will be extended tc 
the Bay. He owns the land along the east side of Petaluma creek as far as 
below the railroad bridge and secured the mahogany mill for the city. 

Mr. McNear claims credit for making the first concrete in California, cut- 
ting the material into squares after laying the concrete in a plastic state on the 
floors in his warehouse as early as 1864. This process was twenty vears later 
covered by the Shillinger patent. In building a reservoir at Point McNear he 
used reinforced concrete over forty years ago, and at the same time made con- 
crete floors and feed boxes in his dairy, the first of the kind on the Bay. He 



■ HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 267 

also was the originator of heating tar and asphaltum by running coils of pipe 
through the tank, through which circulated steam from the boiler (for dipping 
pipe when building the Petaluma water works), a process which was afterward 
patented. Mr. McNear also has credit of setting out the first eucalyptus grove 
in Sonoma count}-, in 1866, raising the trees from the seed in open ground and 
later transplanting the young plants from the seed beds. This process cheap- 
ened the plants to one cent apiece, whereas the price had formerly been twenty- 
five cents. Some years ago he constructed a concrete brick reinforced reservoir 
forty feet in diameter, with a capacity of one hundred and twenty-five thousand 
gallons. This was constructed of concrete . and brick, reinforced with galvan- 
ized twisted ribbon wire, with a series of coils for each tier of brick. This has 
withstood the blasting from quarries, as well as the earthquake of 1906. 

During 1865 Mr. McNear built the handsome and commodious fast pas- 
senger and freight steamer Josie McNear expressly for the Petaluma trade, 
taking passengers at fifty cents to San Francisco, the effect of which was the 
immediate reduction of the fare from $2.50 to $1 between Petaluma and San 
Francisco by the Minton line. Mr. McNear's plan has always been not to 
see how much he could get out of a customer, but to see how much he could do 
for him. This same advice he gave to his oldest son, George P., when he en- 
tered his business, and in following this policy he has gained the confidence of 
the people, and is one of the foremost business men of San Francisco and North- 
ern California. For many years Mr. McNear and this son were in partner- 
ship, carrying on and building up one of the largest mercantile enterprises of 
its kind in the state. Of late years the business has been carried on by the son 
alone, the business transacted amounting to about $1,500,000 annually. The 
average pay roll for labor by Mr. McNear and three sons has been $10,000 per 
month for many years. 

Tn all matters that have been for the upbuilding of Petaluma Mr. McNear 
has always been found ready and willing to assist to the best of his ability and it 
was through his influence that the silk factory, shoe factory, and many other 
manufacturing interests were secured to Petaluma. he giving the site for the 
buildings and thousands of dollars and fnonths of time. He also gave the acre 
of land upon which the shoe factory and East Petaluma school are located, and 
with his- son, George P., promoted the present electric railroad that has done so 
much to develop the entire country, and plans are now under way to extend the 
road to the bay (deep water) and San Francisco by ferry, also to Healdsburg. 
Mr. McNear is one of the largest property owners in the city, and at the same time 
one of the most prosperous. He is never lacking in enterprise and had all others 
been as progressive as he, Petaluma would now be many times its present size. 
Almost every business enterprise in which he has engaged has prospered, and 
another of the worthy movements started by him was the building of the 
water works to supply the growing needs of the city, acting as president of the 
company during its construction. He was also the organizer of the Sonoma 
County Bank, the first incorporated bank in Sonoma county, and the strongest 
financial institution of the county ; and he is the only living member of the orig- 
inal twenty stock subscribers who were selected — each taking $5,000 — and he 
lias been the designer and builder of many of the best blocks in the city. Perhaps 
the work best known and for which he is held in the highest esteem has been the 



268 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

development and beautifying of Cypress Hill Cemetery, upon which he has spent 
many thousands of dollars. This park is located on the outskirts of Petaluma, 
on a rise of ground from which one can get a view of the entire surrounding 
country and it is improved upon a scale that makes it equal to any other public 
enterprise of its kind in the state, having miles and miles of beautiful drives lined 
with all the varieties of trees. 

In 1867 Mr. McNear erected his present residence (opposite "Walnut 
Plaza" which he secured for the city at great personal expense) upon a block 
of ground, which is without doubt one of the most beautiful places in the city. 
The yard is enclosed with a stone fence, the stones being secured from the hills 
nearby and set on end with smaller rocks used as filler, giving a unique and sub- 
stantia! appearance with its seven hundred feet of frontage. Beautiful trees 
and shrubbery embellish the lawn, and make the house appear like a jewel in 
its setting. It is in the midst of these surroundings that Mr. McNear is seen and 
can be appreciated, as by the quick yet keen glance from his eyes and his kindly 
though unassuming manner, his modesty and strength of character and decision 
of mind are plainly expressed. 

On September 3, 1854, in Pascagoula, Miss., John A. McNear and Miss 
Clara D., daughter of George B. Williams, were united in marriage. She died 
in San Francisco January 17, 1866. On May 15, 1867, he was married to Miss 
Hattie S. Miller, in the Church of the Advent, the service being conducted by 
Rev. George H. Jenks. Mrs. McNear is the daughter of Michael John Miller, 
who was born in Alsace, France. His father, John Miller, served twenty years 
in the French army under Napoleon and was in the march to Moscow and present 
at the burning of that city. He brought his family to New York state, locating 
in Monroe county, where his death occurred. Michael J. Miller brought his 
family to California in 1864, coming by way of the Isthmus of Panama, and 
locating in San Francisco, where he engaged in the commission business and 
later in the transportation and freight business. In 1870 he located in Petaluma, 
where he became prominent in business and social circles. His wife, Julia Upton, 
was born in Rindge, N. H., the daughter of Nathan and Hannah (Colburn) 
Upton, both natives of New Hampshire. The father died in Petaluma in 1900, 
and the mother in 1907. In their family besides Mrs. McNear there was a 
daughter, Mattie A., the wife of Capt. Nathaniel Gould, of Petaluma. ' Of Mr. 
McNear's second marriage two children were born, as follows: John A., Jr., 
who is a graduate of Cooper Medical College, but is aiding his father in his vast 
business undertakings instead of following his profession, and Erskine Baker, 
who is manager of the brick-manufacturing plant at McNear's Point. Of Mr. 
McNear's first marriage there is one son living, George P., who was educated at 
the Petaluma high school and the Oakland Military Academy and is the most ex- 
tensive grain and real-estate dealer in Sonoma county, president of the Sonoma 
County National Bank, and who with his father originated and built the Petaluma 
and Santa Rosa Railroad. The elder Mr. McNear was president of this road 
from its inception and during the time it was being constructed looked after the 
details of construction. After the road was completed he acted as president 
of the company without salary for four years, when by his suggestion the general 
manager was made president, and he has since served as vice-president and di- 




v fcy/&si<J7l&^-r^. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 2j\ 

rector of the road. Plans are now under way to continue the line to deep water 
at Point McNear, for connection with San Francisco. 

Of all the prominent pioneers of the state there is none more deserving 
of the esteem and good will of the people than John A. McNear, for wherever 
his name is known it means that he has stamped some indelible action in that 
locality that has almost made his name a household word. He is typically a 
Californian by adoption, always of the most loyal kind, honorable, upright, 
and a man who has forged his way to the front through the exercise of talents 
given him by nature, and while doing this there has never been a time that he 
has neglected the duties of a citizen. He is a large property owner in Petaluma 
and Sonoma count) - , nor are his interests confined to this one section, for he has 
confidence in the state and has made judicious investments in other places which 
have returned him a good profit. It is to such men as John A. McNear that 
attention is directed and whose example is worthy of emulation. 



ISAAC G. WICKERSHAM. 

One of the old and prominent residents of the coast, well known through 
his accomplishments in financial and other activities throughout Sonoma county, 
was the late Isaac G. Wickersham, whose residence in Petaluma dated from 
his arrival in November, 1853, until his death, in June, 1899. The youngest 
of the large family of eleven children included in the parental family, he was 
born in Newberrytown, York county, Pa., August 26, 1820. The father died 
in 1825, when Isaac was only five years of age, but the mother did a noble part 
in endeavoring to supply the loss of this parent to her children. Though handi- 
capped by delicate health and a nervous temperament, Isaac G. Wickersham 
struck out in the world on his own account at the age of fifteen years, and as 
testimony of the careful rearing of his mother, as well as to the possession of an 
inborn refinement and uprightness of character, it may be said that he met hard- 
ships and temptations with fortitude. For a number of years he experienced 
life in the eastern states and Canada, but the year 1840 found him in Indiana, 
where, in Newcastle, Henry county, he had taken up the study of law in the 
office of Judge Elliott. In the meantime the slavery question had created two 
strong factions, and it was to the anti-slavery cause that the young law student 
gave the weight of his influence, in 1840 acting as secretary of the Indiana State 
Anti-Slavery Society, and he took an active part in Harrison's presidential cam- 
paign. Upon the completion of his law studies, in the spring of 1843, he was 
admitted to the bar, but before settling down to practice he decided to come 
further west. 

Mr. Wickersham's next move brought him as far west as Keokuk, Iowa, 
where he established a law office and built up an excellent practice, which gave 
evidence of his thorough understanding of the intricacies of his profession and 
the confidence which his clients reposed in his ability. During the decade which 
he remained in Iowa he accumulated considerable means, but failing health at 
the end of this time was the means of his making an extended tour through 
Mexico and California, in the hope of restoring his lost vitality. From New 



272 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

( Irleans he wenl to Vera Cruz, where he was joined by a company who bought 
horses, and from there they went to the City of Mexico, and ten days later 
to Vapulo.. During all of this time, with the exception of the time he passed 
in the City of Mexico, he slept out of doors. By steamer from Acapulco he 
went to San Francisco, thence on to Sacramento, where he bought a horse and 
supplies and made an investigation of the mines. Crossing the Sierras he met 
emigrants coming to California, and it was there, at Carson*s sink, that he saw 
and grasped a good opportunity, which was to buy cattle and cut hay. Novern 
l-cr. [853, found him in Petaluma, which was then a very small village, and 
consequently he did not find the market for his goods that he had anticipated. 
However, he was not discouraged and decided to hold his cattle and hay for a 
better market in the spring. In the meantime he showed his faith, in the ulti- 
mate future of the settlement by erecting a house that was a credit to himsell 
and the town. In the spring of 1854 he cut three hundred tons of hay on the 
fiat directly north of town, thereby putting to use the first mowing- machine that 
had ever been brought to the Sonoma side of the bay. 

The young town and its ambitious fathers were not long in recognizing 
.Mr. W'ickersham's ability to fill any position which he could be prevailed upon 
to accept, and in addition to taking care of his private practice he also acted 
as district attorney, a position to which his fellow-citizens had elected him in 
1855. He also acted as notary and did considerable business in lending money. 
\s a development of the last-mentioned industry, in February, 1865, he estab- 
lished the private bank of I. G. Wickersham & Co. on the corner of Alain and 
Washington streets, and so successful had the venture proven, that two years 
later, in [867, he erected the first bank building in the town. Business advanced 
with the passing of years, and in ( >clober, 1874, the name of the bank was 
changed to the First National Bank of Petaluma, and at the same time the 
capital stock was raised to $200,000. Business under the new regime began 
January 1. 1875. with Isaac G. Wickersham president; H. H. Atwater cashier; 
while the trustees were the president and cashier just mentioned, and Jesse C. 
Wickersham. P. B. llewlitt and H. L. Davis. On September 11. 1884, the 
institution became a state bank under the name of The Wickersham Banking 
Company. 

On .May 21, 1857, Air. Wickersham was united in marriage with Miss 
T.vdia C '. Pickett, a native of Fall River, Mass., and six children were born 
to them, two of the number dying in infancy and two, Frederick A. and Frank 
1'.. alter becoming prominent in business circles, passed awav about the age of 
forty. One of the daughters. Mae L.. became the wife of A. M. Bergevin, and 
the other daughter, Lizzie C, became the wife of Thomas Maclay, a well-known 
citizen of Petaluma. of whom a sketch will be found elsewhere. Throughout 
the years of his residence in Petaluma Air. Wickersham took a leading part in 
whatever was done for the upbuilding of the town and count), and his death 
was counted a loss to the entire commonwealth. He was a member of the 
Episcopal Church, to the forwarding of whose good work he gave liberally of 
time and means. 





^o 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 275 

WILLIAM HILL. 

It is always interesting to chronicle the life of the pioneer, the man who 
was not afraid to enter the wilds of a new country, ready to endure whatever 
privation or hardship he might encounter and always persevere in whatever 
occupation he undertook until, by his indomitable energy, tact and ability, he 
rose as a peer among the men of his calling. Such a man was William Hill, agri- 
culturist, horticulturist and banker of Petaluma. 

A native of New York state, William Hill was born in the town of Scott, 
Cortland county, September 8, 1829. His parents, Alexander and Ann (Kenyon) 
Hill, were natives of Washington county, that state, and died when William was 
thirteen or fourteen years old, consequently he remembered very little about 
them. He attended the common schools of his neighborhood up to the age of 
twelve years, after which he had very little opportunity for schooling, but he 
had a good home and worked on his father's farm until he was fifteen vears 
of age. He then left New York and went to Wisconsin, where he worked by 
the day and month during the summer, herding and driving cattle on the plains 
of northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin, after which he turned his atten- 
tion to the cooper's trade and worked at it most of the time up to 1853. Having 
saved his earnings in the meantime he was able to procure an outfit of horses, 
mules and other equipment and started across the plains for California. He 
left Racine, Wis., March 25, and arrived at Hangtown (now Placerville) on 
the 10th of the following August and, like the majority of early pioneers, he 
had an uncontrollable desire to visit the mines. Accordingly he went to Mis- 
sion Flat and Coloma, where he prospected for awhile, until his money was 
about gone, when he hired out bv the day. After he had been there about 
three months and had earned enough money to come to Sonoma county, he 
took up a piece of government land which had two Spanish claims against it, 
although the title was afterward proven to be all right. Here he put up a 
cabin and went to work chopping wood, which he sold to the San Francisco 
market. In the fall of the following year he was taken sick and was unable 
to do anything for over two months, at which time he came to Petaluma and 
went into the mercantile business, continuing this until i860. During this time 
he had bought a farm near Stony Point and after going out of business, moved 
on it and remained for five years, following agricultural pursuits, at the end 
of that time returning to Petaluma. 

In 1866 the Bank of Sonoma County was organized and Mr. Hill was 
elected its first president, which position he held for twenty years. It was 
started with a capital of $90,000, and during the years that Mr. Hill was at the 
head of it, there was something like $375,000 paid in dividends to the stock- 
holders and $210,000 of its earnings capitalized, which shows an able manage- 
ment of the affairs of the institution. In August of 1886 he severed his connec- 
tion with the bank and on July 1, 1887, the banking house of William Hill & Son 
was organized, which was later incorporated, with Mr. Hill as president and 
Alexander B. Hill as cashier. This position William Hill held until the day of 
his death. This bank was started with a capital stock of $100,000, and afterwards 
increased to $150,000. Mr. Hill's business career had generally been attended 
with marked success. He was one of the largest real-estate owners in the county, 
at one time possessing about six thousand acres in Sonoma and Marin counties, 



276 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

besides vast holdings in Old Mexico. That in Sonoma and Marin counties was 
improved land, having a vineyard of two hundred acres situated near Forest- 
ville, and he was also largely engaged in fruit-growing, having over one hun- 
dred acres in orchard. He was a stock-holder and director in the Sonoma 
County Water Company, having been identified with the corporation since its 
organization. He was also identified with the railroad interests of the county, 
and was president of the subsidy started in building the Donohue Railroad, 
before the company sold its interests. He was instrumental in starting the 
woolen mills in this city, was president of the company that managed it at this 
time, and was more or less connected with the history and growth of Petaluma 
from its earliest existence, and always willing to assist and encourage any public 
enterprise that would result in good for the city and county. 

Mr. Hill was married in San Francisco, August 12, 1862, to Miss Josephine 
Pilkington, who was born in Troy, N. Y., the daughter of James and Margaret 
(Lonnon) Pilkington. The former was born in Clitheroe, Lancashire, England, 
the latter in the north of Ireland, of an old Scotch family, whose mother was 
a Wallace, traced back to the Jacobites. The father came to the United States 
when a young man, taking up his residence in New England and later moved 
to Providence, Bureau county, 111., where he owned a farm, but his time was 
principally taken up as a traveling salesman. His demise occurred in Port- 
land in 1864, shortly after coming west. The mother's death occurred at the 
home of Mrs. Hill. A brother, Dr. John B. Pilkington, was a prominent physi- 
cian in Portland at the time of his death. Another brother, Thomas J., is a 
successful horticulturist in Sonoma county. 

Mr. and Mrs. Hill were the parents of four children : Alexander B., who 
after his father's death became the head of William Hill & Co., until its dis- 
incorporation, and is one of the able financiers of Petaluma ; Raymond P. : 
William K. ; and James V., who died after they had reached young manhood. 

Since her husband's death, Mrs. Flill has resided at the family home on 
Seventh street, where she delights to welcome her friends, who love her for 
her generosity and many acts of helpfulness and charity bestowed on those who 
have been less fortunate. She is carrying out the wishes of her husband in be- 
ing active in all movements that will better the conditions of the citizens and is 
conscientious in all things and all her acts of kindness are done in an unostenta- 
tious manner. She has traveled extensively throughout the United States, as well 
as in Old Mexico and in 1910 and 1911 a much-desired visit to England was ful- 
filled, which gave her the opportunity of visiting her father's old home in Clitheroe. 

Mr. Hill's death occurred suddenly at his home on Seventh street at nine 
o'clock in the evening of July 30, 1902, having been attending to his business 
at the hank all day. The news of his death was received with the deepest 
regret. For years he was a familiar figure on the streets of the city and in 
business Mr. Hill possessed an abnormal capacity. His interests, though widely 
diversified, were handled with consummate skill and with due attention to all 
its smallest duties. Tn his business dealings with the public he was known as 
an honest, square-dealing man, and as president of the Hill Bank, Petaluma 
Power and Water Company and president of the Novato Land Company, 
esteem for him was unbounded. Fraternally he was much devoted to Masonry, 
being an active member, and rose to the Knight Templar degree. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 277 

LEWIS WEEKS. 

Not unlike many others who have succeeded to a position of influence and 
popularity in Sonoma county Lewis Weeks proved his worth at the beginning 
of his career by enlisting for service in the Civil war as soon as age would 
permit. When the smouldering animosity between the north and south came 
to a crisis in the declaration of hostilities it found him uneventfully passing his 
days on a farm in Lincoln county, Me., where he was born in 1845. When the 
call came for men to come to the front to aid in putting down hostilities he 
would have responded gladly had his age permitted, but as he was then only 
sixteen years old he did not attempt to join the ranks. However, he followed 
the events of the war on land and water with an interested eye, and on attain- 
ing his eighteenth year he needed no urging to enlist his services. Enlisting in 
the navy in 1863, he was detailed for duty on the steamer Lodona, of the south 
Atlantic blockading squadron, and was stationed for service on the coast of 
Georgia. A creditable service of two years was brought to a close by the dec- 
laration of peace, after which lie returned to his native state and remained until 
after reaching his majority. 

The rear 1867 found Mr. Weeks setting out for California by the Panama 
route, and his journey's end found him in San Francisco a stranger among 
strangers, with only $5 in his pocket. His first winter in the west was passed 
in the mines of Calaveras county, where he had great expectations of gain- 
ing sudden wealth, but like many another, he was doomed to disappointment, 
and he returned from the mines a sadder and wiser man. Going back to San 
Francisco he applied himself to learning the carpenter's trade, a wise under- 
taking, in that it provided him with remunerative employment in that city for 
a number of years, or until 1881. In the meantime he had become interested in 
agricultural affairs and wished to try his luck in this line of endeavor. Com- 
ing to Sonoma county, he bought a ranch in Bennett's valley, near Santa Rosa, 
comprising one hundred and sixty acres, seventy of which he set out to grapes. 
Here too his success was indifferent, and after remaining on the ranch for 
five years he returned to San Francisco and entered the employ of the Pacific 
Pine Lumber Company, a position which he held until returning to Sonoma 
county in 1893. 

Although Mr. Weeks' first experience as a rancher had not met his ex- 
pectations entirely he was not discouraged and his second venture proved to 
him that he had not been over sanguine in his hopes. Near Sebastopol he 
purchased thirty acres of rough, virgin land, which he cleared of timber, and 
after putting it in condition for crops, planted an orchard of prunes and apples, 
and a vineyard of seven acres. In the selection of his grapes he chose a variety 
that would not be affected by an over abundance of rain, a variety known as 
the Petitsyrah grape, which has no parallel as a wine grape. From his com- 
paratively small vineyard of seven acres he gathered twelve tons during the 
season of 1909, for which he received the highest market price. His prune 
crop for the same season amounted to twenty-five tons of green fruit, while 
his apple crop amounted to two tons of fine apples boxed, and five tons of dried 
fruit. A variety of other fruits as well as berries are raised for home use, in 
addition to which a hennery of two hundred and seventy-five chickens is main- 
tained. It is Mr. Weeks' intention to increase his flock and carry on the chicken 



2 7 8 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

business on a larger scale, as the small business that he now has, has demon- 
strated its financial advantages. 

A marriage ceremony in 1880 united the destinies of Lewis Weeks and 
Ida M. Ramsdell, who is also a native of Maine, born in Augusta in 1853. One 
child has been born of this marriage, Robert L., who is his father's valued 
assistant in maintaining the varied interests of the home ranch. Fraternally 
Air. Weeks is a Mason, and he is also a member of the Grand Army of the 
Republic, belonging to Ellsworth Post, of Santa Rosa. 



G. A. STROUT. 

The interesting and active career of this well-known citizen of Sebastopol 
began in his birthplace, Bradford, Me., where he was born in 1846, and was con- 
tinued in Illinois, Minnesota, North Dakota and Oregon before he finally came 
to Sonoma county, Cal., in 1890. Reared and primarily educated in his birth- 
place, he subsequently went to Bangor, Me., and became a carpenter's appren- 
tice, learning the trade in all of its details. At the age of twenty-one, with the 
confidence born of youth, he started out from the home of his parents deter- 
mined thenceforth to make his own way in the world, a determination which 
never weakened and which has its reward today in the knowledge that all he 
has is the result of his own unwearied exertion. 

From Maine Mr. Strout went first to Chicago, 111., where he took an exam- 
ination for school teacher, and out of twenty-one applicants he was the only 
one to pass the examination. The school assigned him was in Elk Grove, Cook 
county, twenty-two miles from Chicago, where he completed one term as teacher, 
after which he went to Minneapolis, Minn., and there made the first practical 
use of the trade which he had learned, working at the carpenter's trade for the 
St. Paul & Pacific Railroad for about four years. From there he went to Fargo, 
N. Dak., where he took charge of a crew of men who were constructing a bridge 
over the Red River of the North, and when this was completed he became fore- 
man of the buildings on the Northern Pacific Railroad, under the direction of 
the chief engineer of the road, Thomas L. Rosser, and while so employed, 
erected a three-story hotel which was the first building of any importance in 
Fargo. This was used as Mr. Rosser's headquarters while there. Subsequently 
the building was destroyed by fire. Besides the work which the position of 
foreman of building involved, Mr. Strout also had charge of the carpenter con- 
struction on the road for some years, as well as doing general contracting work 
in Fargo. 

Being offered a good business chance in Oregon in the construction of 
grain elevators in Round Valley and Pomeroy, he went to that locality from 
North Dakota and entered upon the work for which his varied experience 
had so well qualified him. The failing health of his wife, however, was the 
means of his giving up much of the work which he had expected to do, and 
upon his return to North Dakota, where his wife had remained during his 
absence, he made plans to come to California. With his wife and family he 
came to the west the same year, 1890, and in 1892 located in Sebastopol. This 
was the year in which the town was incorporated and in the new life which 



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HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 283 

this honor gave to the town he readily found work at his trade. After working 
at the carpenter's trade for three years he started the planing mill of which he 
is now the proprietor, his specialty being the manufacture of step-ladders, fruit- 
driers and fruit-trays. 

Mr. Strout's first marriage was with Miss Mary L. Trott, who was a native 
of Maine, and who died in California in 1890, soon after coming to the state. 
Five sons were born of this marriage, as follows : Elmer, a graduate of the 
University of Minnesota and a practicing physician and surgeon in Winthrop, 
Minn. ; Ernest, a graduate of Stanford University, Palo Alto, Cal., and now 
general manager of a mine in Mexico; Archie, who is a graduate of the Univer- 
sity of California at Berkeley and is now associated with his father in the mill 
in Sebastopol; Gale, a graduate of Stanford University and a civil engineer 
by profession; and William, a resident of San Francisco. Mr. Strout's second 
marriage, in 1892, united him with Miss Millie L. Saunders, a native of Oregon, 
but a resident of California the greater part of her life. At her death in 1908 
she left five children, Irmo, Sylver, Hazel, Zeno and Mervin. In whatever 
community Mr. Strout has made his home he has entered heartily into its wel- 
fare and done his part in its upbuilding as any good citizen should do. While 
in North Dakota he served as city trustee of Lisbon and Fargo, was county 
commissioner of Cass county, and also served in the capacity of department 
superintendent of public instruction. His interest in his later home in Califor- 
nia has been no less ardent, and for four years he served as one of the trustees 
of Sebastopol. For many years Mr. Strout has enjoyed membership in the 
Masonic fraternity, having joined the order in 1873. 



HON. ALBION PARIS WHITNEY. 

Over a quarter of a century has come and gone since the earthly career of 
Mr. Whitney came to a close, but so deeply embedded in the hearts of his friends 
and fellow-workers is the memory of his long and helpful life among them, that 
time nor circumstance has had no power to dim it. For all that he was able to 
accomplish in life he took no credit to himself, but gave it rather to his worthy 
forebears, members of the famous old Whitney family of New England, whose 
accomplishments in the interests of humanity have made the name a household 
word all over the world. In direct line his ancestors were William, Samuel, 
Abner, John, Moses, Richard and John, the last-mentioned being the establisher 
of the name on American soil. From England he came to the United 
States in 1636 and settled with his wife and five sons at Watertown, Mass. 
From this immigrant was descended Eli Whitney, the inventor of the cotton 
gin ; William Collins Whitney, secretary of the navy ; besides many statesmen, 
inventors, educators and manufacturers who have been invaluable factors in the 
progress of the United States. 

A native of Maine, Albion P. Whitney was born in Bangor September 15, 
1825, on the family homestead, where he was early in life initiated into the 
duties of a farmer's son. When he was sixteen years old he went with his 
brother into the wild woods in the northern part of his native state, engaging 
in the lumber business there until 1855, and becoming an expert sawyer and 
13 



284 HISTORY, OF SONOMA COUNTY 

milhnan. The western fever having attacked him, he came west as far as St. 
Anthony's Falls, Minn., and worked in the lumber camps for one season. Later 
he penetrated the dense woods in Meeker county, that state, and finding a good 
mill site, in partnership with two others established a mill on Grow river and 
engaged in the manufacture of lumber for two years. The undertaking proved 
very successful, but as immigration seemed to be attracting settlers further 
west, Mr. Whitney determined to give up his business and make a tour of inves- 
tigation in the west. Leaving his family in Minnesota, in 1858 he set out for 
Pike's Peak, Colo., but changed his course after meeting people on the way 
who were returning from the Peak. Instead, he took the trail leading to Cali- 
fornia, coming around Puget Sound with an ox-team. At the end of one year's 
work in a sawmill he sold the wagon in which he had made the journey across 
the plains for $55, sending $50 of this home to his family. Better prospects 
awaited him, and for the following three years he filled contracts for getting out 
mining timber in Placer county, Cal. In the fall of 1861 his family joined him, 
his wife making the trip with four children by the Panama route, landing at 
San Francisco December 15. From there they came to Petaluma, where Mr. 
Whitney had located in i860. In the spring of each year he returned to fill his 
contracts. 

With means which he had accumulated, $1,600, in 1862 Mr. Whitney pur- 
chased the interest of Mr. Cross in the grocery business of Cross & Lamereaux, 
to which he later added a grain business. A couple of years later he acquired 
the balance of the business, which grew apace and ultimately assumed large 
proportions due to the enterprise and far-sightedness of the proprietor, who 
carried on a large business in freighting grain and produce by water to the coast 
markets. This he continued up to the time of his death February 10, 1884. 
When one reflects that he came to California without resources except the 
endowment which nature gave him, the success which he attained was truly 
remarkable. For many years he was one of the leading men of the county, 
taking a keen interest in the well-being of the city and state, and in many public 
offices of trust and responsibility he rendered efficient service. He was chair- 
man of the board of city trustees for a number of terms, and in 1874 was hon- 
ored by being the first man elected to the state senate on the Republican ticket. 
For a number of years he was a member of the school board of Petaluma, and 
was also an important member of the District Agricultural Association. 

Mr. Whitney's marriage, February 1, 1S50, united him with Miss Susan 
D. Eastman, who was born in Jackson, N. H., March 28, 1832, but was brought 
up and educated in Maine, her parents removing to that state when she was six 
years old. Otis Eastman lived to reach a very great age, making his home 
with his daughter in Petaluma for eleven years, but later became a resident of 
Humboldt county. Eight children were born of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. 
Whitney, of whom the four youngest were born after the removal of the 
parents to California. Named in the order of their birth the children are as 
follows : Calvin E., who prior to his death at the age of forty years was engaged 
in the commission business in San Francisco: Cleora, the wife of Frederick 
Hewlett, a resident of Napa county ; Nancy Jane, who became the wife of 
George P. Morrow, of Oakland ; Arthur L., who is engaged in the manufacture 
of salt in San Mateo, Cal.; Leona Merrill, who died at the age of two vears 




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niA , 




HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 285 

and six months; Marcella, the wife of C. B. Wheaton, of Alameda; Albion H., 
who is interested in the salt business with his brother Arthur ; and Clara, the 
wife of Louis E. Spear, of Alameda. Mr. Whitney's name was one well known 
in Masonic circles, for he believed in and worked for the good of the order 
as did few others. He was a member of Petaluma Lodge, F. & A. M., which 
he served for a time as chaplain, besides filling the same office in the com- 
mandery. As is well known, Mr. Whitney came to the west empty-handed so 
far as this world's goods were concerned, but by industry, energy, thrift and 
good management accumulated a vast wealth, leaving $160,000 to his family. 
A portrait of Mr. Whitney accompanies this biography, taken when he was a 
member of the state senate, at the age of fortv-nine vears. 



MRS. SUSAN DURGIN WHITNEY. 

There is no name better known in Petaluma than Whitney, for in all phil- 
anthropic movements Mrs. Whitney has ever been found among the leaders. 
She was born in Jackson, N. PL, March 28, 1832, the daughter of Otis Eastman, 
who was likewise a native of New Hampshire, having been born in Conway, 
April 15, 1806. His wife was Florella Merrill, a native of the same place and 
of English ancestry. Her father, Enoch Merrill, was born in Conway and 
represented a family that came from England and settled in Massachusetts 
in 1636, during the early history of this country. There he married Sarah 
Merrill, who was born in New Hampshire and died in Minnesota, at Kingston, 
aged seventy-three years. 

On the paternal side Mrs. Whitney comes from Welsh stock ; her grand- 
father, Abiather Eastman, born in Conway, N. H.. served in the war of 1812 
and died in service. His widow, Susan (Durgin) Eastman, was also a native 
of New Hampshire. At the death of her husband she was left with six children 
to rear and with no means at her command. This meant that as soon as each 
one was old enough he would have to shoulder the burden of life and assist in 
supporting the younger members of the family. Otis Eastman was bound out 
to a relative from the -age of seven until he was fourteen, at which time he 
began as a farm hand, working about the neighborhood at from $8 to $10 
a month. He cleared a farm in Jackson and later went to Aroostook county, 
Me., where he improved another farm and about 1870 he located in Kingston, 
Meeker county, Minn. When he was eighty-five years of age he came to Cali- 
fornia and made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Whitney, in Petaluma, 
and he passed away on November 12, 1905, aged ninety-nine years. He was 
a Jacksonian Democrat until Fremont's time, and thereafter voted the Repub- 
lican ticket, and was a Methodist. 

To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Eastman eight children were born, seven of 
whom grew to maturity, viz. : Susan Durgin, of this review ; Rufus Merrill, who 
served in the Civil war in the First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry and is now 
residing at Hammond, La. ; Enoch Merrill, a soldier in a Minnesota regiment 
and now a resident of Litchfield, Minn. ; Flora, who died at the age of twenty- 
three years ; George, who served in the Civil war, enlisting in a Maine regiment 
at the age of nineteen years and now a resident of Ft. Fairfield, Me. ; Eller 



286 HISTORY ( iF Si "NOMA COUNTY 

who died at the age of fourteen years; and Charles M., residing at Fortuna, 
Humboldt count}", Cal. 

Susan Durgin Whitney was reared in Aroostook county, Ale., from 1843, 
and her education was obtained in the subscription schools of that location and 
period. She was married February 1, 1850, to Albion Paris Whitney, whose 
sketch appears on another page of this work and whose family is mentioned 
therein. Mrs. Whitney moved to Minnesota in 1856 and in the fall of 1861 
brought her four children via the Isthmus of Panama to California, arriving 
in San Francisco December 15th and since that date has made her home in 
Petaluma. Since the death of Mr. Whitney she has continued to look after the 
business interests that engrossed his time, having been made executrix of the 
estate and has carried out his wishes to the. letter. She resides at the family 
home, No. 320 Sixth street. She has a substantial income and is able to con- 
tribute liberally toward charitable movements and to promote enterprises for the 
upbuilding of Petaluma, in which her husband and herself have ever been 
deeply interested. Mrs. Whitney has been active in all movements that would 
better the condition of the citizens and has been conscientious in all tilings. 
She believes in not letting her right hand know what her left hand does and 
all her acts of kindness are done in an^unostentatious manner. She is a member 
of the Eastern Star Chapter and of the Episcopal Church. She likes to mingle 
with her many friends and to relieve suffering wherever she may find it. Such 
characters as Mrs. Whitney's are well worthy of emulation by the rising gen- 
erations. 



GEORGE A. ROSS. 

The son and grandson of pioneer settlers in California. George A. Ross 
is adding lustre to a name already held in high repute, through his accomplish- 
ments as a horticulturist on the old paternal homestead near Forestville, So- 
noma county. This has been his life-time home, for he was born here January 
10, 1866, the son of Losson and Sidney (Meeks) Ross. (For a detailed ac- 
count of the family history the reader is referred to the sketch of Losson Ross, 
elsewhere in this volume.) The father had been attracted to the west on ac- 
count of the gold find in California, but after following mining for about two 
years and the maintenance of a general store for the same length of time in 
Placer county, he turned his attention to agriculture, with which he was more 
familiar, and followed this calling on property which he purchased in Green 
valley, Sonoma county, throughout the remainder of his life. It was here that 
George A. Ross was born and reared, attending the primary schools of this com- 
munity in his boyhood, and later he attended Napa College, in the city of that 
name. 

Instead of returning to the homestead ranch after his college course was 
completed George A. Ross accepted a position as fireman on the California and 
Northwestern Railroad, filling this position until he was made locomotive engi- 
neer. His father being in need of his assistance in the care of the home prop- 
erty he gave up his position with the railroad and returned home, and from 
that time until the death of the father July 20, 1908, business was carried on 
under the name of L. Ross & Son. At the time this property was purchased it 




^~^(k (9 ^J^sjuJmsi^s 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 289 

was entirely covered with oak timber and brush, but this was all cleared and 
put under cultivation, an apple orchard and vineyard being set out, in addition 
to which general farming was carried on to some extent. Since the death of 
his father Mr. Ross has continued the policy inaugurated by his father, and now 
has thirty-five acres of vineyard, from which he has an annual yield of one 
hundred and fifty tons of grapes, and fifteen acres are in full-bearing apple trees 
of the Gravenstein, Jonathan and Wagner varieties. The trees are eight years 
old, and during the season of 1909 produced over four thousand boxes of fine 
fruit, the apples selling for $1.40 per box F. O. B. One of the equipments of 
the ranch is the fine packing house, where the fruit is sorted, packed and labeled 
for shipment. 

The marriage of George A. Ross, which occurred in 1891, united him with 
Miss Lena L. Bach, a native daughter of Sonoma county, born in Petaluma. 
Three sons have blessed their marriage, Mervyn F., Edwin and Leonard. Fra- 
ternally Mr. Ross is a member of but one order, belonging to the Odd Fellows 
lodge of Forestville. The business and other associations of Mr. Ross are of 
the highest order, and indicate a man of high ideals and strict integrity, and it 
is for this reason that he stands in such excellent repute among his fellow-citi- 
zens. Mr. Ross's mother is still livifig^SnTT makes her home with him on the old 
homestead to which she came with her husband in early pioneer days. 



MELVIN CYRUS MEEKER. 

Varied experiences of adversity and of success have fallen to the lot of 
Melvin C. Meeker since first he came to California in 1861, when as a young- 
man of twenty years he came as an escort to his sister, whose fiance was await- 
ing her corning. Pleased with the outlook before him he determined to remain 
and make it his permanent home, and a residence here covering half a century 
has proven to him beyond doubt that his decision was a wise one. During this 
time he has made a name and place for himself in business circles in Sonoma 
county as an extensive lumber manufacturer and dealer, was one of the 
founders of the town of Occidental, and is the proprietor of two fine hotels at 
Camp Meeker, the Rusticano and New England hotels. 

A native of New Jersey, born in Essex county in 1841, Melvin C. Meeker 
was not burdened with advantages in his boyhood, but he was largely endowed 
with determination and perseverance and the lack of advantages did not prove 
so disastrous to him as it might to those less courageous and determined. Not 
only is he a practically self-educated man, but when a boy of only eleven years 
he started out to make his own way in the world and from that time onward 
has been independent of any help from others. At the age mentioned he began 
work in a grist-mill in Milltown, N. J., as an errand boy, continuing there for 
one year, this being followed for a similar period by a position in a hat factory 
in Millburn, in the same state. Subsequently, in the same city, he secured a 
position in a paper-mill, during the three years he remained there becoming 
proficient in every department of the paper-making business, and it was with 
considerable pride that he finally became manager of the Fandango Paper Mills. 
Although he had made a success of whatever he had undertaken thus far, he 



29 o HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

had a natural inclination for mechanics and in order to enable him to follow 
more congenial lines of employment he began to fit himself for the carpenter's 
trade, entering as an apprentice in Millburn when he was sixteen years old. 
Not only did he make rapid strides in die mechanical part of his work during 
his three years apprenticeship, but he also did commendable work as a designer 
and architect. Later he received instruction under a building contractor and 
architect in Elizabeth City, N. J., where he learned scroll-sawing, molding, orna- 
mental trimming work, in addition to artistic architecture and the trade of sash, 
door and blind maker. 

As has been stated, Mr. Meeker came to California in 1861 with his sister, 
whose future husband was located here. Going to Valleyford, Mr. Meeker 
contracted to work as a carpenter for six months in order to defray the ex- 
penses of his passage, for which he had borrowed $200. After the contract 
was completed and the debt cancelled he was fortunate in securing a position 
that would give him $60 a month and board, but two months later he gave 
it up to enter upon a business of his own in Tomales, Marin county. The 
undertaking proved more successful than he had anticipated, and it became 
necessary to hire journeymen carpenters to enable him to fill his contracts. 
Finally, in the winter of 1863-64, his brother, A. P. Meeker, became a half- 
owner in the business, and in December of the year last named he withdrew 
from the business entirely by selling his share to his father. 

With cash in hand to the amount of $3,400, Mr. Meeker returned east 
to secure machinery with which to start a sash, door, blind and planing mill 
in Petaluma, and after his purchases had been made he set out in May, 1865, 
in the ill-fated Golden Rule, which was a total wreck. However, a large part 
of his machinery had been shipped by way of Cape Horn, and this finally 
arrived at its destination in safety. Instead of being dismayed by the disaster 
with which he had met, Mr. Meeker returned to Sonoma county, and after 
borrowing the necessary tools, began work at the carpenter's trade in order 
to earn money with which to defray the ship freight on his machinery, which 
arrived at San Francisco in the fall of 1865; the long delay was accounted for 
in that the ship was detained at Rio Janeiro for repairs. In order to enlarge 
his scope of knowledge he secured a position in a saw mill, where he learned 
the business of lumber manufacturing, and in February, 1866, purchased a 
timber claim on government lands. The following month he secured another 
tract, and after he had cut enough timber erected a saw-mill in Bodega town- 
ship, set up his machinery, and just twenty-six days after he had cut down the 
first tree to be used in its construction, the mill was in running order. All was 
clear sailing for a time, when a second misfortune came to him in the burst- 
ing of a new boiler. This was finally replaced, only to find that it was too 
light for the work required of it, and little by little, piece by piece, this too 
was replaced. The end of the season showed that five hundred thousand feet 
of lumber had been sawed, and also that the owner was in debt $3,000. During 
the winter the mill was overhauled and in the spring of 1867 was in good 
running condition, and readily made up for previous losses. Besides installing 
a new engine, Mr. Meeker built a half mile of railroad track to be used for 
logging. From this time on business prospered steadily, and Mr. Meeker sold 
a one-third interest in it to his brother. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 291 

If was in the spring of 1869 that Mr. Meeker purchased the homestead 
upon which he now lives. Here another disaster overtook him in the burning 
of his fine residence, which had just been completed and furnished. Though 
the loss was estimated at $9,000, he was not apparently discouraged, and for 
three and a half years thereafter he and his family lived in the barn. As 
soon as he was able, in August, 1875, he built the fine two-story house which 
was thereafter the home of the family until 191 1, when they went into their 
new home, the "White House," overlooking Camp Meeker. 

The town of Occidental became a reality through the efforts of Mr. 
Meeker and other 'interested citizens. He, with Rev. A. M. Wining and A. S. 
Purvine, in the capacity of committee for the Green Valley Methodist Episco- 
pal Church, established the present site of the Methodist Church at Occidental, 
the lot being the donation of Mr. Meeker. As the church building was erected 
on the proposed line of the North Pacific Coast Railroad, the Methodist Con- 
ference set off a portion of the surrounding country into a new circuit, Occi- 
dental being made head of the list of pastorates. A postoffice soon followed, 
a voting precinct established, and Occidental was thus added to the map of 
California. 

To attempt to tell of Mr. Meeker's accomplishments and make no mention 
of Camp Meeker would be an injustice. This well-known summer resort is 
one of the finest in northern California, and is laid out on a tract from which 
he has been cutting timber for the past thirty-nine years, and still there is 
enough left for several years work. Located north of Occidental, the camp 
contains three thousand acres of land. An attractive section of the camp has 
been laid out in lots, two thousand of which have been sold and seven hun- 
dred cottages built by people in an around San Francisco, who spend their 
summers in these delightful surroundings. Several mineral springs of great 
curative value may here be found, including iron, soda and fresh water. It 
is a conservative estimate that from six to ten thousand people visit Camp 
Meeker annually. 

One of the most attractive features of Camp Meeker is its beautiful 
forest growth. Among the trees are evergreen redwood, or Sequoias, which 
have withstood volcanoes, cyclones, earthquakes and the other tremendous forces 
that have heaved this planet in and out of shape in past centuries. Notwith- 
standing their wonderful tenacity and vitality they are among the most beauti- 
ful forest trees that grow. Many of them measure over forty feet in diameter 
and over four hundred feet high. At Camp Meeker, at the apex of Lookout 
mountain, may be seen four of these forest giants; forming a hollow square 
of about fourteen feet. They stand like sentinels overlooking and guarding 
Green valley, Santa Rosa valley, Knights valley, the Rincon, Napa and Rus- 
sian River valleys, with their orchards of apples, pears, prunes, peaches, cher- 
ries, olives, oranges, walnuts and berries of all kinds and innumerable vine- 
yards. On these four trees has been built a tower about fourteen feet square 
and nearly one hundred feet high, divided into seven stories. The limbs of 
the trees were cut off as each story was built until the top was reached, and 
here a battlement was built to protect people from falling off while gazing at 
the magnificent scenery. Here one may see St. Helena with its five domes, 
just as the volcano left it ages ago, Mount Diablo, Uncle Sam mountain, 



292 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Tamalpais, and the Geyser peak, another extinct volcano. Not only is Camp 
Meeker unexcelled as a forest resort, but is also noted for its pure water and 
equable climate ; being free from cold winds and fogs. 

Mr. Meeker was one of the first to engage in the sale of lots in a sum- 
mer resort. This venture enabled people to become interested and build and 
make it a permanent home in which to spend the summer. . Camp Meeker has 
grown to such proportions that the winters are now enjoyed lay about seventy- 
five families, and three stores supply their wants. There are two churches and 
a school, all erected on lots donated for the purpose by Mr. Meeker. He has 
also built a theatre, large dancing pavilion, bowling alley, besides stores and 
hotels, and a library, which is a valuable adjunct in the equipment of the camp 
settlement. 

Mr. Meeker's marriage, February 19, 1868, united him with Miss Flavia 
Sayre, who was born in Springfield, Essex county, N. J., in 1843, but later 
became a resident of Rochester, N. Y. Of the seven children born to Mr. and 
Mrs. Meeker, only four are now living. Melvin C, Jr., Robert F.. Alexander 
H. and Effie M. 



B. W. PAXTON. 

One of the early pioneer families of California is that to which Mr. Paxton 
belongs and which was established on the coast by that venerable and honored 
pioneer, John A. Paxton, during his long and active life very prominently 
connected with the development of his adopted state. The Paxton family was 
one well and favorably known in the east, and John A. was one of the first 
in his neighborhood to give serious thought to coming to California and avail- 
ing himself of the larger opportunities of the coast, but when, in 1849, ne set 
out on the voyage by way of Cape Horn, he was fully determined to make a 
success of life among the new conditions toward which his life was turned. 
His wife came overland to California during the same year, and in Marysville, 
Yuba county, their first home in the west was established. Subsequently the 
family removed to Sonoma county, and it was with this part of the state that 
the life and accomplishments of John A. Paxton reached their greatest height. 
In Healdsburg, where he first located, he established one of the first vineyards 
and wineries in the county, dating from the year 1879, a "d was probably more 
influential than any other one person in putting this industry on a firm footing 
in that locality. Some years later he came to Santa Rosa and made his home, 
and here as in previous places his interest in the activities of life were still un- 
abated. Probably the greatest achievement credited to him among the public 
benefits to the young town was the establishment of the gas works. 

It was while his parents, John A. and Hannah H. Paxton, were living in 
Marysville, Yuba county, that the birth of B. W. Paxton occurred in May, 1858. 
The education commenced in Marysville was continued in Healdsburg and Santa 
Rosa, and as a predilection for mining engineering became apparent in the later 
years of his student life his energies and studies were concentrated along this 
particular line. With the completion of his studies he accepted a position with 
the Manhattan Mining Company at Austin, Nev., and for some time everything 
seemed propitious for a successful career in his chosen line of work, but dis- 




\A^- 1 /S ^y^ 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 297 

appointment awaited him, for the failure of his eyesight made it necessary for 
him to resign his position. Later he was employed in his father's bank in Reno 
for a time, and still later was connected with the commission firm of George 
W. Meade & Co. of San Francisco. Thus far he had not recovered his health 
as rapidly as he had hoped to, and while in San Francisco he determined to 
give up work entirely and devote his time to travel for this purpose. From 
San Francisco he went to Guadalajara, Mexico, thence to the Isthmus of Pan- 
ama, and finally to Europe, where a number of years were pleasantly and profit- 
ably passed. With renewed strength and vigor he returned to California in 
1890 and assumed the management of his father's winery and vineyard in 
Healdsburg, continuing there until coming to Santa Rosa in 1899. Some time 
after locating here he became president of the Santa Rosa Bank, a position for 
which he was in every way well qualified, but ill-health once more interfered 
with his plans, and he was compelled to resign his position and engage in a 
work less confining. This he found in the care of his hop ranch interests on the 
Russian river near Windsor, where he has one hundred acres of rich land. 
Here he has thirty-six acres in hop-vines, and the same amount of land in vine- 
vard, in addition to which he owns forty-five hundred acres in Marin county, 
which is leased to tenants engaged in the dairy business. Although his ambi- 
tions would take him into the active commercial and business world, fate decrees 
otherwise, and in following the less exhausting and probably no less congenial 
outdoor life that is now his he is happy in the fact that he is able to adapt him- 
self to conditions and enjoy the many blessings of life that come to him. 

In 1900 Mr. Paxton erected one of the most beautiful residences in Santa 
Rosa, on Mendocino avenue, surrounded by grounds that are artistically laid 
out and in perfect keeping with the residence and its appointments. This home 
is presided over by Mr. Paxton's wife, formerly Miss Jane Marshall, a native 
daughter of California, to whom he was married in 1900. Two children have 
been born to this worthy couple, both sons, Marshall and Butz. Fraternally 
Mr. Paxton is a Mason of the Knight Templar degree, and he also belongs to 
the Elks. 



CAPT. HENRY ERNEST BOYES. 
Occupying a place of importance among the most prominent, substantial 
people of Sonoma county is Capt. Henry Ernest Boyes, the founder of the 
famous Boyes Hot Springs, to whom belongs the credit of the marvelous 
changes that have come to pass in this locality since the installation of his resort 
and springs. He was born in Hull, Yorkshire, England, July 13, 1844, and 
comes of good old English stock which dates back to one Du Bois, who came 
over with William the Conqueror in 1066. He is also a direct descendant of 
John Boyes, who fought Oliver Cromwell under Charles I. He is the son of 
Faulkner Boyes, of Driffield, England, who was a large landed proprietor, the 
owner of Beverley, Driffield and Tadcaster, the two former being retained 
until his death, while the Tadcaster estate was sold to the late Lord Lons- 
borough for $250,000. Among his other possessions were beautiful homes in 
the Island of Maderia, London and Yorkshire. He was united in marriage to 
Margaret Mathilda Saner, born in Yorkshire, the daughter of Dr. John Saner, 



298 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

graduate and practising physician and surgeon, being physician to William IV. 
He was a large landed proprietor in Yorkshire and was the head of the 
Yorkshire Society School. His mother's demise occurred in Hull, England, 
and of three sons, Captain Boyes is the only one surviving. 

Captain Boyes had the good fortune to receive a splendid education at 
Queen Mary's grammar school at Ripon, Yorkshire, receiving his advantages 
all in his own country. In 1858 he entered the Indian navy as midshipman 
and was stationed at Bombay, remaining in India about four years, then serving 
on a troop ship to different ports of the world, being in Sidney when the Duke 
of Edinburg was shot at Clontarff, New South Wales. In 1872 he retired from 
the service and became manager of an Indigo plantation for Nickle Fleming 
& Co. in Jubalpore, India, and during the three years he was with the company, 
while on a tiger hunt, he had three sun-strokes. Returning to England lie 
spent some time traveling all through Europe and to different parts of the 
world and while in Switzerland he met the lady who afterwards became his 
wife and who in maidenhood was Miss Antoinette Charlotte Edwards, born at 
Bangalore, Madras, India, the daughter of Col. George Rowland Edwards, of 
Ness Strange. They were united in marriage in 1883, the ceremony being 
performed at the home of her aunt, Lady Edwards, at Wooten Hall, Derbv- 
shire. (Mrs. Boyes biographical sketch appears on the following page.) 

Having heard of the Sonoma valley from Capt. John Drummond and 
Mrs. Boyes being in poor health, they came to San Francisco in 1883 and began 
looking for a suitable place in this valley and they selected this section of the 
Sonoma valley as the most ideal for the beauty of its scenery and its genial 
climate. Making this their home, they soon became interested in stories told 
them by the late General Vallejo of the old hot mineral springs used by the 
Indians, and upon investigation discovered them, the captain digging into the 
earth and Mrs. Boyes hoisting the bucket and in this way they became satisfied 
that the "half had never been told." Accordingly they purchased seventy-five 
acres of land and began developing the springs. Sinking two deep wells each 
two hundred feet in depth (this was in 1888) they put in one tub to start with 
and then increased and built and re-built until now it is the finest hot mineral 
spring resort in California. They planned the placing of the buildings accord- 
ing to the physical features of the grounds and yet the whole, hotel, bath houses, 
cottages and camp grounds are very convenient. They set out the trees along 
the drives so as to have ample shade, leaving the large oak in the foreground. 
There is a bearing prune and quince orchard set out by Mrs. Boyes with her own 
hands, which has proven highly satisfactory. The old house that stood on the 
place when they purchased it and in which they resided for several years was 
built in 1S49 by T. M. Leavenworth, the last alcalde of San Francisco. (A more 
extensive account of Boyes' Hot Mineral Springs is found in the general history 
of this work.) In 1902 Captain Boyes incorporated the Boyes' Hot Mineral 
Springs Co., of which he was the president, continuing the active management 
until 1904, when he retired, turning the management over to others, retaining 
however fifteen acres of the highest point of the land, upon which he built El 
Mirador. The credit of being the father of the Springs and the prime mover 
in the development and making of this valley belongs to Captain and Mrs. 
Boyes and for years they gave their best energies and spent thousands of dol- 





C^>~Z--<-*-^^£jg_ "* ~( 




HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 299 

lars in so doing. Their beautiful home "El Mirador" overlooks the valley and 
t'ie springs which stand on a wooded tract of fifteen acres. A driveway leads 
up- to the house and winding paths ramble through every section of the grounds, 
while flowers, plants and shrubs that have, many of them,, been brought from 
distant lands, give the whole a park like appearance. The dwelling is a typical 
English gentleman's home and an air of refinement, quiet luxury and hospitality 
pervades it. The rooms are large and light and the walls are adorned with 
many ancestral and family portraits, dating back to the time of Oliver Crom- 
well. The library contains a choice selection of books from the leading authors 
and there are also many ancient volumes, including bibles nearly three hundred 
years old. Curios gathered from all parts of the world are in cases, on the walls 
or otherwise bestowed about in the apartments, as well as relics of important 
events, and many things that display artistic talent and skillful construction. 
Two urns made of wild flowers, leaves, ferns and barks from this valley are 
the handiwork of Mrs. Boyes as is also a case of flowers made of the plumage 
of South American birds. These were each awarded medals some years since 
when exhibited in San Francisco. There is also a rare collection of mounted 
birds shot by Mrs. Boyes in India. Captain Boyes showed his enterprise when 
on coming to this country immediately declared his intention of becoming a citi- 
zen on November 5th, 1883, and about five years later, December 3rd, 18S8, re- 
ceived his final papers of citizenship from Judge John G. Pressley of Santa Rosa. 
Captain Boyes was made a Mason in Minerva Lodge No. 250, F. & A. M. 
m Hull, England, and has in his possession the only entered apprentice certifi- 
cate issued in England. He is also a member of the Minerva Chapter, R. A. M., 
in FIull. Captain Boyes is an English gentleman of the old school, cultured, re- 
fined, genial, having proved loyal and true to the land of his adoption and is 
well trained in the exercise of those fine intellectual qualities that are the Eng- 
lishman's heritage and pride. Through his affiliation with the Episcopal church 
many of his benevolences are given, although his liberality is such that it con- 
fines itself to no sect or lodge. 



MRS. ANTOINETTE CHARLOTTE BOYES. 
Mrs. Antoinette Charlotte Boyes, the wife of Capt. Henry Ernest Boyes, 
was born at Bangalore, Madras, India, the daughter of Col. George Row- 
land and Catherine (Armstrong) Edwards. Her father was the son of John 
Edwards, J. P. D. L., who married Charlotte Martin, daughter of the Rev. 
George Martin and granddaughter of the Third Duke of Athol, who was head 
of the Murray family, so she is a direct descendant of the last King of Wales 
(King Morfa and Prince Llewellyn). She has the old parchment and coat of 
arms tracing the family back before the time of William the Conqueror. Col. 
George Rowland Edwards comes of the clans McGregor, Murray and Drum- 
mond, her mother, Catherine Armstrong, being the eldest daughter of Major 
General Armstrong, C. B., and the family comes from the clans Campbell and 
Armstrong Dalziel of which the Marquis of Tweedale was the head, who trace 
their family tree back to the Druids. Colonel Edwards was born at Ness Strange 
in 1810 and was a boy of sixteen years when he went to India and entered in 
the second Madras Light Cavalry, serving thirty-six years in India and rose to 



300 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

the rank of Colonel and was through the Indian mutiny, doing splendid work 
in that country. Among other things he was the founder of schools among 
the Thugs, one of the most murderous tribes in India. He was present at the 
coronation of Queen Victoria. He succeeded to the estate of Ness Strange in 
Shropshire, and in 1850 he was the originator of "Three acres and a cow," be- 
lieving that in small holdings there was more success and proved the truth of it 
by leasing to tenants in small plots, showing the success that could be obtained. 
He read a paper on the subject before the House of Commons that received very 
favorable comment. Colonel Edwards died in 1894, aged eighty-four years, his 
wife's decease occurring in 1908, at the age of eighty years. 

Mrs. Boyes, who is the eldest of twelve children, spent much of her life 
in India, where her education was under the training of a governess. Since 
the death of her parents and her four brothers she has succeeded to the Ness 
Strange estate of one thousand acres in Shropshire, where she is following her 
father's ideas in leasing it in small holdings, with much satisfaction to her 
tenants. She was first married at Ness Strange in 1870 to Captain John 
Macredie Mure, of the Thirty-fourth Regiment and served in the Afghan war 
of 1877 and 1878 on the staff of Samuel Browne, K. C. B., and died from the 
results of the campaign in February 1879. During the Afghan war Mrs. Boyes 
was in Peshawer ten miles distant and after the death of Captain Mure returned 
to England spending her time traveling on the continent until her marriage to 
Captain Boyes, December 15, 1883, at the home of her aunt, Lady Edwards. 

While in India she spent some time hunting the native birds and having 
them mounted, having several hundred different specimens in her collection, 
undoubtedly one of the largest private collections of its kind in the United 
States. Since coming to Sonoma county she has been very active in aiding 
the captain in every way and planning the upbuilding and improving of Boyes' 
Hot Springs. Their efforts were united and they succeeded in making it the 
most attractive Hot mineral spring resort in California, after which they in- 
corporated a company and turned the management over to others, retiring from 
active work in order to improve their home "El Mirador" (The Lookout), well 
named, as it overlooks the beautiful Sonoma valley. This home, designed by 
herself, is of English architecture. In the valley she has regained her health 
and while she will, of course, spend a great deal of time at her English estate, 
Ness Strange, she will never forget her loved home and surroundings, El Mir- 
ador, in the Sonoma valley. Captain and Mrs. Boyes, in their magnificent home, 
take keen delight in making their surroundings beautiful and have spared 
neither pains nor expense in making it one of the most attractive places in So- 
noma county. 

Mrs. Boyes is a woman of rare attainments and ability, highly cultured and 
refined, her extensive travel adding to the charm of her conversation, and al- 
though of noble birth is unassuming, having the love and esteem of people in 
all walks of life in whose friendship she shows no partiality. 



THOMAS F. MEAGHER. 
In Thomas F. Meagher we find a Native Son of the Golden West whose 
pride in his place of birth is paramount to almost any other honor that might 
be his, iudgfinsr bv his interest and activity in the circles of that well-known 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 303 

body. Born in Freestone, Sonoma count)-, November 21, 1861, he is a son 
of Michael P. and Mary (Hanlon) Meagher, natives of Water ford and Dublin, 
Ireland, respectively, the former of whom came to the west in the early '50s and 
was in San Francisco during the time when law and order were almost unknown 
quantities. As a member of the vigilant committee he did his part to bring 
about better conditions by subduing the lawless element that had come to the 
west at the time of the gold rush. The year 1859 found him in Sonoma county, 
one of the first to settle in the vicinity of Freestone, where he came with W. 
O'Farrell and managed a ranch for him. Subsequently he purchased a ranch 
and engaged in general farming and stock-raising throughout the remainder 
of his life. His first experience along this line had been gained while superin- 
tendent of an old-country estate, where all the work was done by Indians. He 
passed away in 1867, his wife surviving him until 1892. 

It was on the old family homestead near Freestone that Thomas F. Meagher 
was reared to mature years, and in that vicinity he ranched on his own account 
for some time. Giving this up finally, he went to San Francisco and for a time 
was in the employ of the street railroad company, later being employed as 
watchman in the United States mint there. A later position was in the Mare 
Island navy yard at Vallejo, which he filled for some time, and upon giving it 
up in 1904 he returned to Sonoma county, and in Sebastopol established the 
restaurant business of which he is still the proprietor. In addition to this 
business he also owns a ranch of twelve acres, all of which is set out to a choice 
grade of fruit, principally to Gravenstein apples, which are now coming into 
bearing. 

Mr. Meagher's ability as a public officer was recognized in April of 1908. 
when his fellow-citizens elected him a trustee of the town of Sebastopol, a posi- 
tion which he is still filling to the satisfaction of all concerned. Fraternally 
he is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks (being a member 
of the lodge at Santa Rosa), the Druids and the Redmen of Sebastopol, and 
socially be belongs to the Native Sons of the Golden West, in which he is 
serving as district deputy grand president of District No. 2. His interest and 
activity in the order date from the time his name was placed on the roll of 
membership, and in the meantime he has attended all the sessions of the grand 
parlor. 



ROBERT POTTER HILL. 
Although the ranch which Mr. Hill now owns and manages came into his 
possession upon the death of the father in 1897, he lives by no means in a 
reflected light, for he inherits in large measure his sire's business ability and 
thrift, as anyone visiting the ranch of one hundred and eighty acres near Eld- 
ridge would readily acknowledge. Mr. Hill is a native son of the state, born 
in Sonoma valley March 15, 1856, the son of William McPherson Hill, who 
was born at Hatboro, Montgomery county, Pa., October 22, 1822. His paternal 
grandfather was Dr. John Howard Hill, a native of Morris county, N. J., whose 
father, Humphrey Hill, was of Quaker extraction. Dr. Hill was a graduate 
of Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, and served as a surgeon in a Doyles- 
town company in the war of 1812. He practiced medicine in Pennsylvania until 



3 04 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

he came to California in 1854 and was elected to the state senate from his dis- 
trict in i860. His demise occurred in Philadelphia. 

The father of our subject was graduated from the University of Pennsyl- 
vania in 1840. He served under President Polk as first clerk in the naval office 
in the custom house in Philadelphia for two years, when he resigned to come to 
California. January 16, 1849, ne started on a sailing vessel via Cape Horn, ar- 
riving in San Francisco August 3, 1849. He was engaged in business there off 
and on and went through two fires. In 185 1 he had purchased a ranch in So- 
noma valley and in 1854 he located on the place and engaged in general farming 
and horticulture and was one of the first to engage in fruit culture in this sec- 
tion. He purchased adjoining land until he acquired about eighteen hundred 
acres. In 1890 he sold seventeen hundred and sixty acres to the state for the 
state home for feeble-minded children, which has now grown to large propor- 
tions and built up with magnificent buildings and is a grand institution. Aside 
from being county supervisor in i860 he served one term in the state senate in 
1875. His wife was Annie Potter, born in New Jersey, the daughter of Robert 
B. Potter, a merchant in Philadelphia. The mother died in San Francisco, and 
the father died November 17, 1897. Not only was the Sonoma county ranch 
the home of Mr. Hill's parents until their deaths, but his paternal grandfather 
also lived here and took an active part in the upbuilding of the community, and 
at one time represented his district in the state senate. The father was no 
less public-spirited and enterprising, and his election as supervisor in i860 proved 
to his constituents that they had chosen the right man for the place. 

Robert P. Hill was educated in the district school near the home ranch in 
Sonoma county, and received later advantages in the schools of Oakland. With 
the close of his school days he returned to the farm and thereafter was asso- 
ciated with his father in its management until 1890, when it was sold, the 
father then retiring from business. In the year just mentioned Mr. Hill was 
appointed manager of the farm of the state home and at once assumed charge 
of the large farm, which occupied his time for five years. He was then appointed 
steward, and served efficiently in this position for two years. In February* 
1898, he began farming the place of fifty-six acres near Eldridge which he now 
occupies. Since then he has added to it until he now has one hundred and eighty 
acres, which he devotes to general farming and horticulture. The ranch is 
beautifully located on an elevation which commands a magnificent view of the 
surrounding country, and its proximity to two railroads obviates the necessity of 
hauling produce long distances to market. The ranch is devoted entirely to the 
raising of grapes and fruit, the former being disposed of to the winery. 

Mr. Hill was married in 1897 to Miss Kate Donohue, a native of Mercer 
county, Pa., that also being the birthplace of her parents, Timothy J. and Rose 
A. (Conneely) Donohue. The father brought his family to California and lo- 
cated in San Rafael, where he was engaged in the iumber and planing mill 
business. He passed away there, but his widow still lives in that town. Mrs. 
Hill's education was obtained in San Rafael and she is a woman in every way 
fitted to be a companion and helpmeet to her husband. She is actively interested 
in social affairs in her community and in 1906-07 served as state president of 
the California federation of women's clubs. In his choice of politics Mr. Hill 
has followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather before him, being 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 305 

a stanch Democrat. Every measure of an upbuilding character receives the 
hearty support and co-operation of Mr. Hill, this being especially true of school 
matters. He is at present serving as trustee of the high school of Sonoma, and 
for the past six years has been clerk of the board. Fraternally and socially he 
is well and favorably known throughout this community, being an active member 
of Temple Lodge No. 14, F. & A. M. of Sonoma, is a charter member of the 
Glen Ellen Grange, a charter member of the Glen Ellen Parlor, N. S. G. W., 
and a member of the Woodmen of the World. It is to such citizens as Mr. and 
Mrs. Hill that the upbuilding of California is due. There is not a public measure 
started that is for the improvement of the county but receives their hearty sup- 
port, using their time and means to enhance the different public enterprises and 
all societies for social improvement. 



LOSSON ROSS. 

The roll-call of pioneer settlers in California shows that the ranks are 
being gradually depleted, a fact which was brought forcibly to mind when it 
was announced that Losson Ross had passed away July 20, 1908. His death 
closed a career of distinct usefulness in the community in which he had lived 
for fifty-four years, no one being more highly esteemed or respected in the 
vicinity of Forestville than was he. 

The Ross family originated in the south, William Ross, the father, being a 
native of Tennessee, but when he was quite a young child he was taken by his 
parents to Indiana, and it was there that he was educated and grew to manhood 
years on his father's farm. Not only did he become proficient in agriculture, 
but he also equipped himself in three other lines, gun-making, blacksmithing 
and carriage-making, and in Harrison county, Ind., he established a wagon- 
shop that he maintained until the year 1849. He then removed to Iowa and 
continued work at his trade in Bonaparte for the following five years. In the 
meantime two of his sons, Losson and James L., had come to California, and 
in 1855 he joined them in Placerville, where he continued for two years, at the 
end of that time coming to Analy township, Sonoma county, and locating on a 
ranch of one hundred and sixty acres that his two sons mentioned had purchased 
and deeded to him. This was his home for about twenty years, or until his 
death in 1876, when seventy-two years old. His first vote was cast for a whig 
candidate, and he continued to cast his ballot for the candidates of this party 
until the formation of the Republican party, which he supported as enthusias- 
tically as he had its predecessor. Personally he was a man of high principles, 
and throughout his mature years he had been a member and active worker in the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. He had a hearty co-laborer and sympathizer in 
his wife, who before her marriage was Sarah Kay, a native of Virginia, and 
who died in Analy township at the age of eighty-four years. In her religious 
affiliation she was a member of the Adventist Church. A family of nine chil- 
dren was born to William Ross and his wife, eight becoming citizens of Cali- 
fornia, but of these only three are now living, as follows : James L., a rancher 
in Analy township ; Jesse, a rancher in San Benito county ; and W. T., who 
owns a ranch in Sonoma county. 



3 o6 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Losson Ross was born July 22, 1828, in New Albany, near Corydon, Har- 
rison county. Ind.. and as a boy he attended the district school near his birth- 
place. When not in school he found occupation in his father's wagon-shop, and 
under his father he learned the wagon and carriage-maker's trade. After spend- 
ing a year in Louisiana he removed with his parents to Bonaparte, Iowa, remain- 
ing there until April 5, 1850, when with his brother, James L... he set out on the 
overland journey with ox-teams. The Carson river was reached after a tire- 
some journey of six months, during which experience he and his wife walked 
all of the way, with the single exception of one day, when he was ill. When the 
brothers readied their destination their financial outlook was not the brightest, 
the sum total of their wealth being $1, each one having fifty cents. Their hon- 
est appearance was undoubtedly the means of their obtaining credit with which 
to make the first payment on a claim to a man who was ill and wanted to sell 
out in order to return home. This he was enabled to do with the $15 which 
they paid him for the claim. Their efforts as miners were very satisfactory 
until the rainy season overtook them, after which they went to a camp at Dia- 
mond Springs. Some time later Losson Ross became superintendent of an en- 
terprise to convey water from the Consumne river to the dry diggings, and at 
the same time advancing some of his personal means to assist the enterprise. 
After a trial of two and a-half years the enterprise failed, and Mr. Ross lost 
not only his wages, but also the money he had invested in the scheme. Still 
having faith in the enterprise, however, when a new company was formed he 
entered its employ as agent and continued in this capacity until 1854. Subse- 
quently, removing to Coon Hollow, Eldorado county, he carried on a lucrative 
business as general merchant until 1857. 

It was in the year just mentioned that Mr. Ross disposed of his store, and 
with his brother, James L., came to Sonoma county and purchased six hundred 
acres in Analy township, each owning one-half of it. At first Losson Ross 
followed general farming and stock-raising, a line of endeavor in which he was 
especially successful, but in more recent years he made a specialty of raising 
fruit and hops, having fifty acres in prunes, pears, peaches and apples of the 
best varieties, while thirty-eight acres were in hops. On a fifty-acre tract ad- 
joining the homestead which he owned he also raised large crops, having thirty 
acres in hops and two acres in prunes. In the management and care of his 
ranch Mr. Ross applied the principle that what was worth doing at all was worth 
doing well, and nothing about the ranch would ever suggest that he at any time 
deviated from this. Labor-saving devices were installed as soon as their need 
became recognized, and among the buildings on the ranch he installed a large 
up-to-date drier. His stock included the best grade of McClellan and Morgan 
horses, and his large dairy was supplied from Holstein, Durham and Jersey 
cattle. 

In Harrison county, Ind., Losson Ross was first married to Miss Martha 
Inman, who died a victim of cholera the following year. In Eldorado county, 
September 4, 1853, ne married Miss Sidney Meeks, born in Beaver count}-. 
Pa., May 15, 1833, the daughter of Robert and Sophronia (Baker) Meeks, who 
came to California in 1852. Mr. and Mrs. Ross became the parents of seven 
children. William D. leases fifty acres of the old homestead, where he lives 
with his wife, formerly Hattie Lee, of Forestville ; Frank, farmins; near Santa 




X 




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.//, 



^/6 >^^C 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 309 

Rosa, married Miss Annie M. Ayers ; Kemp L. owns and manages a ranch in 
Analy township; Irvine D., living on the home place, chose as his wife Ida, 
the daughter of D. P. Gardner, of Santa Rosa ; George A., who has charge of 
the home ranch, married Miss Lena L. Bach, and they with their three children, 
Mervyn F., Edwin and Leonard B., live on the old homestead; Benjamin F. 
is a rancher in Sonoma county ; and Anna E., the wife of Elmer Davis, lives in 
Clarion county, Pa. Unlike his father in his political belief, Mr. Ross was a 
Democrat, and an active worker in its ranks, although he was in no sense an 
office-seeker. He was also well known in fraternal circles, being the last sur- 
vivor of the nine charter members of Lafayette Lodge No. 126, F. & A. M., 
the lodge having been organized in Sebastopol in 1857. In the work of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, of which Mr. Ross was a member, he was 
actively interested, and in the office of steward he served efficiently for many 
years. 



STEPHEN CURTIS MORSE. 
The middle west has contributed its quota of energetic, forceful men, whose 
wise management of the fertile lands of Sonoma county brought them com- 
fortable financial returns, as well as enrollment among a noble pioneer band. 
Among those who came to California from that section of country and lived 
to enjoy a merited prosperity was Stephen Curtis Morse, who passed away on 
his ranch near Sebastopol, October 19, 1907. 

As far back as we have any record of the Morse family its members were 
identified with Illinois, and it was while his parents were living in Cook county 
that Stephen C. was born, March 23, 1856. The father was a farmer, and 
from his earliest years Stephen C. was made familiar with the duties of farm 
life. He received a fair education in the schools near the home farm, and as 
soon as his school days were over the father and son became associated in the 
management of the farm, and the association then formed continued in all their 
undertakings thereafter until death separated them. Selling out their farm in- 
terests in Illinois in 1882, the family came to California the same year, the end 
of their journey bringing them to Sacramento. Their stay in that city was of 
short duration, for the fall of that year found them in Sonoma county and on 
a ranch which they purchased in the vicinity of Sebastopol father and son con- 
tinued their efforts together until the death of the latter. The ranch which 
they purchased consisted of one hundred and thirty-eight acres, well suited both 
in location and in quality of soil to the raising of apples and peaches, and it 
was to these fruits that they devoted the entire acreage. The property had for- 
merly been in vineyard and was known as the old Maguire ranch. 

As in their business relations, so in their church and social interests father 
and son were united, both being members of and deacons in the Baptist Church, 
and in promoting the various interests for which this organization stood, no 
one was more untiring in their efforts than they. They were also members 
of the Sebastopol grange, in which, as in every other cause to which they lent 
their name, they were vigorous and interested workers. 

In 1893 Stephen C. Morse was united in marriage with Miss Frances E. 
Weeks, who like her husband was a native of Illinois, born in Joliet. She is 
19 



3 io HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

the daughter of Horace and Mary (Munson) Weeks, of Joliet, 111. The father 
was an attorney-at-law, was Master in Chancery and for seventeen years was 
Secretary of the Home and Loan Association of Joliet. Her maternal grand- 
father was Svlvester Munson, a native of Connecticut, who located in Will 
county, 111., in 1834, while his wife, Sarah A. Lanfear, a native of New York 
state, came to Will county in 1832. Mrs. Weeks is residing in Sebastopol. 
After a happy married life of fourteen years their home was saddened by the 
death of Mr. Morse, in October of 1907, leaving a void in the home and taking 
an active and valued worker from the church and social organizations with 
which he had been associated for so many years. After his death his widow 
continued the management of the ranch successfully until the spring of 1910, 
when she sold the place, although she still makes her home in Sebastopol. She 
was a co-worker with her husband in all of his activities for the good of his 
fellowman, and since his death has continued her contributions of time and 
means for their furtherance. She is also a member of the Eastern Star and an 
active worker in the order. 



JAMES HUME KNOWLES. 

Among the men who gave the strength of their best years toward the 
development of the resources of Sonoma county, few are more kindly remem- 
bered than James Hume Knowles, who for a period 01 nearly fifty years gave 
the vigor of his manhood toward developing the latent resources of the Pacific 
slope. A native of England, he was born near Manchester in the year 1831, 
and in young manhood he came to the United States, landing in New York 
City. The news of the finding of gold in California found him apparently 
expecting and waiting for just such an opportunity as this seemed to offer, and he 
at once made ready to set sail for the land of opportunity. After his passage was 
paid for he had just twenty cents in his pocket, but this condition of his finances 
did not disturb his peace of mind, but rather served as a spur to his already 
hopeful and daring disposition. The voyage was made around Cape Horn on 
the clipper ship North America, in 1852, and in due season it reached its des- 
tination, San Francisco. He immediately sought work, and was fortunate in 
the search, remaining there variously occupied for some time. 

Whatever he could save from his small earnings Mr. Knowles laid by for 
future use, and when he finally came to Sonoma county in 1854 he had quite a 
nest-egg with which to make a start in the world. Settling in Petaluma, he en- 
tered enthusiastically into the activities of the growing town, in recognition of 
which his fellow-citizens made him marshal of the town, a position which he 
filled acceptably for about fourteen years. He might have filled the position 
indefinitely had he so desired, but in order to devote his time more closely to 
private interests he resigned the position at the end of the time mentioned, 
and going to Cazadero, purchased a ranch of eleven hundred and twenty-five 
acres, upon which he lived for the following nine years. It was then that he 
came to Bloomfield and purchased the ranch upon which he was living at the 
time of his death, in 1895. Not every man in a community by any means is 
fitted to be a leader of his fellows, but Mr. Knowles possessed the requisite 
qualities in ample measure, and in a becoming and self-forgetful way he put 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 311 

these qualities to good account in every locality in which he made his home 
when called upon by his fellow-citizens. In private affairs as well as in public 
matters he led the way and others followed, undertaking ranching on a large 
scale and planting crops as yet untried in this part of the state. Not only for 
his success as an agriculturist and his ability as a public officer did he gain 
esteem, but his personality was such that all who came in contact with him 
admired his strength and stability of character, and although it is sixteen years 
since he passed from the scenes of earth, he is still kindly remembered by the 
many who were associated with him in days gone by. 

In his wife, formerly Miss Clara Canfield. and to whom he was married 
in 1857, Mr. Knowles had a true companion and help-mate, one who shared his 
joys and sorrows. She was a daughter of W. D. Canfield, who was also a 
well-known and honored pioneer settler of Sonoma county. The only child 
born of this marriage was William Henry Knowles, of whom a sketch will be 
found below. Fraternally Mr. Knowles was a Mason and Odd Fellow, in both 
of which orders he was an active worker and a member highly esteemed by 
fellow-members. 



WILLIAM HENRY KNOWLES. 

In the veins of William Henry Knowles flows the blood of one of the state's 
sturdy pioneers of the year 1852. This pioneer was his father, James Hume 
Knowles, who was born in England in 1831, and in 1852, when he was twenty- 
one years old, came to the New World practically penniless, and unaided and 
alone made his way to financial independence. His first experience in the state 
was in San Francisco, whither he finally came to Sonoma county, and here the 
remainder of his life was passed in agricultural activities. (A more detailed 
account of the life of this interesting pioneer may be found on the preceding 
page.) 

It was while his parents, James H. and Clara (Canfield) Knowles, were 
living on a ranch near Sebastopol, Sonoma county, that William H. Knowles 
was born October 19, 1857. His schooling was obtained in the public school of 
Petaluma, and at the age of nineteen he was ready to take up the serious duties 
of life. While attending school he had learned considerable about ranching 
through the performance of his share of the chores on the home ranch, and at 
the age mentioned it was with no little experience that he accepted a position 
with his grandfather, W. D. Canfield, as a ranch hand, on a dairy ranch of 
eighty cows. This association continued for two years, when Mr. Knowles 
left Bloomfield and went to Cazadero, where for the following fifteen years he 
was employed on the large ranch of eleven hundred and twenty-five acres owned 
by his father. This was maintained as a cattle and sheep ranch, and on its 
broad acres many hundreds of animals were raised and fattened for market. 

Since 1894 Mr. Knowles has occupied his present property in Bloomfield 
section, where he owns a ranch of five hundred and thirty acres of fine land, 
well adapted for both agricultural and dairy purposes. A considerable portion 
of the land is used for dairy and stock purposes, and of the remainder thirty 
acres are in vines, which vield two tons to the acre, and the same amount of 



312 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

land is in orchard, in which all the best varieties of apples are grown especialh. 
The maintenance of the ranch does not represent all of Mr. Knowles' activities, 
for in addition to this he is the owner and proprietor of the well-known Knowles 
Hotel in Sebastopol. 

The marriage of Mr. Knowles in 1876 united him with Miss Mattie Field, 
a native of New York, and five children were born to them, Mary, Nellie (de- 
ceased), Allie, William H., Jr., and James H., the latter named for his paternal 
grandfather. Mr. Knowles is identified with but one order, the Benevolent 
Protective Order of Elks of Santa Rosa. 



WILLIAM J. EDGEWORTH. 

In keeping with Mr. Edgeworth's fine, well-proportioned physique is a men- 
tality that is able to plan and organize and an executive ability that enables him 
to put his projects into definite and tangible shape. This many-sided ability 
has probably been nowhere put to better use than in Sebastopol. where as the 
father of the town, as he is called, he has done a noble part by his protege. 
Scarcely an enterprise has been started that has not been the fruit of his brain 
or been assisted by his support and encouragement, and to him and his col- 
league. William Barnes, is due credit for the crowning achievement of the 
town's history in its incorporation in T900. 

England was the early home of Mr. Edgeworth, born in Essex, November 
24, 1863. He was well educated in the schools of his native country, and there 
too he had his first experience in the business world, being engaged in the 
vegetable business for a time. During young manhood he went to Ireland, 
where he joined the army, being the youngest non-commissioned officer in the 
service. Added to many other accomplishments he was a fine athlete, hav- 
ing few if any equals in this respect. Returning to England, he served four 
years in the Eleventh Hussars, after which he retired to private life. 

Following close upon his army experience Mr. Edgeworth came to Amer- 
ica in i88fi, and after a short stay in New Bedford, Mass., came in the fall 
of that year to California, going directly to the metropolis. Altogether he re- 
mained in San Francisco for five years, at the end of which time, in 1892. he 
came to Sonoma county and has since been a resident of Sebastopol. His first 
experience in this locality was as a rancher on nine acres of land, making a 
specialty of the raising of fruit; adjoining property was later added to his 
original acreage until his ranch included thirty acres, besides which he had 
two hundred acres in potatoes. The attractions of the mines induced him to 
dispose of his ranch interests and for a year and a half thereafter he followed 
the life of a miner, meeting with poor success, however, and thereafter he re- 
turned to Sebastopol, satisfied that here lay his fortune, and from the time of 
his return he has continued to bend his energies with this thought in mind. 
Establishing himself in the real estate business, he purchased property and 
after subdividing it, improved it with residences, he being the first to handle 
property in this way in this section of the county. The wisdom of his plan 
to thus boom the town had the desired result, and from that time forward 
Sebastopol had a steady and su%:antial growth. In 1900 he and William 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 315 

Barnes were the chief promoters in having the town incorporated, all of which 
was the direct outcome of Mr. Edgeworth's plan to make the town an at- 
tractive and desirable place in which to settle. Realizing the need of a bank 
in the growing town he supplied the need in the organization of the Analy Sav- 
ings bank, which proved its need by the hearty response with which it met 
on the part of depositors, and it is now one of the most substantial banks in 
the county. Another organization which is directly traceable to Mr. Edge- 
worth's efforts is the Santa Rosa and Petaluma railroad, for which he him- 
self bought up the right of way for the road, and otherwise managed the un- 
dertaking to its completion. It is not too sweeping an assertion to say that he 
has been the prime mover in the development of this entire section of Sonoma 
county. 

In 1885 Mr. Edgeworth was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth 
Sheehan, and twelve children have been born to them as follows : Margaret, 
William, Gertrude, Rose, Herbert, Lillian, Grace, Harriett, Jennie, Victoria, 
Delphine and George. 



EDWARD SPALDING LIPPITT. 

One of the prominent men of Sonoma county and one of the most esteemed 
members of the bar is Edward S. Lippitt, senior member of the law firm of 
Lippitt & Lippitt, Petaluma. He is a native of Connecticut, born in Woodstock, 
Windham county, September 17, 1824, a son of Edward Lippitt, of English 
stock, although the family first originated in Germany. From there they emi- 
grated to England at an early period and thence came to America in the Colon- 
ial period, as the name is found in 1634 in Cranston, R. I., where John Lippitt 
was one of the committeemen in 1638.- The family are of Revolutionary stock, 
as it is known that Moses Lippitt, grandfather of Edward S., was a soldier in 
that struggle for independence and after the war settled on a farm in Connecti- 
cut. He lived to reach the ripe age of ninety-five and was buried on the farm he 
had cleared. Moses had a brother who was an officer in the army, holding the 
rank of colonel. In the family were six sons and one daughter, all of whom lived 
to be over eighty-five. 

The father, Edward Lippitt, was a soldier in the war of 1812 as captain of 
the Black Horse Cavalry, which guarded the coast from British invasion. He 
settled in Thompson, Conn., in 1832 and made that his home the rest of his 
life. Pie married Miss Lois Spaiding, native of Connecticut, and daughter of 
Ezekiel and Mary (Cady) Spalding and was related to the late president, Grover 
Cleveland. Edward Lippitt was a man of deep religious convictions and for 
many years was a preacher in the Methodist church. 

Edward S. Lippitt is one of the nine children born to his parents and 
was reared in the primitive surroundings of the home. At the age of sixteen 
years he left school and began to learn the trade of joiner and finisher in 
Thompson, serving an apprenticeship of two years. In the meantime, in addi- 
tion to working at his trade, he studied Latin and perfected himself for enter- 
ing Yale College. Three months after he had entered he was offered a scholar- 
ship in Wesleyan University at Middletown, Conn., and accepting it, was gradu- 
ated from there in 1847 with the degree of A. B., and three years later received 



3 i6 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

the degree of A. M. Three months prior to his graduation he was elected pres- 
ident of his class. He was selected as principal of the schools in Pembroke, 
N. H., and remained there three terms, after which he took up the study of law 
in Harvard Law School remaining one term. He went to Cincinnati and was 
given the chair of professor of mathematics and science at Wesleyan Female 
College and remained there four years. While in this position he completed his 
law course and was admitted to practice in 1854. He was a member of the 
firm of Probasco, Lippitt & Ward in Cincinnati from that time until 1857, when 
the senior member of the firm died and Mr. Ward left the city. Mr. Lippitt 
then formed a partnership with the late president, Rutherford B. Hayes, and 
this was in force till the breaking out of the Civil war, when Hayes entered 
the army and Mr. Lippitt came to California. Settling in San Jose in 1862 
Mr. Lippitt was professor of mathematics and science in the University of the 
Pacific for one year. Coming to Petaluma in the following year he had charge 
of the public schools of the town for five years, during which time he brought 
them to a well-established basis. In 1868 he began the practice of the law and 
has since been actively engaged and has been associated with many of the 
prominent cases in the county. In 1874, when the San Francisco and North 
Pacific Railway was being built, he was appointed chief counsel and remained 
in that capacity until 1890, when the road changed hands. That same year he 
with his son Frank K. opened an office in San Francisco, continuing it for five 
years, when they gave it up to look after their increasing interests in Peta- 
luma. 

At his advanced age Mr. Lippitt is hale and hearty, and while practically 
retired from active life, still is to be found at his office, and he takes an active 
interest in all that transpires in the city. He has accumulated one of the largest 
private law libraries in the state. Pie has been a Democrat and has taken an 
active part in every campaign from 1867 to 1900. On account of the free 
silver issue and being an admirer of McKinley, he stumped the state for him 
during his campaign. Mr. Lippitt is a Mason, joining the order in Ohio and 
becoming a member of Pleasant Hill Lodge No. 71 ; in 1870 he joined Petaluma 
Chapter, R. A. M. : in 1880 he obtained the petition for and assisted in the 
organization of Mount Olivet Commandery, K. T., of Petaluma, and in 1895 
was elected Grand Commander and represented the California Grand Com- 
mandery at the conclave in Boston and became a member of the Grand En- 
campment of the L T nited States. He has never sought public office at any time, 
but is a believer in clean men for official positions. He was one of the orga- 
nizers of the free library and one of the trustees ever since, and has also been 
a director of the library. 

On July 2. 1851, Mr. Lippitt was married to Miss Sarah Lewis, a daughter 
of a prominent physician of Monroe, La., and they became the parents of nine 
children, four of whom died in childhood. Those who grew to maturity are as 
follows : Mary, the wife of J. Homer Fritch, of San Francisco and who died 
in August, 1910; Helen Marion, the wife of Judge Daugherty of Santa Rosa: 
Edward L., a well-known musician and a res : dent of Petaluma ; Frank K., 
junior member of the firm of Lippitt & Lippitt; and Lois, who resides with her 
parents. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 317 

CHARLES F. JUILLIARD. 

Many generations of the Juilliard family were born and reared in France, 
and the first of the name to leave the land of his forefathers and establish the 
name elsewhere was Peter Juilliard, who came to the United States in 1836. 
With him came his son, Charles F. Juilliard, who was then a lad of ten years, 
his birth having occurred in 1826. The family settled in Ohio, and near. Can- 
ton carried on farming operations with success. The quiet content which they 
experienced for a number of years was broken in upon by the news which was 
spread broadcast over the country at the time of the finding of gold in Califor- 
nia. The kindly old father was content with his lot, but his more ambitious 
sons, Charles F. and Louis F., were eager to participate in the excitement and 
to try their luck in the mines. 

The year 1849 found the brothers on their way to the gold-fields, the voyage 
to California being made by way of the Isthmus, and they entered the Golden 
Gate in April, 1850. The voyage on the Pacific side northward from this 
metropolis was made on the brig Corbier and was ninety days in reaching the 
California coast. The first efforts of the brothers were in the mines of Trinity 
county, and such was their success that they were enabled to lay by consid- 
erable means. With the money thus accumulated Charles F. engaged in the 
merchandise business, and in 1858 he removed to Red Bluff. Tehama county, 
where he conducted a successful merchandise business for the following five 
years. In 1866 he went to Alameda county, and six years later to Santa Rosa, 
where he established himself in business in the firm of Stanley, Neblett & 
Juilliard, which was a name well known throughout this part of the state. An- 
other enterprise with which he was associated was the Sebastopol winery, 
which he founded in 1882. 

Mr. Tuilliard's marriage in young manhood united him with Sarah A. 
Chilton, the daughter of Major Chilton, a native of Springfield, 111. Mrs. 
Juilliard passed away in Santa Rosa June 19. 1897, at the age of sixty-seven 
vears. Three children blessed the marriage of this worthy couple : Louis W., 
of whom a sketch will be found elsewhere in this volume; Isabelle, who became 
the wife of Mark L. McDonald, Jr., of Santa Rosa; and Frederick A., a mem- 
ber of the firm of A. D. Juilliard & Co., commission merchants of New York 
CUv, with large silk works in Paterson, N. J. 



P. C. ROSSI. 

A native of Italy, P. C. Rossi was born in the vicinity of Turin, about fifty- 
six vears ago. His family for generations have been grape growers and wine 
makers in that favored country of the vine. After leaving the grammar school 
he was sent to college, where his principal study was chemistry. During his 
vacations, which in Italy invariably occur in the vintage season, the boy enjoyed 
himself in helping the wine makers, thus starting at the bottom of the industry 
and each year gaining more and more actual experience in the art of wine 
making, to which he had taken such liking. 

After graduating with honors from college in 1875, Mr. Rossi decided to 
go to California, and in San Francisco he opened the Rossi drug store. A few 



318 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

years after his arrival he married into the family of the well-known merchant. 
Justinian Caire, owner of the Santa Cruz Island, near Santa Barbara. His 
wedded life has been indeed happy, and he is the proud father of ten children. 

Shortly after the organization of the Italian-Swiss Colony, it was the 
good fortune of Andrea Sbarboro, the founder, and the officers of the cor- 
poration to invite Mr. Rossi to visit their new vineyards, which had been 
planted at Asti, in Sonoma county. Although the vines were young, his experi- 
enced eye saw the very advantageous position of the vineyards, situated as they 
were on rolling hills, with the soil and climate so well adapted to growing of 
grapes that would make as fine wine as that produced in Piedmont, his native 
province. He immediately joined the corporation, and the directors, seeing his 
remarkable knowledge both in the vineyard and in the cellar, soon elected him 
president and manager of the Colony, which office he still retains. 

Mr. Rossi, in addition to having the technical knowledge required by all 
true wine makers, has also the natural gift of a wonderful palate, which is of 
as much value to a wine tester as a tea tester. He has been known to sample 
wines made from five different kinds of grapes, and has detected by the flavor 
the quality of each kind of grape used in making that particular wine, thus 
having a wonderful facility for blending different wines. 

Mr. Rossi's skill in wine making was shown in 1892, when a sample of 
the Colony's wine was sent to the Exposition of Genoa, Italy, where it obtained 
a gold medal. The same year a gold medal was also awarded to the wine of 
the Colony at an Exposition in Dublin, Ireland, in 1893 at the World's Fair 
in Chicago, in 1894 at the Mid- Winter Fair in San Francisco, and in 1895 the 
same prize was awarded the wine at Bordeaux, France; also, in 1900, at the 
great Exposition in Paris; in 1904 at the Exposition in St. Louis, Mo., but 
the honors which Air. Rossi prizes most are the gold medals, together with the 
Grand Prix, awarded the wines of the Italian-Swiss Colony at Asti and Torino, 
Italy, in 1898, and at the Exposition of Milan, Italy, in 1906-07, where a jury, 
at a banquet held after the closing of the exposition, selected California wines 
produced at the Asti Colony to enjoy at the table. 

The importance of the Colony has grown year by year, and from the tract 
of fifteen hundred acres which were originally planted at Asti, Sonoma county, 
the Colony has now four vineyards and wineries in the northern part of the 
state, where are made the best dry wines of California, and also four vine- 
yards and wineries in the southern part of the state, where are produced the 
fine ports, sherries, muscats and other sweet wines, together with the choice 
California brandy. 

In 1909 Mr. Rossi was in France and visited the Champagne district. 
While in France he met a Frenchman. M. Charles Jadeau, who had been for 
thirty years making champagne for several of the principal houses of the 
Champagne district. Mr. Rossi asked this Frenchman if he would not like to 
come to California, where hp assured him he had the wine that would produce 
the same kind of champagne as they made in France. M. Jadeau's curiosity 
was aroused and he agreed to accompany Mr. Rossi to California. On his 
arrival he tasted the different wines and declared that if the Colony would put 
up an appropriate building, under his supervision, and procure all the machinery 
in France required for the proper bottling, corking and racking; of the cham- 




v^^Uc^ 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 321 

pagne, he would undertake to make as good champagne at Asti as that made 
in France. Thereupon, a concrete building was erected, partly underground, 
so as to keep an even temperature, all the paraphernalia required for storing, 
aging and bottling the champagne were procured, and two hundred and fifty 
thousand bottles were filled and placed on the racks. Recently, when the wine 
had almost completed fermentation, three bottles were tested by connoisseurs 
and all were agreeably surprised and said : "At last we have found the means 
bv which California is going to compete with France even in champagnes." 

Mr. Rossi is a man of full health and vigor — a man of such industry and 
activity that he hardly knows what it is to be tired. He is wrapped up in his 
art — the art of winemaking — which is his life work. 



HERBERT WARREN AUSTIN. 

The name of Herbert W. Austin is one familiar to the citizens of Sonoma 
county, not alone through his long and able service as county supervisor, but also 
through his accomplishments as a rancher, owning and maintaining one of the 
finest ranches in the township of Santa Rosa. Many generations of the Austin 
family had lived and died in Canada, and the first to venture from family tradi- 
tions and establish the name on California soil was James Austin, the father of 
our subject, who with his family came to the west in 1868. A detailed account 
of the life of James Austin will be found elsewhere in this volume. 

The third child in the family of James and Anna (Peasley) Austin was 
Herbert W. Austin, who was born August 2, 1854, in the province of Quebec, 
Canada, where he was well educated in the public schools, and after coming to 
California with his parents in 1868, completed his scholastic training in the 
Pacific Methodist College in Santa Rosa. With the close of his college days he 
returned to the family homestead and remained with his parents until establish- 
ing home ties of his own. His first independent efforts as a rancher were on a 
portion of the old homestead which he rented from his father, and here on a 
large scale he engaged in stock-raising, dairying and fruit-growing. Subse- 
quently he purchased a part of the interest of the other heirs in the home prop- 
erty, and now owns six hundred acres of excellent land, a part of which is under 
cultivation, while ihe remainder is used for pasturage and stock-raising. By 
unfailing industry he has brought the property up to a high point of excellence, 
and there are few if any more attractive or more desirable ranches in the county. 

Mr. Austin's marriage, September 22, 1880, united him with Miss Julia C. 
Maison, a native of San Francisco, where she was also educated. Three children 
were born of this marriage, as follows : Louis C, who is in the employ of Miller. 
Sloss & Scott, of San Francisco, and who since 1910 has been assistant man- 
ager of their Los Angeles branch; Ethel V. and Mervyn M. Politically Mr. 
Austin is a stanch Republican, and it was on the ticket of this party that he was 
elected to the office of county supervisor from the third district in 1896. At the 
close of his first term he was re-elected to the position in 1900, and again in 
1904 and in 1908 he was made his own successor. For the past seven years he 
has served as chairman of the board of supervisors, and in the meantime the 



322 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

present fine court house has been built by the board. This building is conceded 
to be one of the finest structures for the purpose in the United States, and it is 
said that it is the best building for the money in the world. The complete cost 
of the building and furnishings was $520,000. Ever since the destruction of the 
old court house in the earthquake of 1906 Mr. Austin has worked indefatigably 
for the construction of a new building, and he therefore takes special pride in 
the accomplishments of the board in the present fine court house. As an indica- 
tion of Mr. Austin's popularity as man, citizen and office-holder, it may be said 
that he is the only mar who was ever re-elected supervisor in the third super- 
visorial district in the history of Sonoma county. He has represented the third 
district for the past fifteen years and is now in his fourth term. Fraternally he 
holds membership with the Elks and the Red Men. Personally he is a man of 
many noble qualities, fairness and honesty being basic characteristics, and he is 
honored and respected by all who are privileged to know him. 



JOHN CUNNINGHAM. 

One of the oldest and most respected citizens of Sebastopol and a prominent 
member of the farming community, John Cunningham is widely known through- 
out Sonoma county as an upright, honest man of sterling worth. A typical 
representative of those courageous pioneers who settled in this county while 
the country was yet in its original wildness, he has witnessed the wonderful 
changes that have taken place here during half a century, and in the grand 
transformation has been an important factor. One of the sturdy sons of the 
Emerald Isle, he was born in County Monaghan October 7. 1824, the son of 
parents who were none too well-to-do as far as material things were concerned. 
However, they were rich in the more substantial and enduring things that make 
for the best in life and trained their children to a right understanding of its 
duties and obligations. 

In his native land John Cunningham prepared for future usefulness in his 
youth by learning the trade of mason and brick-layer and had followed this 
dual calling in the old country for a number of years before he decided to 
cross the Atlantic and identify himself with this newer and more progressive 
country. Responding to the call of the west, on May 3, i860, he set sail from 
his native land, making the voyage by way of the Isthmus of Panama, and 
after an uneventful but interesting experience of man}- days he finally reached 
his destination, California. Coming directly to Sonoma county, he settled in 
Bloomfield and for a number of years was identified with agricultural interests 
in that locality. The fall of the year 1864 witnessed his removal to Bodega, 
also in this count}-, and there for eighteen years he concentrated his efforts 
and ambition on a ranch of one hundred and fort}- acres, devoted to general 
farming, dairying and cattle-raising. It was with a valuable, experience of 
about twenty-two years as an agriculturist that he came to Sebastopol in the 
fall of 1882. at that time purchasing the ranch of two hundred and seventy- 
five acres which constitutes the old home place, upon which he now makes his 
home. At that time the land was in a very crude condition, in fact the entire 
country round about was vastly unlike what it is today, dotted with prosperous 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 323 

ranches which are the homes of contented and happy tillers of the soil. During 
the early days of his residence here he set out an apple orchard of thirty-five 
acres, and today this is in a flourishing condition, due to painstaking and intel- 
ligent care on the part of the owner. The remainder of the land was devoted 
to general farming, and in addition to his own land, Mr. Cunningham at one 
time rented five hundred acres of land near by for dairy purposes, owning one 
hundred cows. For many years during the younger and more active period of 
his life he was looked upon in his community as an authority in cattle-raising, 
dairying and fruit-raising, and indeed is still so regarded, although much of 
the actual work connected with these industries has been shifted to younger 
shoulders. 

Tn 1853. a number of years before he immigrated to this country, Mr. 
Cunningham formed domestic ties bv his marriage with Miss Mary Gordon, 
and four children were born of this union, William James, Robert, John and 
David. (A sketch of the second son, Robert, will be found elsewhere in this 
volume.) The success which has come to Mr. Cunningham since taking up his 
residence in this country has resulted from his own efforts alone, and has not 
been accomplished' without buffeting with experiences which are a part of 
every pioneer's life, but nevertheless he kept his courage and fought his way 
through conditions, to the end that he is now classed among the substantial and 
dependable ranchers and citizens of this thriving county. 



ALLEN RECTOR GALLAWAY. 

In making the statement of an)- man that he is an authority on horticulture 
no slight praise has been bestowed upon him, and the fact that this statement 
applies to Allen R. Callaway was evidenced when he was appointed horticul- 
tural commissioner of Sonoma county by the board of supervisors. When the 
law went into effect changing the board of three horticultural commissioners 
to one commissioner he was honored by the choice, being selected from a list 
of eligibles recommended by the state board of horticultural examiners, after 
passing a satisfactory examination. He entered upon the duties of this position 
May 7. 1910, and on April 6, 191 1, further honors were conferred upon him in 
his appointment as state quarantine guardian of Sonoma county, state com- 
missioner of agriculture J. W. Jeffrey being responsible for the appointment. 
That the right man has been placed in these responsible positions has been 
amply demonstrated, and basing future accomplishments upon what has already 
been done, it is safe to predict stable and steady progress along all lines of 
horticulture in Sonoma county. 

For much that he is and has been able to accomplish, Allen R. Callaway 
gives credit to his noble pioneer father, Andrew J. Callaway, who was among 
the California settlers of 1850, and whose life and accomplishments have ever 
been an inspiration and encouragement to his descendants. At the time of his 
birth. November 14, 1817, the parents of Andrew J. Callaway were living in 
Knox county, Tenn., and that continued to be their home until the son was six- 
teen years old. when removal was made to Morgan county. Ind. Nine years 
later Andrew J. Gallawav went to Missouri, and with the exception of one 



324 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

year passed in New .Mexico, remained in Missouri until coming to the west. 
Unlike many who crossed the plains in 1850 he had comparatively little diffi- 
culty in reaching his destination and alter an experience of three years as a 
miner in Eldorado county he took up farming and stock-raising in Yolo countv. 
Recognizing the fact that there was a scarcity of good cattle on the coast, he 
returned to Missouri in 1857 by the Panama route, and two years later, after 
purchasing a large band of high grade stock, drove them across the plains. Sub- 
sequently the stock was placed on a farm three miles north of Geyserville, So- 
noma county, in 1864 purchasing the ranch which is now owned by his sons. 
This adjoined Dry Creek, and was especially well adapted to horticulture, a 
fact which the owner readily observed, and that same year set out grape vines. 
From time to time until the year 1886 additions were made to the original 
purchase, and when Mr. Gallaway gave up the ranch to his sons he had abcut 
sixty acres in vineyard, which included both wine and table grapes. Among 
the former. Zinfandel, Burgundy, Sauvignon and Burger grapes were raised 
for the press in the lower portions of the ranch, while Tokay and Coleman 
grapes, table varieties, ripened on the more exposed hillsides. Besides his 
vineyard Mr. Gallaway set out about sixteen acres in choice fruits, among which 
were peaches, plums and prunes. As he was a man of depth and penetration 
he was not satisfied with anything until he had given it special thqught and 
study, and to this characteristic may be traced his splendid success as a horti- 
culturist. His exhibits at the Mechanics Institute Fair at San Francisco demon- 
strated beyond question his superior methods. While the greater part of his 
ranch was given over to fruit-raising, general farming was also carried on 
very successfully. On the ranch which he had brought to such an excellent 
state of cultivation he passed away June 6, 1902, after several years of rest 
from active duties. In all that he undertook he had a sympathetic co-worker 
in his wife, who was Deborah Price, and to whom he was married October 14. 

1857- 

Of the five children who originally comprised the parental family (Allen 
R. ; Nancy E. ; Henry M., deceased; Andrew J. arid Amanda A.) Allen R. 
was the eldest, his birth occurring in Gentry county, Mo., August 3, 1858. His 
parents appreciated the value of good educational opportunities for their chil- 
dren and bestowed upon them every advantage within their means. Allen R. 
Gallaway made the best possible use of his opportunities, and during his later 
student years he taught school in order that he might further pursue his studies. 
After a preliminary education in the public schools of Healdsburg, he attended 
the Christian College at Santa Rosa and Pierce Christian College, at College 
City, Colusa county, from which latter institution he graduated in 1881. In- 
stead of leaving his alma mater after his graduation, he continued there for two 
years as a teacher of history, resigning at the end of this lime to take charge 
of his father's ranch in company with his brother. For a number of years 
after this he still continued teaching during the winter months and gave his 
attention to the ranch in the summer. Subsequently he gave up teaching al- 
together and concentrated his attention upon the care of the ranch, continuing 
this uninterruptedly until his appointment as horticultural commissioner of So- 
noma county. He owns twenty-eight acres on Dry creek, four miles north- 
west of Healdsburg, which is well improved with French prunes, grapes, olives 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 327 

and other varieties of fruit. Until the year 1905 he gave his time and atten- 
tion to the care of his ranch, but in that year he leased the ranch and removed 
with his family to Healdsburg, where he now resides. 

Politically Mr. Callaway favors Republican principles, and at the Repub- 
lican convention at Santa Rosa in 1888 he was nominated July 25 as the can- 
didate for the general assembly from the twenty-third district, and in a strongly- 
Democratic district was defeated by a small plurality only. In 1896 he was 
nominated to the assembly by both the Democratic and Populist factions. 

Mr. Callaway's marriage, August 20. 1884, united him with Laura M. 
Abel, a native of Wisconsin, although she was reared and educated in Solano 
and Colusa counties, Cal. The eldest of the two children born of their mar- 
riage, Alfred Russell, graduated from the University of California in 1907 and 
is now engaged in the real estate business in Sacramento ; his wife before her 
marriage was Lilla Ware, the daughter of A. B. Ware, an attorney of Santa 
Rosa. Crystal D. Callaway is attending the State Normal school at San Jose. 
Fraternally Mr. Gallaway is identified with the Red Men and the Grange. 
For many years he has given his moral and financial support to the Christian 
Church, of which he is a member and an elder, and for twenty-five years he 
has served as superintendent of the Sunday-school at Healdsburg. Personally 
and in his official capacity Mr. Gallaway is highly esteemed, for he is a man 
of noble heart, broad mind and lofty principles of honor, mingled with a genial 
affability and courtesy that wins and retains friends. 



COL. LOUTS W. JUTLLIARD. 

No name in Santa Rosa is suggestive of a broader or more resourceful 
citizenship than that of Col. L. W. Juilliard, one of the prominent represen- 
tatives of the legal fraternity in Sonoma count}-. To begin with, he inherits 
from an enviable ancestry a sound constitution, a broad mind and a stout heart, 
all of which have contributed to the fashioning of his very successful career. 
On the paternal side he comes of French ancestry, his father, Charles F. Juil- 
liard, being a native of that country, and it was he and the latter's father who 
established the name in this country in 1836. From Ohio, where these immi- 
grants settled, the younger man came to California during the famous year of 
1849, an< i thus the name became established on the Pacific coast, and later iden- 
tified with a number of mining undertakings in California. In young manhood 
C. F. Juilliard had formed domestic ties by his marriage with Sarah A. Chilton, 
the daughter of Major Chilton, a native of Springfield, 111. 

The eldest surviving child born ol the marriage of Charles F. and Sarah 
A. (Chilton) Juilliard was Louis W. Juilliard, his birth occurring in Red Bluff, 
Tehama county, June 29, 1861. His education was completed- in Santa Rosa, 
Sonoma county, whither the family came to make their home when he was eleven 
years of age. Here, in addition to attending the public schools, he also attended 
business college and the Pacific Methodist College. Nature had intended him 
for a public career, and opportunity to occupy a niche of this character came 
to him at the early age of twenty-three years, when he was made deputy county 
clerk, a position which he filled for five years. On the Democratic ticket, in 



3 28 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

1888, he was elected county clerk, and at the expiration of his first term was 
re-elected to the position in 1890. Coming before the public in these capacities, 
however, was not the height of his ambition and proved but stepping stones in 
the career which later was his. The study of the law and its practice was 
his highest ambition, and while the incumbent of the positions mentioned he 
employed his leisure time in reading law with the well-known lawyers, Henley, 
Whipple & Oates. The year 1895 witnessed his admission to the bar of the 
supreme court of the state, and shortly afterward he opened an office for 
the practice of law in Santa Rosa. His versatile ability and popularity have 
been the means of his election as a delegate to many state and county conven- 
tions, and for one term, in 1894 and 1895, he served on the city board of edu- 
cation. It was during his incumbency of this office that the Santa Rosa high 
school was built. The title of colonel came to him through his connection with 
the National Guard of California, with which he became associated in 1885. 
July 10 of that year he was instrumental in organizing Company E, of which 
he was elected first lieutenant, later captain, and then major, greater honors, 
however, coming to him by his election as lieutenant-colonel of the Fifth Regi- 
ment California Infantry. This regiment did meritorious service at the time 
of the fire and earthquake in San Francisco in the spring of 1906, a service 
'which deserved and received the praise and commendation of Californians in 
all parts of the state. Since 1907 Colonel Juilliard has been on the retired list, 
but his heart and sympathy are still in the work in which he found so much 
pleasure. No sooner was he released from one obligation than another need 
was found for his ability, as was apparent when in 1908 he was elected a member 
of the California legislature from the Fourteenth assembly district on the 
Democratic ticket and in 1910 he was elected State Senator by a very flattering 
majority. Here as in every other position that he has been called upon to fill 
he is acquitting himself nobly and honorably. Fraternally he is identified with 
a number of orders, being a Knight Templar Mason, a member of Santa Rosa 
Lodge No. 57, F. & A. M., the Chapter, the Knights of Pythias and the Inde- 
pendent Order of Odd Fellows. By right of his birth in the state he is eligible 
to membership in and is a member of the Native Sons, and during one term he 
served as Grand Treasurer of this body, and also as Grand Marshal for two 
terms. 

None of the attractions of public life, however, take the place in Colonel 
Tuilliard's heart as does his quiet vineyard or ranch near Santa Rosa. Here he 
finds rest and relaxation and the rejuvenation necessary to carry on the work 
which his profession and public duties lay upon him. 



JOSHUA CHAUVET. 
The name of Chauvet needs no introduction to the residents of Sonoma 
county, as it is firmly established in the minds of all through the lives and 
accomplishments of three generations, two of whom have passed away, but 
though dead, still live in the memory of those to whom they endeared them- 
selves and in their accomplishments as pioneer settlers in this then new and 
unsettled country. As the name would indicate Mr. Chauvet was of French 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 329 

origin, and he was born at St. Jean, province of Champagne, France, July 20, 
1822, a son of Francois Chauvet, the latter a millwright and owner of a mill 
near Chalons-sur-Marne, France. His parents evidently had little sympathy 
with the pleasures of childhood, for Mr. Chauvet was forced to face the stern 
realities of life at an early age, and when still a young boy had a good knowl- 
edge of the milling business. Courageous and unflinching, he accepted his lot 
with kindly grace, and when he had reached manhood was equipped with an 
invaluable experience at the miller's trade that was to stand him in good stead 
later on. 

On reaching manhood Air. Chauvet set sail for the United States at Havre, 
February 1, 1850, on a sailing vessel bound for San Francisco bv way of Cape 
Horn. Hard work in his native land had given him little in return, and after 
boarding the vessel he took an inventory of his cash on hand, which proved to 
be no more nor less than thirteen copper sous. The vessel finally reached San 
Francisco September 17, 1850, and from there he proceeded at once to Cala- 
veras county, engaging in mining for a short time, but finally gave it up to 
engage in a business with prospects of a more dependable income. It was then 
that he opened the first bakery in Mokelumne Hill, and subsequently, in 185 1, 
opened the first bakery in Jackson, Amador county. In the fall of the latter 
year he located at Sandy Bar on the Mokelumne river, where in partnership 
with Mr. Lebeaux he opened a general merchandise store and bakery combined. 
This business association did not continue very long, for in the fall of 1852 
Mr. Chauvet returned to Mokelumne Hill and resumed the bakery business 
alone. It was no uncommon occurrence during the early days for him to pay 
$120 for a barrel of flour, and for his bread made from this he received $1 
a pound. 

Mr. Chauvet was nothing if he was not courageous, and the year 1853 
found him sending to France to purchase the machinery for a two-running stone 
flour-mill, but on account of the great delay in its transportation, instead of 
setting it up in Mokelumne Hill as he had originally intended, he set it up in 
Oakland and ran it by wind-power. The venture did not prove a success to the 
owners, however, and the undertaking was abandoned. In 1855 Mr. Chauvet 
returned to Sandy Bar and the following year came to Sonoma county, his 
father having joined him in the meantime, and here they bought five hundred 
acres of land and a mill site from General Vallejo, on the Sonoma and Santa 
Rosa road, six miles north of Sonoma. This venture proved a great success, 
and after running it as a saw-mill for eighteen months Mr. Chauvet then 
converted it into a flour-mill, which was the foremost flour-mill in the county, 
and which was kept in constant operation until 1881. It was here that the 
earth life of the venerable father came to a close, after which the son sold back 
three hundred acres of the land to General Vallejo, still retaining possession 
of two hundred acres. 

Mr. Chauvet had wiselv conceived the idea of planting the ranch to grapes 
at the time he purchased it, and in 1875 he branched out further in the industry 
by manufacturing his product into wine, and in five years his output of wine 
had climbed to one hundred and twenty-five thousand gallons. It was at this 
time. t88o, that he associated himself with the firm of Walter, Schilling & Co., 
of San Francisco, an amicable as well as profitable arrangement that endured 



33° HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

about five years. In 1881 he inaugurated one of the largest wine industries 
in Sonoma county by the erection of a $14,000 building in the Glen Ellen 
district for the manufacture of wine. The building, three stories in height, 
had a storage capacity of over two hundred thousand gallons of wine. In the 
year 1888 he manufactured one hundred and seventy-five thousand gallons 
alone. In addition to his winery he also operated a distillery, from which he 
had an annual output of from five to eight thousand gallons of brandy. His 
ranch was equipped with an excellent water supply, not only furnishing the 
power for the machinery in his winery and distillery, but also furnishing water 
for household use to the town of Glen Ellen. 

Mr. Chauvet's marriage in 1864 united him with Miss Ellen Sullivan, who 
though born in Ireland has been a resident of the United States from early 
childhood. She died in 1876. Two children blessed their marriage, Henry |. 
and Robert A. Fraternally Mr. Chauvet was a member of Temple Lodge 
No. 14, F. & A. M., and he was also a member of the Society of California 
Pioneers. California lost one of her noblest pioneers in his death May 22, 
1908, at which time he had attained the age of eighty-five years, ten months 
and two days. 

Mr. Chauvet came here without a cent, and in spite of the fact that others 
had failed in the milling business he made up his mind to forge ahead and make 
his milling enterprise a success. He put in a mill race and an overshot 
wheel. He had great difficulty in completing the flour mill, but after a while 
he made the venture a success. He also ran a flour mill at Giovanari, this 
county in the earlv davs. 



GEORGE NEWELL SANBORN. 

The Green Mountain state has contributed of her citizenship to the up- 
building of California in many representatives, but of the number none have 
entered more thoroughly into the spirit of the west than has Mr. Sanborn. 
Born in Albany, Vt., December 27, 1835, he was reared in that locality and con- 
tinued to make it his home until attaining manhood years. Although reared 
in a farming community his tastes did not lie in that direction, instead, having 
a taste for the work of the school room, and it is as teacher of the young that 
the greater part of his life has been passed. 

Mr. Sanborn followed his profession of teacher four years in his native 
state, when he was seized with the western fever and determined to come to 
California. He made the voyage by the water route, via the Isthmus, and 
arrived at his destination in the state in April, i860. Coming to Sonoma county, 
he began his career as a teacher in Petaluma, where he taught for three months, 
after which he taught in Oak Grove and had a larger number of pupils than 
there was at that time in the Santa Rosa schools. In 1862, on account of the 
ill-health of his father, Mr. Sanborn returned to Vermont via Nicaragua, and 
remained in the east two years. After the death of his father he again came 
to Sonoma county, in 1864, this voyage also being made by way of Nicaragua. 
Coming to Sebastopol he resumed his profession in the schools of this place. 
His experience in teaching extended over twenty-four years, all of the districts 
in which he taught being within a radius of a few miles of his first school. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 333 

With a record to his credit as the most painstaking and thorough instructor 
in Sonoma county, in the fall of 1884 he gave up the life for which he was so 
eminently fitted and began the development of the ranch property upon which he 
resided until 1900, when he located in Sebastopol. He had eighty acres of fine 
land, well suited to the raising of peaches, and by being painstaking and care- 
ful he made a success of it. Besides his orchard he also maintained a small 
vineyard. For about sixteen years he devoted the same energy to the manage- 
ment of this ranch that he had to the duties of the school room in previous 
years, but in 1900 he gave up its care to younger hands, and has since lived 
retired. In 1904 he sold the ranch. As a young man Mr. Sanborn was a deep 
student of the problems of life, and early in his career decided that the cause 
of the majority of the failures of life was attributable to lack of thoroughness. 
Taking to heart the lesson which he learned thus early in life he has done with 
his might whatever task he put his hand to, and to the religious application of 
this principle he gives credit for all that he has accomplished, both in his career 
as a teacher, and in his later efforts as a horticulturist. By making a thorough 
studv of the peach industry he developed a grade of this fruit which has never 
had an equal in this section of the state. This is what is known as the orange 
cling peach, which grows to an unusual size, and it was no uncommon thing for 
one peach to weigh one pound. One season his crop ran as high as fifty-one tons 
of orange cling peaches. 

In 1864 Mr. Sanborn was married to Miss Emily J. Dewey, a native of 
Vermont, and one child was born of that marriage, George D., a real-estate 
dealer in Sebastopol. Mr. Sanborn is a valued member of the Santa Rosa 
Grange and of the Sonoma County Pomona College, in both of which organiza- 
tions his opinion on horticultural matters is regarded as authority. No one 
was more instrumental in the formation of the Sonoma County Farmers Mutual 
Fire Insurance Company than was Mr. Sanborn, and most of the time since its 
organization he has served in the capacity of vice-president. As early as 1859 
he joined the Masonic order, and for over half a century he has stood by the 
principles for which that body stands. He is now a member of Lafayette Lodge 
No. 126, F. & A. M., of Sebastopol, of which he was secretary for many years. 
Those who know Mr. Sanborn appreciate his worth, and by all he is greatly 
esteemed and loved. 



CHARLES E. HOTLE. 
A successful and well-to-do horticulturist, viticulturist and agriculturist of 
Sebastopol, Charles E. Hotle is prosperously engaged in his independent vo- 
cation on one of the most finely improved and most desirable homesteads in 
this part of Sonoma county. Enterprising, practical and progressive, he has 
shown excellent judgment in the prosecution of his calling, and is numbered 
among the valued citizens of his community. 

Like many another of the well-to-do and enterprising citizens who have 
contributed to the making of this Pacific commonwealth, Mr. Hotle is a native 
of the middle-west, his birth occurring near Sigourney, Keokuk county, Iowa, 
May 12, 1865. He was the eldest of the four children comprising the parental 
family, the names of the children in the order of their birth being as follows : 
20 



334 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Charles E., Effie C, William M., and Owen E. The parents were Zachariah 
Franklin and Julia Ann (Smith) Hotle, the father born in Washington county, 
Pa., in 1838, and the mother born in Iowa City, Iowa, in 1845. Their marriage 
occurred in Keokuk county, Iowa, October 2, 1862, and their early married life 
was passed on a farm near Sigourney, Iowa. To be accurate, the farm upon 
which the parents then settled continued to be the family homestead for ten 
years, for the year 1872 witnessed the removal of the parents, children and 
household possessions to Sonoma county, Cal., and this has since been the home 
of the family. As in Iowa, the father took up agricultural pursuits after lo- 
cating here, and followed the calling for which he was so well adapted and in 
which he was so successful throughout the active years of his life. He now 
resides in Sebastopol, looking after his interests. 

Charles E. Hotle well remembers the circumstances attending the removal 
of the family from Iowa to California, for he was at the time a lad of seven 
years, an age well calculated to show an intense interest in anything out of 
the ordinary run of daily events. As he was then of school age he was entered 
as a pupil in the grammar school of Sebastopol, and the training which he here 
received during the years which followed eminently fitted him to pursue and 
make a success of the large business interests he now has under way. However, 
he has never ceased to be a student in the largest and best sense, keeping abreast 
of the times throughout the world by the reading of wholesome and instructive 
literature. With the close of his school days Mr. Hotle devoted his energies to 
agriculture on the home farm, and when he had attained mature years and was 
ready to take up life on his own account, he chose farming as the most inde- 
pendent and at the same time the most remunerative occupation to which he 
might put his energies. Experience has proven the wisdom of his decision, and 
while he is not as actively engaged in the tilling of the soil as in former years, 
the foundation of his holdings today was made in this calling, and were he to 
live his life over he would still select the vocation which has been his life work. 
In 1892 he went into business on his own account, buying a tract of land which he 
put out to apples and berries, and he still owns a portion of this land, and now 
is one of the largest apple growers in the county. He also owns considerable 
other real estate in Sebastopol and vicinity. In addition to his real-estate in- 
terests he also owns stock in a number of business enterprises in this city. For 
five years he was manager of the Hunt, Hatch & Co.'s packing house in Se- 
bastopol until they discontinued this branch, when he became one of the or- 
ganizers of the Sebastopol Apple Growers Union, of which he is the manager. 
He was also one of the prime movers in the organization of the Gravenstein 
Apple Show Association and a member of the board of directors from its in- 
ception. 

Mr. Hotle's home in Sebastopol is presided over by his wife, who before 
her marriage was Miss Vina L. Litchfield, a native of Illinois. She is the 
daughter of Martin and Elizabeth (Pollock) Litchfield, of Illinois. The mother 
died in Cloverdale, and the father resides in Santa Cruz. The marriage of Mr. 
and Mrs. Hotle was celebrated in San Rafael, Cal., and they have two chil- 
dren, Mabel Lillian and Harold Leroy. Politically Mr. Hotle is a Republican, 
although he is not active in its ranks beyond the casting of his ballot. At the 
present time, however, he is city trustee, the only office he has ever consented to 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 335 

fill. Fraternally he is associated by membership with the Elks and Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows, having passed through all of the offices of the latter 
organization. 

It may be added that one of the prime factors in bringing Sonoma county 
so greatly to the fore in the apple industry these last three years (the results of 
which were shown at the Watsonville Apple Annual 1910, when the apple ex- 
hibit from Sebastopol took first prizes) is on account of the universal spraying 
of trees brought about by Mr. Hotle's vicious campaign against the pests, by per- 
sonally visiting the horticulturists and urging them to spray their trees in 1908- 
09. The result is that the returns from the pack of 1910 conservatively show an 
increase of fifty per cent in value. 



HENRY JOSHUA CHAUVET. 

The third generation of this family represented in Sonoma county, Henry 
J. Chauvet is adding lustre to a name held .in high repute through the pioneer 
efforts of his father and grandfather before him, and though he has benefited 
immeasurably as their successor in the ownership of one of the largest wine 
industries in the state, it has not crippled his ambition to forge ahead and 
emulate his worthy predecessors. 

A native son of the state, Henry J. Chauvet is also a native of Sonoma 
count}, his birth occurring in October, 1865, on the homestead ranch near 
Glen Ellen of which he is now the owner, and upon which he resides. (An 
interesting account of the life and efforts of his father, Joshua Chauvet, will 
be found on another page of this volume. ) It was the privilege of Mr. Chauvet 
to enjoy advantages for an education which were unknown to his father, his 
primary education being received in the schools near his boyhood home, and 
to this training was added a course in Sackett's school, Oakland, after which 
he graduated from the Pacific Business College, San Francisco. At the age of 
seventeen his school days were over and he was ready to turn his thoughts and 
efforts to business training. He found ample opportunity for profitable occu- 
pation on the home ranch and in the mill, all of which was preparatory to his 
later position in the winery and distillery. He may literally say that he has 
grown up in the business, and that he was able to take charge of the business 
upon the death of his father and manage it so cleverly was clue to his long 
and intimate association with it. As a grower of grapes and a dealer in Cali- 
fornia wine and brandy no one stands higher in Sonoma county than Mr. 
Chauvet, of Glen Ellen, whose name is a synonym for all that is purest and 
best in his line, his grade of wine and brandy being unexcelled, and his prod- 
ucts are sent to all parts of the United States and some to the old world. Some 
idea of the large output of the winery may be gleaned from the statement that 
during one year he and his father made five hundred thousand gallons of wine 
and ten thousand gallons of brandy between Sonoma and Santa Rosa. With 
his father Mr. Chauvet built Hotel Chauvet at (Tien Ellen, also three stores, for 
which they manufactured the brick, all of the structures being models of their 
kind, both as to architecture and finish. Mr. Chauvet owns the water 
system in Glen Ellen, water for which is supplied from Graham and Asbury 
canvon principally, and is di c tributed by gravity. 



336 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Air. Chauvet's marriage, which occurred November 12, 1893, united him 
with Miss Annie Lounibos, who was born in Basses-Pyrenees, France, but 
who has passed the greater part of her life in the United States. She is the 
daughter of John and Marie (LaSalle) Lounibos, who located in Sonoma 
county in 1873. Mr. Lounibos is a wine manufacturer and now resides in 
El Yerano. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Chauvet, evenly 
divided as to sons and daughters. Henrietta was born January 20, 1895, was 
primarily educated in the public school of Glen Ellen, and is now attending 
Heald's Business College, Oakland. The other children, Adele Marie (born 
June 22, 1897), Leon Henry (August 31, 1899) and Arsena (October 1, 1901), 
are pupils in the public school of Glen Ellen. Politically Mr. Chauvet is a 
stanch Republican, voting for the candidates placed upon that party's ticket 
both in local and national elections. He is a well-known and active member 
of the Grange of Glen Ellen, of the Native Sons of the Golden West, the Royal 
Arch and Order of Moose. 



WESLEY LEE HOPPER. 

It is no unusual thing to find the sons of well-to-do men living in leisurely 
enjoyment of the hard-earned wealth of their fathers, having to all appearances 
no other object in life than the rapid and complete dissipation of the same. In 
direct and refreshing contrast thereto is the career of Wesley Lee Hopper, the 
son of Thomas Hopper, the well-known rancher, miner, lumberman, cattle-raise 1- 
and stock-dealer, who with his no less courageous wife came to California before 
the "days of old, the days of gold" and established the family name and fortunes 
in this then wilderness. A sketch depicting the life and experiences of this early 
pioneer will be found elsewhere in this volume. 

The third child and second son in the parental family, Wesley Lee Hopper 
was born January 25, 1852, in the Blucher valley, Sonoma county. These were 
days of changing fortune with the father, who was divided in his occupation as 
well as location, and his son obtained such education as the time and location of 
the home at the time of his school days permitted. When not in school his 
strength was employed in the numerous duties that the youth upon a ranch finds 
before him to do, and he accepted his lot willing, for he was reared to a right 
understanding of his duties to his superiors, to himself and the world about him. 
At an early age, when only twenty years old, he took upon himself the obliga- 
tions and responsibilities of married life, at that time being united with Miss 
Anna Corbin, a native of Iowa, and the daughter of James A. Corbin. At her 
death, August 23, 1900, she left three children, as follows : Henry Lee, who i.- 
married and living in Calistoga, Napa county ; M. Myrtle, who became the wife 
of John Payne and is living in Willits, Mendocino county ; and William Thomas, 
who at one time was bookkeeper in the National Bank at Santa Rosa, but now 
assistant cashier of the Bank of Santa Rosa. From his earliest days Mr. Hopper 
had been trained to an understanding and appreciation of agricultural life, and 
as his father's holdings increased and his interests enlarged he became increas- 
ingly useful in assisting in their management. It was thus that after his mar- 
riage he operated one of his father's ranches, carrying on stock-raising on a 




<y^ ^ . -^^>^ 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 339 

large scale until 1882, when he went to Knight's valley and conducted a ranch of 
twenty-seven hundred acres for about eight years. Subsequently, for about the 
same length of time, he carried on a meat market business in Calistoga, Napa 
county, in connection with the ranch. 

In 1 901 Mr. Hopper leased the ranch to tenants and has since made his 
home in Santa Rosa, finding his time sufficiently taken up in managing his large 
ranching interests. Besides the cattle interests already mentioned, he owns a 
vineyard of two hundred and forty acres on two ranches, and while the grape 
industry is a newer undertaking, it has every indication of becoming as vast in 
scope and as remunerative financially as the cattle industry. After taking up 
his residence in Santa Rosa Mr. Hopper married his present wife, who was 
formerly Miss Nellie Felton. Mrs. Hopper presides with grace and dignity over 
their home at No. 904 McDonald avenue, and with her husband shares in the 
respect and admiration of citizens, friends and neighbors. While Mr. Hopper 
has many interests to claim his time and attention, he still takes time for the 
social amenities of life, and also to do his duty as a good citizen. He is an 
active figure in the ranks of the Democratic party, believing in its principles and 
working for the advancements of its candidates, but never seeking recognition 
for himself. By right of birth he is proud to claim membership in the Native 
Sons, being an active and welcome member of Santa Rosa Parlor. Mr. Hop- 
per's love for nature in the great out-of-doors comes to him as an inheritance 
from his pioneer father and mother, and his greatest pleasure and recreation is 
found in company with his rod and gun. away from cares of city life. 



JOHN MAXWELL CHENEY. 

Not only does long retention in public office speak eloquently of one's 
ability to perform the duties of the office in question, but it also indicates one's 
popularity in his community, at least the two facts obtain in the case of Mr. 
Cheney, who has been the efficient and popular postmaster of Sonoma since 
1901. 

As far back as the history of the family is obtainable it is shown that it is 
of southern origin, and the paternal grandfather, Jonathan Cheney, who was 
born and reared in Virginia, was the first member to break from old traditions 
and establish the name on other soil. In young manhood he removed to Ohio, 
and in Champaign county reared his family and rounded out many useful 
years, his last days, however, being passed in Illinois. He served in the War 
of 1812 in Virginia and in the Blackhawk war in Illinois. It was on the paternal 
homestead in Ohio that our subject's father, Thomas Cheney, first saw the 
light of day in 1808, and that continued to be his home until he too reached 
young manhood, when the same pioneer spirit that had impelled his father to 
seek new fields took him to the frontier of Illinois. This was in 1829. In that 
year he located on a farm about twenty-four miles east of Bloomington, a place 
which has since been known as Cheney's Grove (in McLean county) and there 
he was prosperously engaged in farming for twenty years. The finding of gold 
in California again aroused the pioneer longing within him and the year 1850 
found him among the immigrants who trudged their weary way across the plains. 



34 o HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

As soon as he reached the state he went at once to the mines of Hangtovvn, 
continuing there continuously for three years, with the exception of a short time 
in 1851, when he made a short visit to his Illinois home. The year 1853 wit- 
nessed his second visit to the old home, and when he returned to the west in 
1854 he brought his family with him. Instead of resuming mining he settled 
on a ranch in Sonoma county, in the Sonoma valley, and here he continued in- 
dustriously and successfully engaged in farming throughout his active years. 
After his retirement to private life he located in Petaluma, and there, at the 
home of his son, he was overtaken by death in 1892, when in his eighty-fifth 
year. Not only had he lived long, but what is better, he had lived well, and 
his death was the cause of sincere regret on the part of those who had become 
attached to him for his noble qualities. He was a Republican in political belief 
and throughout his life was a stanch defender of that party's principles. It 
was soon after his location in Illinois that he was united in marriage with Miss 
Susan Maxwell, who was a native of North Carolina, as was also her father, 
John Maxwell, who afterward became a pioneer settler and agriculturist in 
Illinois. Six children were born of the marriage of Thomas and Susan (Max- 
well) Cheney, but of the number only three are living, as follows: Mrs. R. 
A. Harvey, of Fulton, Sonoma county; R. J., of Kern county; and John M. 
Thomas H. died in Porterville in 19x0. 

John M. Cheney was born on the family homestead in McLean county, 
111., May 20, 1839, and there acquired such training in an educational way as the 
schools of the locality had to offer. He came to Sonoma, Cal., in 1854 with his 
parents. As he was reared in a farming community he naturally took up farm- 
ing for a livelihood upon attaining maturity, and in partnership with his father 
and brother owned a ranch of three hundred acres in Sonoma county, Cal. 
Later, from 1864 to 1888, he carried on a ranch alone, engaging in mixed farm- 
ing, after which for about thirteen years he carried on draying with splendid 
success. As was his father before him, he is a believer in Republican principles, 
and it was as a candidate on this party's ticket that he was elected justice of 
the peace and served efficiently for twelve years, resigning to accept the posi- 
tion of postmaster. In 1901 he was placed in charge of the postofhce of So- 
noma, and has continued in the office ever since, an unmistakable evidence of his 
ability. He is associated with but one fraternal order, the Independent Order 
of Odd Fellows, with which he has been identified since 1878. 

Mr. Cheney's marriage, in 1866, united him with Miss Tammy Amplias 
McHarvey, the daughter of Charles and Arviila (Near) McHarvey, both na- 
tives of New York state, the former born in Oswego county December 21, 1826, 
and the latter in Madison county June 16, 1828. After the death of her husband 
in Sonoma April 21, 1896, Mrs. McHarvey leased the carriage factory and 
blacksmith shop which had been so ably conducted by her husband since 1855. 
Five children were born of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Cheney, as follows : 
Arviila, deceased; Mrs. Susan Revie ; Mrs. Clara Johnson; Charles N. and 
Clarence M. For a man of his age Mr. Cheney is wonderfully well preserved, 
especially in the sense of sight, being able to read and prosecute his affairs with- 
out the aid of glasses. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 341 

HARRY B. MORRIS. 

The name of Morris needs no introduction to the residents of Sonoma 
county, and particularly those of Sebastopol, the deeds and aacomplishments 
of two generations of the family being so closely associated with the upbuilding 
of the town that they are a part of history. The family is descended from 
good old New England stock, the first immigrant on these shores having set- 
tled in Massachusetts in 1632. In direct line from this early immigrant the 
history is traced to David H. Morris, the paternal grandfather of the subject 
of this sketch, who was born in New Jersey in 1769, and under General Wayne 
defended the cause of the colonists in the Revolutionary war. From New Jer- 
sey he later removed to Ohio, settling in Dayton, where, he erected the first 
house in town. For a wife he chose Eva Ann Saylor, a Virginian by birth and 
the daughter of Jacob Saylor, a German by birth, who immigrated to the 
United States and settled first in Virginia, where his daughter was born, and 
later in Ohio. 

One of the children born of the marriage of David H. and Eva A. (Saylor) 
Morris was Joseph H. P. Morris, who was born in Miami county, Ohio, Jan- 
uary 19, 1828. Early in life he was left without natural protectors, for when 
he was seven years of age his mother died, and eight years later his father also 
died. He was then about fifteen years of age, and it was then that he started 
out to make his own way in the world. Leaving the home farm he went to 
Dayton and became a clerk in a dry-goods house, continuing there until giving 
up his position to come to California in the memorable year of 1849. He 
started on the journey and had gone as far as St. Joseph, Mo., when he was 
overtaken by sickness and compelled to return to Ohio. The following year, 
however, he went to St. Louis, Mo., for three years thereafter being associated 
with the wholesale dry-goods house of Eddy, Jameson & Co. The fact that 
his first plan to come to California was frustrated made him all the more de- 
termined to come, and all of his efforts thereafter were directed toward this 
ultimate end. Though not as well prepared financially as when he first started 
for the west, in 1853 he again set out on the overland journey and arrived at 
the trading post of Millar and Walker in September of that year. For a year 
he worked as a clerk in the store of J. M. Millar, after which he opened a 
grocery store, on the present site of Sebastopol. With wise foresight he saw 
the possibilities of the location as a town-site, and in 1855 took up one hun- 
dred and twenty acres of land which he laid out into lots, calling the location 
Pine Grove. As an inducement to settlers he offered to give a lot to anyone 
who would embark in business, the first to accept this generous offer being 
John Dougherty, who that year opened a general merchandise store. The 
first recorded disturbance in the little settlement took place in this store, and 
as it has to do with the history of the locality a brief account of it here may 
not be out of place. A Mr. Hibbs and one Stevens were in dispute and had 
come to blows when the former sought refuge in Mr. Dougherty's store. The 
fight would have continued had not the shop-keeper refused entrance to Stevens. 
The Pine Grove boys thereafter called the store Hibbs' Sebastopol, in so doing- 
referring to the taking of Sebastopol in the Crimean war. and the name became 
so familiar that at the time of the incorporation of the town the name Pine 
Grove gave place to Sebastopol. 



342 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

The enterprise which Mr. Morris had started proved so successful that 
in 1858 he purchased" four hundred and fifty acres of land just west of town, 
and thereafter until 1862 was engaged in many enterprises for the upbuilding 
of the town. He was then attracted to Oregon through the mining possibilities 
of the John Day river, but was not satisfied with the results of his efforts and 
returned to Sebastopol, where from 1865 until 1868 he carried on a general 
store and served as postmaster. Two years thereafter he had charge of the 
Coleman Valley Lumber Mills, later went to Guerneville, where he assumed 
the management of the Heald & Guerne mills, besides having charge of the 
books of the concern for a number of years. He was later superintendent of 
Corbell & Bros, mill, on Russian river, a position which he held until 1875, 
when he returned to Sebastopol and opened a meat market, continuing this 
with splendid success until 1892, when he retired from active business. Four 
years later, October 26, 1896, he passed away in Sebastopol, the town of which 
he was the founder. 

In i860 Joseph H. P. Morris was married to Miss Maria L. Bullen. a 
native of England, the two children born of their marriage being Harry B. 
and Eva, the latter a resident of San Francisco. The mother of these children 
passed away in 1908. Politically Mr. Morris was a Republican, and fraternally 
he was a charter member, and for thirty years secretary, of Lafayette Lodge 
No. 126, F. & A. M. He was also a charter member of Sebastopol Lodge No. 
167, I. O. G. T. 

The only son of his parents, Harry B. Morris was born in Sebastopol 
November 10, 1863, and is now the only resident of the town that was living 
here at the time of his birth. As soon as his school days were over he became 
associated with his father in the management of a meat market in town, a busi- 
ness which they carried on for twenty-five years. Subsequently the younger 
man became interested in the buying and selling of real-estate, and is still 
interested in the business to some extent, although of later years he has given 
less attention to it than formerly. In 1908, in partnership with F. R. Matthews, 
he established an enterprise known as the Enterprise Bottling works, manu- 
facturing all kinds of carbonated beverages, in addition to which they handle 
the Porter steam beer and malt extract and the famous Yosemite lager beer. 
Mr. Morris was one of the organizers of the Analy Savings Bank and since 
its organization he has served as a director. He is also a stockholder of the 
Sebastopol Times, a newspaper. He has been a continuous resident of Sebas- 
topol for forty-eight years, a longer period than any other man in town. 

Mr. Morris' marriage occurred December 29, 1886, and united him with 
Miss Albena Howell, who like himself is a native of Sebastopol. She is a 
daughter of L. V. H. Howell, who since the death of the elder Mr. Morris has 
been associated with the latter's son in the management of the meat market. 
Two daughters have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Morris. Louie, born in 1888, 
and Maria, born in 1898. As was his father before him, Mr. Morris is a 
stanch Republican, and when the town was incorporated in 1892 he was made 
president of the first board of trustees, serving in this capacity for five years, 
and he is now justice of the peace. In his fraternal associations he is allied 
with all branches of the Masonic order, belonging to Sebastopol Lodge No. 




7/^^£, 



^^Z^t 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 345 

126, F. & A. M. ; Santa Rosa Chapter, R. A. M. ; Santa Rosa Commander), 
K. T. ; Islam Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.. of San Francisco; and also belonging 
to Santa Rosa Lodge No. 646, B. P. O. E. ; and Evergreen Lodge, I. O. O. F. 



WILLIAM HENRY BONES. 

A comparison between the life record of Mr. Bones and the history of his 
home county of Sonoma reveals many points of similarity. Each has been 
devoid of sensational features and thrilling episodes, but both alike have risen 
from small beginnings. Starting out in life to make his way with no other equip- 
ment than his two hands and a strong ambition, he has since attained a 
position of influence and prosperity, revealing in the slow but steady growth the 
possession of traits that make for the advancement of the county or an in- 
dividual. Agriculture has been a leading factor in the progress of the man and 
the locality of his residence, but kindred pursuits have been, utilized with grati- 
fying success, notably horticulture, which is proving a source of profit to those 
willing to devote to it the time and care necessary to prosperity in the occupa- 
tion. 

Born in Harrison county, Mo., January 4, 1850, William Henry Bones is 
of southern ancestry. His father, William, was a native of East Tennessee, and 
his mother, Selina McCreary in maidenhood, came from Buncombe county, 
N. C, but much of their early years was passed in Missouri, where the son 
va? sent to the local schools and trained to helpfulness at home. During the 
spring of 1862, when William H. was in his thirteenth year, the parents started 
across the plains with an expedition of home-seekers. The trip was made with 
wagons drawn by oxen and horses. In spite of the perils due to the depredations 
of Indians that continued throughout the Civil war period, they reached Cali- 
fornia in safety and settled in the Sonoma valley, where they remained one 
year. In 1863 the family located on the place near Sebastopol now the home 
of William H. The father died in November. 1893, and the mother passed away 
at the age of eighty-four years. 

Mr. Bones' advantages for an education were limited to a few terms of 
common school, for he was left to care for his parents and to maintain the home 
place, on which there were no improvements. He set about culling the wood, 
burning charcoal, clearing the land and experimenting with crops until he dis- 
covered those most remunerative. One of these was cherries, and he claims the 
distinction of being the pioneer in that industry in this section. He sold the 
first cherries from this section to the cannery, which he found a great source 
of profit, when he needed it most. His ranch near Sebastopol comprises five 
hundred acres, of which three hundred are in woodland, while the remainder 
is under cultivation. Enough stock is carried to provide for the needs of the 
farm. A specialty is made of fruits. More than forty acres are planted to 
vineyard, which produces a large annual harvest of grapes, and twenty acres 
are in cherries, also a profitable crop. In addition to a bearing orchard of two 
acres, a new apple orchard has been started with a selected variety of the fruit. 

In the fall of 1910, Mr. Bones started a general merchandise store in 
Occidental, a venture which has proven very successful, the sales being much 



346 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

greater than was expected. In 1905 he built a large warehouse on Ellis street, 
Santa Rosa, which he rents, besides which he owns a residence in Santa Rosa 
and three houses and a store building in Occidental. 

It was not until 1886 that Mr. Bones established a home of his own. Dur- 
ing that year he was united in marriage with Miss Martha Patterson, a native 
of California and a woman of recognized worth of character and gentleness of 
disposition. Seven children blessed their union, namely : Elmer E., born in 
r888 and now employed on the railroad; Russell, born in 1889; Francis Leslie, 
1891 ; Reuben Wesley, 1892 ; Nellie Elizabeth ; Warren Azel and Edith S. The 
children have been given excellent educational advantages, and are deservedly 
popular among the young people of their community. While voting the Demo- 
cratic ticket in general elections. Mr. Bones has never displayed any partisan- 
ship of spirit, but is inclined to be independent in local elections, favoring 
for office such men as he deems best qualified by ability and character to 
represent the interests of the people. Political views he considers of small 
importance in local campaigns, but he recognizes their value in national affairs. 
As a citizen he is progressive, alive to the interests of the county and devoted 
to the upbuilding of the community where for so many years he has made 
his home. 



L. W. BURRIS. 

If the life of Mr. Burris were to be summed up in one word, that word 
would be versatility. He has been a resident of Santa Rosa for the past thirty- 
three years, and during that time not an enterprise has been fostered in the 
town that has not received his co-operation, and the greater number of them 
have originated in his fertile brain and been brought to completion under his 
immediate superintendence. 

A native son of the state and resident of Sonoma county throughout his 
entire life, L. W. Burris was born in Sonoma City April 14, 1854, the son 
of William and Elizabeth (Davisson) Burris, natives respectively of Missouri 
and Indiana, whose residence in California dates from the year 1850. In spite 
of the fact that the father was attracted to the state during the excitement 
caused by the finding of gold, he did not follow its fickle fortunes, but instead 
settled down to agricultural life in Sonoma valiey and continued to follow this 
peaceful calling throughout his active years. As the son of a farmer Mr. 
Burris was early in life made familiar with the duties that fall to the lot of 
farmer's sons generally, and he performed his duties willingly and efficiently. 
Appreciating the value of good educational facilities as requisite to the founda- 
tion of any undertaking, the parents left no stone unturned in giving their 
son every advantage in their power, and after attending the public school and 
Presbyterian College in Sonoma he attended a higher school in San Francisco. 

With the knowledge thus acquired Mr. Burris came to Santa Rosa in 1877 
and accepted a position in the Santa Rosa Bank, a position from which he was 
promoted from time to time, and for many years during the long period of 
thirty-two years in which he w~as connected with this institution he efficiently 
filled the position of cashier. It was with this long and faithful service to 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 347 

his credit that he resigned from the bank in 1908 and established himself in 
the insurance and brokerage business in the Dougherty & Shay building, in 
Santa Rosa, a business in which he is building up a good patronage. In men- 
tioning his association with the bank and his present business interests, the 
scope of work which has passed through Mr. Burris' hands has not been touched 
upon. Many years ago he was one of the prime movers in the founding of 
the Hunt Brothers Fruit Packing Company, as well as the Rose City Fruit 
Canning Company, and for a long period was treasurer and a director in the 
latter company. He was equally well versed in wine-making and was financially- 
interested in this business at one time. Fie was also interested in the redwood 
timber lands, in mining and in real-estate transactions, in all of which varied 
lines he was equally competent, in fact he was considered an authority on all 
of these subjects and his advice was often sought as the court of last appeal. 
In 1882 Mr. Burris formed domestic ties by his marriage with Miss 
Laura Mathews, a native of California, and one son, Shirley, has been born to 
them. Notwithstanding Mr. Burris' many engrossing cares and undertakings 
he has never been too busy to do his duty as a good citizen, serving as a mem- 
ber of the board of free-holders that created the present charter, and for two 
terms he served as one of the city councilmen. He well recalls the little town 
when its population numbered only twenty-five hundred, and no one has watched 
its growth to its present population, eight thousand, with a keener interest, 
and at the same time no one has done more to foster the growth of the town 
in the largest and best sense. Fraternally he is a member of a number of orders, 
belonging to the Masons, Odd Fellows, Elks and Eagles, and he is also proud to 
claim membership in the Native Sons of the Golden West. 



ROLAND K. TRUITT. 

Adventures of more than ordinary interest filled the early years of Roland 
K. Truitt. Hair-breadth escapes formed a part of his everyday experience. 
Inured to hardships and accustomed to peril, he retained his courage alike on 
the bloody battlefield and the lonely Indian-haunted prairie. While vet a mere 
lad he had become accustomed to long journeys, wearisome marches and the 
deprivation oi every comfort ameliorating the adversities of existence. In- 
difference to personal comfort, a marked characteristic of his youth, fitted him 
for the vicissitudes of arm)- service and the dangers incident to long and lonely 
trips across the plains and through the then undeveloped south. The First 
Texas Cavalry, in which he once rendered gallant service, has now no survivor 
save himself, the other brave men who once with him shared peril and hunger 
having long since fought their last fight and fallen before the arrows of the all- 
conquering enemy, Death. 

Roland K. Truitt was born August 23, 1841, near the San Jacinto river. 
in Texas, where his father had acquired a large grant of land. The father 
was a native of Kentucky, and the mother who though of Irish descent was a 
native of Missouri, and numbered among her relatives the famous old doctor 
Hostetter. During infancy Mr. Truitt was taken to Missouri by his parents 
and in 1849 they started across the plains with a large expedition of Argonauts. 



348 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Danger marked the journey from its incipiency. Savages threatened the entire 
destruction of the party. The members became scattered. The boy, his father 
and grandfather were left alone on the plains at the mercy of the Indians, with 
only two yoke of oxen for the transportation of their supplies. Some Cherokees 
joined them and went with them for a time, apparently friendly, but when they 
left one yoke of oxen also disappeared. About that time they met other em- 
igrants, so they had company during the balance of the journey and at the 
expiration of five months and fifteen days they arrived at their destination. The 
father was the first miner on the American river, where he found gold by the 
bucket measure during the fall following their arrival. He was one of the first 
to turn the river and work the bed of it for gold. 

Returning in 1851 via Greytown and Havana, Cuba, to New Orleans, the 
family bought slaves at the traders' yards in that city and then proceeded to 
their land grant in Montgomery county, Tex., via Houston. Soon, however, the 
climate proved so unhealthful that the father sold the slaves and in 1856 again 
started for California. At the Isthmus of Panama the natives attacked the 
Americans, killing thirty-six and wounding eighteen. This is known as the 
Panama massacre. By the kindly appeal of the American consul the Truitt 
family were spared and they then came on to the Pacific coast, settling in 
Sonoma county on a large and unimproved ranch. Conditions there were not 
pleasant and the youth of fifteen years, disagreeing with his father, ran away 
from home, seeking employment with others in the state. During i860 he 
returned to Texas and from there journeyed north to Iowa, where he bought 
a drove of horses to be sold in the south. For a time he remained with his 
grandfather on a farm at Danville, Montgomery county, but at the outbreak of 
the Civil war lie left that place and went two hundred miles for the purpose 
of joining the Federal army, but as the sixty days given him to get out of the 
Confederate states had expired he was forced to join the Confederate army, 
in which he served eighteen months. From the ranks he was promoted to be 
lieutenant in recognition of gallant conduct. Among the sanguinary contests 
in which he participated none was more memorable than the fall of Vicksburg. 
The exciting chase in which the voung soldier and several comrades were 
chased by bloodhounds for more than two hundred miles ended on the other 
side of the Rio Grande river, with the refugees exhausted by the hardships of 
their long flight to join the Federal army. After many more perils they finally 
reached Matamoras, Mexico, and from there Mr. Truitt crossed to Brownsville. 
Tex., after the defeat of the Confederates, where he took the oath of allegiance 
to the United States in 1863. Immediately afterward he was placed in the First 
Texas Cavalry, with which he did duty from Point Isabel to Reno Barracks. 
As a result of unsavory rations he was taken very ill and a friend secured a 
furlough, placed him on board a vessel, and started for New Orleans. Dur^ 
ing the voyage his vitality failed to such an extent that he appeared to be dead 
and the captain determined to throw the body overboard, but the friend de- 
murred, so he was put off on an island for burial. Fortunately he soon began 
to show signs of life, but for ten days he remained unconscious and his recovery 
was very slow. When able to be moved he was sent up the river with a ship- 
load of wounded soldiers and for four months he remained at Keokuk, Iowa. 
On his recovery he returned to the front and was assigned to scout dutv, where 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 35' 

he had no further trouble except the shooting of his horse under him. Later 
he was sent with a detachment to reinforce Major-General Thomas at Mobile, 
Ala., whence he was ordered to New Orleans, and while acting as a scout he 
received the news of peace, after which he was sent to Mexico in Custer's 
division under General Sheridan. Six months after the close of the war he was 
honorably discharged at San Antonio, Tex., and for some time thereafter he 
earned a livelihood by ranching- in that state. 

The marriage of Mr. Truitt and Miss Sina, daughter of Major Brooks 
of Texas, was solemnized in 1865 in the state where she was born and reared. 
Four children blessed their union, three now living, namely : Eugene, born in 
1866, now a resident of San Francisco; Elliott, born in 1872, now married and 
living in Hoquiam, Wash. ; and Charles, born in 1877, now married and serv- 
ing on the mounted police force of San Francisco. During the years 1885-86 
Mr. Truitt was in the employ of the Wells Fargo Express Company as shot- 
gun messenger, a position which he resigned to look after his other interests, 
this too after he had been offered a life-long position with the company. Fre- 
quently Mr. Truitt has served Sonoma county as a delegate to conventions of 
the Republican party and as a member of the central committee, besides which 
he has served as deputy sheriff. For the past twenty-eight years he has had 
control of the only opera-house in Ffealdsburg and in addition he owns a stock 
ranch in the mountains, where for years he operated extensively in stock-rais- 
ing, but since his retirement from arduous cares he has lived quietly in Healds- 
burg, enjoying life's afternoon of peace and plenty after the thrilling adventures 
of youth and the memorable experiences of early manhood. 



CAPT. NATHANIEL GOULD. 

The history of the Gould family is a most interesting and eventful one. 
Of sturdy New England stock, with a natural bent for the sea, their courageous 
spirit and strength of character have been handed down through the genera- 
tions. Captain Gould's maternal grandfather was Edmund Crosby, who served 
in the war of 181 2, and by trade was a ship-builder. Flis marriage united him 
with Miss Mehitable Taylor. Captain Gould was the namesake of his father, 
also Nathaniel Gould, who followed the occupation of coast trading, eventu- 
ally becoming the captain of a vessel. He built the schooner N. and H. 
Gould, upon which, during its second voyage up the Delaware, he lost his life, 
in saving the life of one of his sailors. He was then forty-five years of age, 
and left his widow. Hannah King (Crosby) Gould, with five children to rear 
and educate. She proved equal to the task laid upon her, rearing her children 
to lives of usefulness. Her death occurred in Massachusetts in 1904, at the 
good old age of eighty-seven years. 

Capt. Nathaniel Gould was born on Cape Cod (as were his parents and 
grand parents) October 1, 18.42, and at the age of fourteen took his first voy- 
age. Leaving Boston for New Brunswick, he went to Spain, on to Smyrna 
and back to Boston. He then left New York on the sailer Endeavor via Cape 
Horn to San Francisco, a trip of about one hundred and twenty-three days, 
reaching the Golden Gate in 1862. From there he went to Hong-Kong and 



352 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Fou Chou. China, where the vessel was loaded with tea for New York City, 
and returned around Cape of Good Hope home, having circumnavigated the 
globe. After a few short trips around home he once more started out on a 
long voyage on the Alary Bangs, loaded with lumber for Montevideo, and 
from there went to Callao, Peru, where the ship was loaded with guano for 
Antwerp, going from there to Liverpool, England. He then sailed in the 
packet Ne Plus Ultra to New York City. It was at this time that the Civil 
war was raging and he then served on a schooner carrying supplies to Grant's 
army at City Point, then as second mate of the barque Burnside he went to 
Hong-Kong, returning with a cargo of tea for New York. Later he made 
a trip to Valparaiso and returned ; next a trip to the Mediterranean and back 
to New York ; from here to Australia, bringing coal for Shanghai and tea 
back to New York. From there as mate on the Agenor he loaded lumber in 
Boston for Callao, Peru, thence went to San Francisco, where wheat was 
loaded for Liverpool, and upon his arrival at that port, he was made captain 
of the Agenor. Arriving in New York in 1868 with a cargo of salt from Cal- 
cutta, he was ordered to San Francisco, where he loaded wheat for Queens- 
town, but on his arrival he was ordered to discharge the cargo in Belfast, then 
returned to Boston and was sent to San Francisco by the owners to take 
charge as master of the Conqueror, taking her to Liverpool, then to New York, 
where it was loaded for San Francisco ; from there to Hull and back to New 
York, where it was loaded for San Francisco, going back to Queenstown and 
on to Havre, thence to Cardiff, where he took on coal for Hong-Kong and back 
to San Francisco. 

In that city, October 20, 1880, Captain Gould was united in marriage to 
Miss Mattie A. Miller, who was born in Rochester, N. Y., the daughter of 
Michael John Miller, born in Alsace, France. His father, John Miller, served 
twenty years in the French army under Napoleon and was on the march to 
Moscow and present at the burning of that city. He brought his family to 
Monroe county, N. Y., where he died. M. J. Miller brought his family to 
California in 1864, coming via Panama and engaging in the commission busi- 
ness in San Francisco, and later in the transportation and freight business. 
In 1870 he located in Petaluma, where he was prominent in business and 
social circles : a man of great foresight, to him is due the present splendid water 
supply of Petaluma. His decease occurred in 1900. The mother of Mrs. Gould 
was Julia Upton, born in Rindge, N. H., the daughter of Nathan and Hannah 
(Colbnrn) Upton, both natives of that state. She spent her last days with 
her daughter in Petaluma, passing away in October, 1908, at the age of eighty- 
five, leaving two daughters, Hattie, Mrs. John A. McNear, of Petaluma, and 
Mrs. Gould. Mrs. Gould was educated in Oakland at the Female College of 
the Pacific. Her culture, refinement and integrity have won her hosts of 
friends, and to those less fortunate in this world's goods she has never been 
known to turn a deaf ear ' and they have truly found in her a sympathetic 
friend. Her charities are many and the love and esteem of the community 
are hers. 

Among the exploits of Captain Gould are: Circumnavigation of the globe, 
twice; rounding of Cape Horn, twenty-three times; and rounding Cape of Good 
Hope, seven times. The fact that he never had a mishap, and that good luck 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 353 

followed him through all his achievements, are matters of great pride and 
satisfaction to him. He was intrusted with the most valuable cargoes, and 
always proved equal to the confidence reposed in him, executing all orders with 
great credit and filling the positions with great ability and integrity. He was 
made a Mason in West Harwich, Mass., and raised to the Royal Arch degree 
in the Orient Chapter at Hyannis. Both Captain Gould and his wife are mem- 
bers of the Congregational Church at Petaluma. His benevolences are many, 
and no enterprise that is for the public good and the upbuilding of the com- 
munity ever lacks his support. 



WILLIAM F. COWAN. 

Among the most distinguished and esteemed members of the Sonoma 
county bar is William F. Cowan, of Santa Rosa, a man of pronounced ability. 
wise in his judgments, firm in his convictions, and one who has maintained a 
superior position among his legal brethren, and an honored place in fraternal 
and social circles. A native son of the state, he was born in Sonoma, Sonoma 
county, September 13, 1868, a son of Samuel F. and Mary Ellen (Spencer) 
Cowan, to whom two other children were born, Angus B., a well-known phy- 
sician in Fresno, and Frank S., a cement contractor in the same city. 

When Samuel F. Cowan set out from his boyhood home in Kentucky in 
1849 with his face toward the setting sun he felt he had little to lose, for the 
farming community in which he was born and reared offered no outlet for his 
ambitious nature, and in the broad expanse of the new west he felt confident of 
finding more congenial and profitable surroundings. The journey across the 
plains was made in the old-fashioned way, eight-mule teams supplying the 
motive power. Arriving at his destination, he went at once to the mines, fol- 
lowing this occupation for a time, but gave it up soon afterward to engage in 
cattle-raising, in which he saw a greater future, for himself at least, than in 
following the uncertain life of the miner. The decision proved a turning point 
in his career, and in coming to Sonoma county and establishing himself in this 
business he inaugurated an industry which developed with the passing of 
years and thus contributed to the development of one of California's latent pos- 
sibilities. He continued in the business in this county for some time, after 
which, in 1869, he went to San Benito county and followed the same line of 
occupation, in addition to building contracting. His own private undertakings 
were not followed so closely that he had no time to think of the larger affairs 
of life, on the other hand he was alert to all activities that concerned town, 
county or nation. In San Benito county he was elected county assessor on the 
Democratic ticket, a position which he occupied with great efficiency. For a 
time, in 1885, Mr. Cowan had interests in Oregon, and in 1890 he engaged in 
the hotel business in Fresno, where he also served two terms as city trustee, 
but in the main his interests have been centered in Santa Rosa and Sonoma 
county, which he believes to be the garden spot of this favored commonwealth. 

William F. Cowan was a small child when his parents removed to Hol- 
lister, San Benito county, and as that was the home of the family until 1885, 
his schooling was acquired chiefly in that city. Instead of going to Oregon 



354 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

with the family in that year, however, he went to San Jose and completed his 
schooling in the high school of that city. After his graduation he joined the 
family in Oregon and assisted his father in the care of the ranch. Returning 
to Sonoma county in 1888, the same year he settled in Santa Rosa and worked 
as a laborer in the construction of the Southern Pacific Railroad that was then 
being built into the town, and about this time he was also employed as type- 
setter on the night force in the offijce of the Press Democrat ; he continued in 
the latter position for about three years, his time during the day being em- 
ployed in reading law with judge Rutledge and W. E. McConnell of Santa 
Rosa. In August, 1890, he was admitted to practice in the courts of the state, 
and soon afterward he formed a partnership with Judge Emmet Seawell for 
the practice of his profession. However, the association was not destined 
to continue for any length of time, for the election of Air. Cowan to the posi- 
tion of city attorney in 1892 made it necessary for him to discontinue his 
private practice. He was re-elected his own successor in 1894 at the close of 
his first term, and at the expiration of his second term he resumed his private- 
practice and continued it until 1898. He was then employed by the city as 
special council in litigation cases, concerning the city water works and electric 
light contracts. Honors which he was well able to grace came to him in the 
fall of 1899, when he was elected to the state legislature on the Democratic 
ticket, and his re-election in 1901 is ample evidence that his constituents were 
satisfied that they had made no mistake in trusting their interests to his keeping. 
Upon retiring once more to private life Mr. Cowan resumed the practice of law, 
and has since gathered about him a large practice, with offices in the Santa 
Rosa Bank building. 

In 1891 Mr. Cowan was united in marriage with Miss Florence Braughler. 
a native of Pennsylvania, who has been a resident of California since girlhood. 
Two children have been born of this union, Madeline and William F., Jr. Mr. 
Cowan is well known in fraternal circles, being a member of the Elks, Eagles, 
Druids and Woodmen of the World, besides which he is identified with various 
social associations in the town and county. Mr. Cowan is popular in Santa 
Rosa, and aside from his professional ability, commands the respect and good- 
will of all by reason of superior personal characteristics. 



THOMAS BLOOM McNAMARA. 
The present county surveyor of Sonoma county, T. B. McNamara, was 
born in Helena, Mont., February 6, 1882, the son of James Joseph and Mar- 
garet (Bloom) McNamara, the former born in Dungiven, Ireland, and his 
wife was a native of Curneyville, Pa. She passed away in California in 1889, 
after a long and useful life. James J. McNamara accompanied his uncles 
Michael and Nicholas to California when a boy and was reared and educated 
in Crescent City, Del Nbrte county. He was studying law there when the 
Civil war broke out, and being very loyal to his adopted country he enlisted 
in the First Oregon Volunteer Cavalry and served on the frontier against the 
Indians for a period of three years, during which time he was wounded in two 
different battles. After the war he went to Helena, Mont., where he engaged 





t/l'tpy^isi^ 




&c 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 357 

in the stock business, his ranch being located near that city. In 1886 he re- 
turned to California and bought a ranch in Green valley, Sonoma county, and 
for many years was engaged in horticulture. He is now city editor of the 
Produce News of Kansas City, where he resides. 

The third eldest of a family of five children, three of whom are now 
living, Thomas B. McNamara was brought to California when a lad of four 
years and his education was received in the public schools of Sonoma county 
and in the high school of Santa Rosa. At the age of twenty years he entered 
the office of the county surveyor Mr. Smyth and served for five years, four of 
which he was assistant county surveyor. Upon the election of George Winkler 
to that office in 1906 he was retained as chief deputy, and in 1900, when Mr. 
Winkler was compelled to go to Old Mexico on account of ill health, Mr. 
McNamara made his campaign and as a result Mr. Winkler was returned to 
the office with the second largest majority on the ticket. This is doubtless the 
most unique campaign ever made in a fight for county office as Mr. McNamara 
took the stump and spoke over the entire county. After the death of Mr. 
Winkler, July 23, 191 1, the board of supervisors (on July 31), appointed Mr. 
McNamara county surveyor to fill the vacancy. 

Mr. McNamara was married in San Francisco in 1903 to Miss Ida Mae 
Bither, a native daughter of San Joaquin county. They have two children, 
James Joseph and Thomas Blcom. In national politics Mr. McNamara is a 
Republican. Since he has been an employe of the office to which he has since 
succeeded he has attended to all the duties that have been intrusted to him 
with an earnestness of purpose and a strict attention to detail that has made 
of him an invaluable assistant and his unanimous appointment by the board 
of supervisors was a gratification to all who have had business or social dealings 
with him. 



FRANK L. BLACKBURN. 

Among the native-born citizens of Sonoma county conspicuous for their 
abilitv, integrity and worth is Frank L. Blackburn, the present coroner and 
public administrator of the county, and the proprietor of a large undertaking 
business in Petaluma. In pursuing his successful career Mr. Blackburn has not 
departed from any of the ways or traditions of the typical western man, as he 
has known no other home than the golden west. In this respect his experience 
differs from that of his father, the late Charles Blackburn, who in 1843 l eft 
his home in England and came to the United States, first settling in Oskaloosa, 
Iowa. Nine years later, in 1852, he came to California, and between that year 
and the date of his death, November 27, 1896, was enacted a career that was 
as useful as it was long. Possessing the ability and personal requisites of the 
ideal funeral director and recognizing in Petaluma the need of his services, 
he established the principal enterprise of this kind in the town, and from the 
first the business had a steady growth, patronage not being confined to the 
town and immediate surroundings, but coming from all parts of the county. 
For further facts relative to his long and interesting career the reader is referred 
to his sketch on another page of this work. 

The youngest of the children born to his parents, Charles and Jemima 
Jane (Richardson) Blackburn, Frank L. Blackburn was born in Petaluma 

21 



35 8 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

in July, 1869. He attended the public schools of his home town, and after 
acquiring a good practical knowledge of the essentials of education he pre- 
pared for business life by learning the undertaking business, thus following 
in the footsteps of his father and elder brother in the choice of a life calling. 
To perfect himself in his chosen vocation he went to San Francisco and studied 
with the William H. Porter Company and also with Halstead & Co. With the 
practical knowledge and experience which he thus gained he returned to Petaluma 
and applied his knowledge in his father's undertaking business, continuing thus 
associated for three years. The breaking out of the Spanish-American war 
at this time was destined to make a change in his career, enlarging his experi- 
ence professionally, as well as affording an opportunity for sight-seeing and 
travei. Enlisting his services in the army transport service, he was given the 
position of embalmer in the government service between San Francisco and 
the far east, and during the incumbency of this position made three trips to the 
Philippines, Japan and China. 

After the death of the father in 1896 the undertaking business which he 
had established was continued by his eldest son, John S., and it was with the 
latter that Frank L. Blackburn became associated after the close of his gov- 
ernment service and his return to Petaluma. The association proved profit- 
able and amicable and was severed only by the death of the elder brother in 
1903. Since that time the business has been maintained by Frank L. Black- 
burn alone, his long and varied experience in the business amply qualifying 
him to continue the name and good work of his predecessors. In 1902 Mr. 
Blackburn was elected on the Republican ticket to the office of coroner and 
public administrator of Sonoma county, and so satisfactory were his services 
during his first term, that in 1906 and 19 10 he was re-elected his own suc- 
cessor and is still the encumbent of this important office. 

In 1904 Mr. Blackburn was united in marriage with Miss Caroline I. 
Williams, a native of Petaluma and the daughter of Surgeon-General C. H. 
Williams of the United States Army, who stood high in army circles. Fra- 
ternally Mr. Blackburn is a well-known Odd Fellow, belonging to the order in 
all of its varied branches, besides which he belongs to the Elks, Red Men, 
Fraternal Order of Eagles, and by right of his birth in the state, belongs to 
the Native Sons of the Golden West. Air. Blackburn is held in the highest 
esteem by those associated with him in whatever capacity, his business sagacity, 
high personal honor and tact and good fellowship endearing him to a host 
of friends. 



CLAYTON WINKLER. 
From the time of his arrival in California until his demise it was the privi- 
lege of Mr. Winkler to witness over half a century of progress. The era of 
gold-mining which he found here has been replaced by an epoch of commercial 
activity and agricultural and horticultural prosperity. Fertile valleys bask in 
the sunshine of spring and glow with the golden flush of summer's harvests. 
Cities have arisen where once the sheep and cattle roamed over ranges unmo- 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 359 

lested. On every hand may be seen evidences of the fruition of the pioneers, 
who builded wisely and well for future generations. 

Honored among the pioneers now gone to their last rest is the name of 
Clayton Winkler, a pioneer of 1849 on tne coast. Born in Estelle county, Ky., 
January 12, 1S31, he was a son of David and Sarah (Asbell) Winkler, both also 
natives of that state. The paternal grandfather, Jacob Winkler, was a native 
of Germany, and it was he who established the name in this country, locating 
in Kentucky. The early youth of Clayton Winkler was passed in his native 
state, and during his boyhood he removed with his parents to Missouri, in the 
vicinity of St. Joseph. There soon afterward, when he was only nine years of 
age, he was orphaned by the death of both parents, after which he made his 
home with his brother-in-law, L. A. Reynolds, in LaPorte, Ind., who gave him 
every advantage for an education which he bestowed upon his own children. 
This included district and high school advantages, to which were later added 
the privileges of a course in an academy at South Bend. 

At the time of the breaking out cf the gold fever in California Clayton 
Winkler was a young man of eighteen years, full of ambition and eager to take 
advantage of the opportunity which crossed his path. It was in the spring of 
that year, therefore, that he began the long journey across the plains, driving 
an ox-team. The party were fortunate in escaping any disasters until the Hum- 
boldt was reached, the Indians there stampeding and stealing their cattle. They 
were fortunate in recovering the greater part of the cattle without a fight, and 
on the remainder of the march they used greater precaution. The party arrived 
in Sacramento October 16. 1849, an d without loss of time Mr. Winkler made 
his way to the mines of Eldorado county, continuing there until 1851. It was 
the year just mentioned that marked his advent in Sonoma county, and the fol- 
lowing year he showed his satisfaction with the country by the purchase of 
two hundred and eighty acres of land in Green valley. General fanning en- 
gaged his attention until 1854, and for the two years following he made a spe- 
cialty of raising potatoes. His thirst for mining had evidently not been satiated 
during the first years of his residence in the state, for in the years 1862 and 
1863 we find him again interested in the search for the hidden treasure, this 
time in Nevada. The venture proved a succession of gains and losses that about 
evenly balanced each other, and he finally determined to give up the undertaking 
altogether. 

Mr. Winkler then returned to his ranch in Sonoma county and took up 
its cultivation and improvement with a new zest. It was following this, in 1866, 
that his marriage with Miss Martha Brain occurred. She was a daughter of 
Samuel and Sarah (Powell) Brain, both natives of England, but early immi- 
grants to Sonoma county, Cal. Among the improvements which Mr. Winkler 
placed upon his property were numerous substantial buildings, besides which 
he planted orchards until he was the owner of one of the finest orchards to 
be found anywhere in this section of country, his ranch lying nine miles west of 
Santa Rosa. Altogether he had seventy-five acres devoted to orchard, peaches 
and apples being his specialty, and in the raising of these fruits he was a 
recognized authority throughout the county. Besides the fruits of which he 
made a specialty he also raised a variety of other fruits and grapes for family 
use, and the land not used for fruit raising was devoted to hay, grain and stock. 



360 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Probably no resident of Green valley was more enthusiastic about its future 
than was Mr. Winkler, who was firm in the belief that it had no equal as a 
fruit center in the state. He lived to see his prophecy in this respect fulfilled, 
and to have the satisfaction of feeling that he had been a factor in bringing 
it about. Not only was his influence effectual along agricultural lines, but it 
was also strongly felt in all avenues of activity, both religious and secular. He 
was a member of the Methodist Church, a believer in maintaining good schools 
and churches, as was evidenced in his liberal contributions, without regard to 
denomination. As an evidence of his generosity it may be said that he donated 
an acre and a half of land upon which the Congregational Church of Green 
valley was erected. He was indefatigable in his efforts to provide good school 
privileges for the young, and much of the progress which was made in school 
matters was brought about during the many years which he served as school 
trustee. Politically he was a Republican, but he never was an aspirant for 
office, and fraternally he was a member of Lafayette Lodge No. 126, F. & A. 
M., of Sebastopol. Mr. Winkler passed away November 18, 1901, leaving 
besides his widow nine children to mourn the loss of a kind father. Named in 
the order of their birth they are as follows : Sarah J., Arthur S., George H. 
(the late surveyor of Sonoma county), Hattie L., Oliver M., Edward C, Sam- 
uel Ernest, Walter S. and Florence E. 



mark l. Mcdonald, jr. 

Although comparatively a young man, Mark L. McDonald, Jr., of Santa 
Rosa, has a business record which men many years his senior might be proud to 
possess. As president and manager of the M. L. McDonald, Jr., & Co. fruit- 
packing enterprise he owes much to .his gifts of perseverance and resource, as 
well as to splendid business judgment. 

Through his paternal grandparents, James and Martha (Peters) McDon- 
ald, Mark L. McDonald, Jr., is a descendant of southern ancestors, and his 
father, Mark L. McDonald, was also a native of the south. It was while his 
parents, Mark L. and Ralphine (North) McDonald, were making their home in 
San Francisco that their eldest son, Mark L., was born June 6, 1868. His 
first training was in private schools in San Francisco, after which he attended 
Litton Springs College and Princeton university, graduating from the latter in 
the class of 1890. In the meantime his parents removed to Santa Rosa, and 
thither he returned at the close of his college career. No time elapsed between 
his college and business experience, for upon his return to Santa Rosa he became 
an employe in the Santa Rosa Water Company, with which his father was asso- 
ciated, and which had under way the establishment of the first water system 
in the city. Mr. McDonald remained with the company for about a year and 
a half, when he resigned to take charge of the mechanical division of the Bureau 
of Awards of the World's Columbian Exposition of Chicago in 1893. He dis- 
charged the duties of the position with dignity and ability and at the close of 
the Fair he went to Washington and terminated the affairs of the department, 
awarding medals and attending to other duties in the settlement of his depart- 
ment in one of the most stupendous undertakings in the nineteenth century. 




cr 




HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 363 

Returning to Santa Rosa, Mr. McDonald resumed interests in his home 
town, and has resided here continuously ever since. He is now president of 
the Santa Rosa Water Works, besides which he is president and manager of 
M. L. McDonald, Jr., & Co., packers of dried fruit. His interest in educational 
matters and his ability to serve in the capacity of president of the board of 
education of this city led to his election to this position June 2, 1908, a position 
which he has since filled with great credit to himself and to the entire satisfac- 
tion of those who placed him at the head of this important department. 

In his marriage, which occurred December 16, 1896, Mr. McDonald was 
united with Miss Isabelle Juilliard, the daughter of Charles F. and Sarah A. 
(Chilton) Juilliard, and three children, Mark L. Ill, Juilliard and Marcia Ann, 
have been born to them. 



JOHN DARCY CONNOLLY. 

The subject of this sketch, John D'Arcy Connolly, a resident of Occidental, 
Sonoma county, was born in 1854 near the town of Clifden, County Galway, 
Ireland, his father's name being Daniel Connolly and his mother's maiden 
name Mary D'Arcy. Daniel Connolly's connection with the Finian movement 
of 1867 made his further stay in the old country unsafe, and with John he 
made his way to the United States. The young man found employment at 
exceedingly hard work in the coal mines of Pennsylvania, steamboating and 
railroad-building in the middle west, and though only eighteen years old was 
foreman of construction gangs on several lines of road. Early in 1875 he 
joined his widowed sister, Mrs. John Maddocks, near San Rafael, Marin county. 
He was soon employed as construction foreman on the North Pacific Coast 
road then building from Sausalito to Cazadero. On the completion of the 
line we find John D., as he is known, conductor on a Market street (San Fran- 
cisco) car. One night a stranger, paying his fare, advised John to pocket 
the money as the company would never miss it. The conductor resented the 
thievish suggestion and in the altercation that resulted the passenger was 
ejected from the car with a beautiful black eye and several "swift kicks." Next 
morning John learned that he had "licked" the chief "spotter" of the road, and 
for this the superintendent gave the fighting conductor a strong reprimand. 
This was too much for John's "Irish," and the official and his corporation were 
consigned to a place of a very high temperature. 

In a few days he took charge of the railroad section at Occidental and 
while in that employment he was married to Miss Georgiana Gilman Blaney, 
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Jackson Blaney, of that town. Three daugh- 
ters were born to them: Mary Kathelen (afterwards Mrs. T. O. Munday), now 
deceased, Clara Leonora (now Mrs. J. H. Wilson of Riverside), and Annie 
Frances (Mrs. I. J. Button) of this county. The girls were graduated at the 
Santa Rosa high school. 

In 1884 Mr. Connolly was appointed by Governor George Stoneman to 
fill a vacancy on the board of supervisors of this county and in this body 
he served till January, 1889. On the 22d of that month President Cleveland 
sent his name to the senate for appointment as United States consul to New 
Zealand. It being near the close of Cleveland's administration, for the usual 



364 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

political reason hundreds of his appointments were held up. but through the 
personal influence of Senator Leland Stanford and Representative Thomas L. 
Thompson, Mr. Connolly's appointment was extracted from the mass of hold- 
ups and confirmed. 

On his arrival at Auckland, New Zealand, his first official act was to cable 
a report of the terrible storm at Apia, Samoa, when three United States and 
three German war ships were blown ashore and most of their crews lost. Mr. 
Connolly's official career in the Antipodes is an honorable and successful one. 
Starting in on his new duties, he appreciated the responsibility of the position. 
All his life his days had been passed in a struggle with adversity. He did not 
have even a fair common school training, and, as he says,, about all he knew 
was how to tackle a job of hard work. His knowledge of diplomacy and state- 
craft was exceedingly vague, and he was not asleep to the fact that the British 
Colonials are far advanced in the science of practical government — so far 
advanced that even the United States is adopting their methods of handling 
state questions. Here was a delicate situation for an untrained man, and a 
place where an injudicious act might place himself and his government in a 
false position. But his good, common, every-day sense carried him over the 
difficulty. He settled down to master the details of his official work and as 
his country's consular representative was a success. To add to his official 
difficulties, New Zealand was then in the throes of an appalling industrial de- 
pression, the result of mismanagement by successive Conservative governments. 
Millions of money had been borrowed in England to be spent largely in non- 
productive works and political railways. The borrowing-power of the colony 
was exhausted, and the cessation of public work had thrown thousands of 
laborers out of employment, throwing many of them into starvation, and they 
were leaving the country like rats leaving a sinking ship. Business was dead 
and the bankruptcy courts were working overtime trying to clear their crowded 
dockets. However, a change of administration and the advent of a Liberal 
government brought an improvement and a period of reconstruction set in. 
In progressive movement Consul Connolly took an active part, identifying 
himself with every forward step taken so far as he dared, without compro- 
mising his position as the representative of another government. He wrote 
anonymously and lectured academically, and in all was keenly interested in all 
legislation that was making for the common good. He was high in the coun- 
cils of the labor government and his advice and assistance were frequently 
sought. Twice the Liberal and Labor committees visited him at the consulate 
and wanted him to resign his position and stand for Parliament for the city 
of Auckland. He was given to understand that in the race he would be unop- 
posed and would be offered a portfolio in the New Zealand Ministry within 
three months after his election. But the Irish-American citizen, though taking 
an intense unofficial interest in English-Colonial affairs, preferred Uncle Sam 
to Queen Victoria. At the request of the Premier, Mr. Connolly named Auck- 
land's member for the Upper House — an unusual request. The selection was 
William Jannings of the Auckland Star, and this proved to be a sensible choice. 

The consul made a report to his government on the "Land. Labor and Tax- 
ation Laws of New Zealand," which attracted world-wide attention. As only 
eleven thousand copies of any consular report can he printed, this entire issue 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 365 

was exhausted in three weeks after issued. Requests for the report came into 
the State Department from all over the world and in sheer desperation Secre- 
tary James G. Blaine requested Mr. Connolly to rewrite the report, embodying 
within it any and all new features of the topic that might be of interest, and 
to amplify as the writer elected. 

A second report was accordingly prepared and published. It was about 
this time that Tom L. Johnson, of Ohio, sought his removal that a pronounced 
Single Taxer might take his place. In a letter of apology which Mr. Johnson 
afterwards sent him frankly confessing that he regretted the incident, he quotes 
Mr. Blaine as follows : "Mr. Johnson, Mr. Connolly's frank disavowal of any 
allegiance to the principles of the Single Tax and yet states the case fully and 
fairly has more influence with the world than if the article were written by 
an avowed Single Taxer. Besides, Mr. Connolly ranks amongst the three best 
consular officers in the service of the United States for accuracy, efficiency 
and diligence in the performance of their duties and indeed if there be a choice 
at all it is his. So far as I am concerned as long as I am Secretary of State 
Mr. Connolly shall not be displaced." Mr. Johnson with characteristic manli- 
ness wrote him with earnest apologies, quoting the above conversation he had 
with Mr. Blaine. 

Being an enthusiastic Irishman, and a lover of his native land, and being 
thoroughly familiar with her sad history, he espoused the cause of Home Rule 
for Ireland with all the ardor and impulsiveness of his nature. He identified 
himself almost immediately upon arrival at his post with those who were pro- 
moting the Home Rule cause in New Zealand. He Was ever in their councils 
rendering what assistance he could regardless of consequences. He frequently 
transcended the duties of his office and imperilled his position. At different 
times he spoke from the same platform with John Dillon, Sir Thomas Esmond, 
Mr. Deasey, Michael Davitt and others, and was finally reported to Washing- 
ton and no doubt would have been recalled for his reckless advocacy of Irish 
liberty were it not for the kindly offices of Mr. Dillon, who called on Mr. 
Blaine at Washington with a newspaper copy of Connolly's address, which was, 
fortunately for him, comparatively inoffensive, it being mostly academic in 
character. But even then Mr. Blaine could scarcely condone this violation of 
the consular regulations and administered a severe rebuke to the intrepid Home 
Ruler, which he was careful not to forget in the future. 

Being familiar with the curse of Irish absentee landlordism, and New Zea- 
land being afflicted with the same curse, he submitted a report to his govern- 
ment on the subject, suggesting that if the New Zealand government were 
to impose- an absentee tax it would cure the evil. The moment the consular 
report was published the New Zealand government took the matter up and 
imposed the absentee tax at the next session of the legislature. To show more 
fully Mr. Connolly's part in Colonial affairs, one day he overheard an absentee- 
landlord member of Parliament, who did not recognize the American consul, 
express himself thus : "This man Connolly is a blawsted hanerchist, and "as 
through 'is writings and damned-fool speeches raised more 'ell in New Zea- 
land than all the others put together. 'E 'as the ear of this fool government 
and can get anything 'e wants. The fellow 'ad ought to be recalled and de- 
ported. 'E is a menace and a disturbing element.'' 



366 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Mr. Connolly was an active participant in another forward movement, 
viz., granting the franchise to women in the Colonies. Then as now the 
same arguments were used against the proposition. They held that if women 
were enfranchised, political contact would surely destroy the sanctity of the 
home, etc. "But these frivolous platitudes," says Mr. Connolly, "did not avail, 
but common sense and fair play did. It is true that by granting the franchise 
to the women it multiplied the electorate, but it is not true that it did have a 
detrimental effect on the family life of the people. But it is positively true that it 
did clarify and purify the political atmosphere. There the libertine, the immoral, 
the grafter, or the pledge-breaker has no place in the public life of New Zea- 
land. If ever the women of this country secure the same privileges they will 
surely do what the women of New Zealand have clone for that land. The\ will 
cleanse it and give it a moral tone such as it has never known as yet." 

Mr. Connolly's consular term in Auckland was an exceedingly busy period. 
His official duties even as a foreign representative brought him constantly into 
close contact with colonial politics and colonial statesmen. As an American, 
his natural interest in labor, land and tax questions, and as an Irishman his 
native interest in anything touching Irish Home Rule questions, kept him fully- 
employed. The British Colonial is intense in everything he attempts, and is 
about the most independent "critter"' in the English-speaking world. Even the 
Americans with their boasted inventiveness and so-called native enterprise must 
go to Australia and her sister colonies for new and necessary features in govern- 
mental management. Among these earnest folk the man from California found 
a field for his political activities. New Zealand was progressing, and into the 
current of that movement was swept every intelligent and patriotic citizen or 
person in the country. When in 1893, after a severe illness, Mr. Connolly got 
leave of absence, and he made preparations for a visit to California, the people, 
believing he would not return, presented him with public addresses expressive 
of their appreciation of his public and private services which had been ever at 
their disposal. The following address was a feature of the reception given him 
by the citizens of Auckland, headed by the mayor and city council : 

"Auckland, March 24, 1893. 
"J. D. Connolly, Esq., United States Consul : 

"Dear Sir : We, the undersigned citizens of Auckland, on the eve of your 
departure from amongst us, desire to express our sense of the ability and in- 
variable courtesy which have characterized the performance of your duties as 
United States Consul during the four years you have occupied that important 
position in this colony. Whilst earning universal approbation in your official 
capacity, you have also secured the respect and affectionate esteem of all who 
have enjoyed your personal acquaintance. You have ever evinced a generous 
interest in the welfare of this country, and your genial kindness and gentle- 
manly demeanor in private life have endeared yourself to a large circle of 
friends who now, parting with you with sincere regret, heartily wish vou long 
life, health and a prosperous future." 

With the above was a draft for one hundred pounds sterling. 

This address was presented by the Irish Federation Association which had 
for its purposes the advancement of Irish Home Rule : 
"To J. D. Connolly, Esq., United States Consul at Auckland. New Zealand : 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 367 

"The members of the Auckland Branch of the Irish Federation Association 
desire on the occasion of your departure from Auckland to express to you their 
warm appreciation of your character during your sojourn amongst them. In 
your official station as representative of the greatest Republic in the world, 
and also in your capacity as a private citizen and co-worker in social and philan- 
thropic movements, you have won the esteem and respect of your fellow citi- 
zens, while the sympathetic interest you have displayed in questions relating to 
Ireland entitle you to the most cordial thanks and gratitude of Irishmen in 
these seas. 

"This branch of the Irish National Federation regrets that your health 
now necessitates the severance of your connection with New Zealand, and in 
wishing you godspeed trusts that your health will soon be completely estab- 
lished, and that you will at no distant day occupy in the service of your country 
such a position as your talents and character most certainly merit. 

"Signed on behalf of the Irish Federation Association of Auckland, New 
Zealand." 

Here follow a long list of names. 

The following is from the United Friendly Societies of Auckland : 
''To J. D. Connolly, Esq., United States Consul. 

"Dear Sir and Brother : The Friendly Societies conference of Auckland, 
New Zealand, consisting of the following orders, viz : Independent Order of 
Odd Fellows, M. N., Ancient Order of Forresters, Independent Order of 
Odd Fellows (American), National Independent Order of Odd Fellows, 
Ancient Order of Druids, Independent Order of Rechabites, S. U., 
Hibernian, Australasian Catholic Benefit Society, Protestant Alliance Benefit 
Society of Australasia, desire, on behalf of the 5,000 members they represent, 
to express to you, on this eve of your departure for the United States, their 
sincere admiration and appreciation of your many sterling qualities, whether it 
be in regard to your consular duties as representing one of the greatest nations 
of the earth, as a resident among us during the last four years, or as a member 
of a Friendly Society, ever taking an active part in whatever would be likely to 
conduce to the welfare of Friendly Societies, either as a body or individually, 
you have endeared yourself to all with whom you have been brought into con- 
tact by your admirable business qualities, cultured mind and urbanity of manner, 
and these qualities have ever been devoted to the advancement and well-being 
of your fellowmen. Wishing you every happiness and prosperity in your future 
career, we have the honor to remain, on behalf of the conference, 
"Yours sincerely and fraternally." 

"On behalf of members of the Irish race resident in Auckland, we desire 
to address you on this the occasion of your leaving our city. During the years 
you have spent among us in the discharge of your duties as representing the 
great Republic, you have, by your capacity and gentlemanly deportment, won 
the highest opinions from our citizens generally. This they have already pub- 
licly testified to you. 

"But it is because of your attitude as an Irishman towards the Irish of 
New Zealand, and the help you have on all occasions afforded us in the fur- 
therance of the Irish cause, more particularly in relation to colonial efforts put 



3 68 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

forth to assist our countrymen in the Old Land struggling for the right of self- 
government that we principally desire to express our appreciation. 

"Some Irishmen occupying- your official position might have made its rep- 
resentative character a reason for hesitating before associating themselves with 
the national work their fellow countrymen in Auckland are engaged in. But 
in your mind patriotism banished all meaner incentives and expediency never 
found a place in your thoughts. With an independent spirit, marked consistency 
and most distinguished ability you have served the Irish cause in Auckland. In 
Ireland's name and from our hearts we thank you. 

"Should we not have the felicity to welcome you back to our Colony we 
trust that the great country which you serve with such fidelity and which is 
famed for the recognition of zeal and capacity exhibited by her servants, will, 
by promoting you to a wider sphere of usefulness than our city affords, give 
to you an opportunity of still further distinguishing yourself by the exercise 
of that knowledge, ability and large sympathy which has characterized your 
public and private life in New Zealand. 

"May God speed and prosper you. 

"Signed on behalf of the Irish residents." 

Here follows a long list of names. Accompanying the above address was 
a beautiful parlor table inlaid with New Zealand woods, the gift of the Irish 
women of Auckland to Mrs. Connolly. 

There were one or two other addresses, one from the Tailoresses Union, 
whom he and the Rev. Joseph Berry, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, suc- 
ceeded in organizing into a union, which secured them shorter hours, better 
pay and prevented their employers from "sweating" them. 

During his stay in the South Seas he formed the acquaintance and friend- 
ship of many noted men, both from European countries, as well as from the 
United States, among them being Robert Louis Stevenson, "Mark Twain" 
(Samuel L. Clemens) and many others whose memory and friendship he en- 
joyed and still cherishes to this day. He says with becoming modesty that there 
was no man left the shores of New Zealand in many years who received 
such a spontaneous a,nd generous public "send-off" as he did. The citizens of 
Auckland on that occasion turned out in thousands to bid "good bye." The 
Auckland brass band played Yankee airs on the wharf for over an hour. He 
received letters and telegrams from all parts of the colony wishing him bon 
voyage and good luck. And when finally the good ship began to move slowly 
away amid the cheers of the multitude he stood upon the deck with tears in his 
eyes, and with a heart too full of emotion he tried to offer a few words of thanks 
and gratitude for the many acts of kindness he had received at their hands. 
But his tongue refused to respond ; he could only say good bye and wave his hat. 

After ten years' service in Auckland Mr. Connolly was relieved during 
the McKinley administration by Frank Dillingham, a cousin of United States 
Senator Dillingham. When the experts of the Treasury Department had cast 
up his accounts for ten years it was found that eight cents were due him. This 
he received in a treasury draft, and his bondsmen, Henry Lawrence, of Peta- 
iunia. and Patrick Carroll, of Bloomfield, were discharged. That eight cents 
can be said to be Mr. Connolly's net earnings from his official employment in 
the diplomatic service of the United States, but while he returned poorer, he 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 371 

returned wiser than when he went away ; and he also returned with the love 
and friendship of thousands of people he met in the far Antipodes. He was 
afterwards candidate for the California assembly on the Democratic ticket, but 
was defeated and lost under the Republican landslide that re-elected President 
McKinley. John D. Connolly is now the genial "mine host'' of the Altamont 
Hotel in Occidental, Sonoma county, Cal. Though he is out of public life he 
is yet alive to all matters affecting the public weal. Being Irish he is neces- 
sarily a statesman. 



ALEXANDER ANDERSON, M. D. 
The name of Dr. Anderson is so well known to the residents of Petaluma 
and the surrounding country that he needs no introduction, but as he has ac- 
complished much in medical and other lines of usefulness his name should not 
be omitted from the list of citizens who have contributed so largely to the up- 
building of this section. The descendant of Scotch ancestors, he was born in 
Pictou, Nova Scotia, October 1, 1844. His father, Col. James Anderson, was 
born in Elgin, Scotland, and in his native land received a splendid medical edu- 
cation through a course of study and training in Guy's Hospital University. 
Following closely upon his graduation he entered the British army under Gen- 
eral Morse, commander of the Royal Dragoons, enlisting his services in 1812. 
He was sent to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and to Quebec, to inspect and report to 
headquarters upon the condition of the fortifications there, and then returned 
to the continent, reaching there on the day immediately following the famous 
battle of Waterloo. During his career in the army he arranged to fight a duel 
with an aide-de-camp, but this mode of settling differences was contrary to 
army rules, and he had to resign before the duel was fought. Following this 
he returned to Scotland, where in attempting to relieve the pressure of royalty 
from some of the small farmers of Achriemsdale he was brought in conflict 
with the Duchess of Sutherland. She sent her rieves to the tenant who had 
leased the land in question, and as the recorder's office burned soon after she 
claimed title to the land, sold it. Still continuing his humanitarian efforts in 
behalf of his down-trodden countrymen, the colonel in 1832 chartered a brig 
and brought one hundred and eight of the peasants to Quebec, but about one- 
half of the number died before any large settlement had been made in this coun- 
try. The death of a brother in the meantime made it necessary for the colonel 
to return to Scotland to settle his estate. As an indication of the love which his 
countrymen bore toward him it is pleasing to note that on reaching his destina- 
tion he was met by about two thousand loyal citizens who took the horses from 
his carriage and themselves pulled it to the hotel. Upon completing the settle- 
ment of his brother's affairs he returned to Nova Scotia, in Pictou, opening 
an office for the practice of his profession. He built up an excellent medical 
practice and continued to make his home there until his death, at the remarkable 
age of ninety-six rears. His wife, who had encouraged him in all of his ven- 
tures and undertakings, was before her marriage Miss Jane Campbell, a native 
of Achriemsdale, Scotland. She survived her husband, and one year after his 
demise, in 1868. she came to California with her daughter to join the son and 
brother in Vallejo. In 1882 mother and daughter removed to Anderson's 



372 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Springs, a health resort opened and maintained by the son, and there the death 
of the mother occurred August 14, 1898, when in her eighty-fourth year. 

From his father Alexander Anderson inherited his inclination toward the 
medical profession as a life calling, and at the age of eighteen he matriculated 
as a student in Harvard College with this idea in view. After his graduation 
in 1864 he returned to Nova Scotia and practiced his profession for two years, 
when, in the fall of 1866, he set out for California. The voyage was made by 
way of the Isthmus of Panama, and on May 12, 1867, he located in Vallejo. 
In his brother, Walter D., Dr. Anderson had a close companion and sympa- 
thizer, the two being class-mates in Harvard, and they were also associated in 
the practice of medicine in Nova Scotia, as well as in Vallejo, Cal., an association 
which was continued until 1872. In August, 1903, Dr. Walter D. Anderson 
died of apoplexy while chairman of the board of health of Vallejo and while 
engaged in an earnest fight to supply his home town with pure water. 

After the separation of the brothers' interests in 1872 Dr. Alexander An- 
derson opened up Anderson's Springs, in Lake county, Cal., where he discov- 
ered quicksilver or cinnabar in a bank of sulphur, and endeavored to obtain a 
long lease of the land from the owner, but was unsuccessful in leasing it for 
more than one year, but for that year he sold the mining privilege for $14,000. 
Following the discovery of the rich deposits on the land the new owners re- 
fused an offer of $2,000,000 for the land, attempting to develop the mines them- 
selves, and it is only recently that they have realized any large profit from the 
undertaking. Dr. Anderson maintained his enterprise at Anderson's Springs 
for about four years, when he turned the business over to his sister, at the 
same time giving her a deed to the property. He then went to Napa and opened 
an office for the practice of his profession, but after continuing there for eight 
months, went to Virginia City, Nev., still later to Bodie, Mono county, Cal., 
and while in the latter place was county physician of Mono county until 1884. 
He then came to Tomales, Marin county, purchasing the practice and drug 
store of Dr. Dutton, which he maintained for ten months. Selling out the busi- 
ness at the end of that time he came to Petaluma, in 1889, and during the years 
that have intervened he has built up a large practice in the town and surround- 
ing country. 

Dr. Anderson's first marriage occurred in May, 1878, and united him with 
Miss Marietta Reed, a daughter of Charles Reed, a well-known settler of 
Knight's Landing. She did not long survive her marriage, her death occur- 
ring December 29, 1879. Some time later Dr. Anderson married Mrs. L. C. 
Wales, a native of Yuba City, Cal., the daughter of James C. Cheney, a 49er 
and who was the first partner of John Mackey. Seven children were born of 
the marriage of Dr. Anderson and his wife, named in the order of their birth 
as follows : Charlotte Adelia, a graduate of the San Jose normal school and now 
following the teacher's profession ; Alexander Campbell, who graduated from 
the College of Physicians and Surgeons in San Francisco and is now practicing 
his profession in that city ; James Garfield, who is a graduate of the same 
medical school and is now associated in practice with his father, making a 
specialty of surgery, in which he has achieved much success ; Genevieve, Mrs. 
E. S. Smith, of Petaluma ; Joseph ; Walter Duncan and Harrison Mecham, all 
of whom have been afforded splendid opportunity for obtaining an education. 





yUjLjU. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 375 

In his political belief Dr. Anderson is a Republican, and on the ticket of this 
party was elected a member of the city council in 1898, and was continued a 
member of that body by re-election for a number of years thereafter. In the 
line of his profession he is connected by membership with the Massachusetts 
Medical Society, Sonoma County Medical Society and Medical Society of Cali- 
fornia. Fraternally he is associated with Petaluma Lodge No. 180, F. & A. M. ; 
is a charter member of Washington Lodge No. 22, K. of P., of Vallejo (the 
lodge bearing the name which he chose at the time of organization), and he 
also belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. Dr. Anderson's 
offices are in the Prince Building, on Western avenue, where he has a suite of 
four rooms, and where he maintains a bacteriological laboratory. 



CHARLES JULIUS POPPE. 

One of the best-known and most prominent residents of Sonoma county 
is Charles J. Poppe, postmaster of Glen Ellen, and also one of its foremost mer- 
chants. Possessing a remarkable degree of push and energy, he has built up for 
himself, in the face of severe obstacles, an extensive and lucrative mercantile 
business, in the meantime winning the confidence and esteem of his fellow-asso- 
ciates. He takes great interest in the welfare of town and county, and is not spar- 
ing of his efforts to help forward any measure that is for the general public good. 

A descendant of German ancestors and the son of parents who were born 
in the Fatherland, Charles J. Poppe was born in Sonoma county, Cal.j Novem- 
ber 21, 1853. The father is deceased, his death occurring in 1879, but the 
mother is still living, at the age of eighty-two years. Sonoma county has been 
the life-time home of Mr. Poppe, his first home being in Sonoma, where he at- 
tended school, and in which vicinity he later worked as a ranch hand, and in 
1873 he established himself in the mercantile business in that place. With the 
experience of ten years as a merchant in Sonoma he came to Glen Ellen in 
1883 and established himself in a similar business, one in which he met with 
increasing success from year to year until 1904, when he was overtaken by a 
series of disasters that would have undermined and overthrown the courage 
of a man less determined than Mr. Poppe. The first of these discouragements 
was a severe attack of typhoid fever, from which he recovered slowly, and the 
following year he suffered the loss of his entire stock by fire. But a few months 
later, in April, 1906, Fate dealt him another blow when the earthquake of 
that memorable year knocked down and totally destroyed a strong stone build- 
ing which he had just completed in Glen Ellen. Not dismayed by the obstacles 
that have been placed in his pathway, Mr. Poppe has risen in spite of apparent 
defeat and is proprietor of another mercantile store, larger and more complete 
than the original stock. In 1890 Mr. Poppe was made postmaster of Glen 
Ellen, a position which he has since filled to the entire satisfaction of his su- 
periors. 

In 1883 Mr. Poppe was married in Sonoma to Miss Caroline H. Martens, 
who was born in Callao. Peru, South America, and of the five children born of 
their marriage, the eldest son is deceased. Those now living are Amy E., who 
is attending- school in Los Angeles ; Edna E., who is a graduate of the Sonoma 



376 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

high school ; Roberta A., who is a pupil in the latter school ; and Carl I., who 
will graduate from the grammar school in Glen Ellen in 191 1. Fraternally Air. 
Poppe is a member of Temple Lodge No. 14, F. & A. M., at Sonoma, and is 
an active member of the Grange and at the present time is treasurer of Grange 
No. 299 of Glen Ellen. His interest in school affairs led to his election as 
clerk of the school board of Glen Ellen in 1884, a position which he has since 
filled acceptably. Proud of his right to be called a native son, he is an active 
member of the order, and since 1888 has filled the office of secretary of Glen 
Ellen Parlor No. 102, N. S. G. W. With his wife he is a member of the First 
Congregational Church of Glen Ellen, of which he is clerk and also treasurer. 
A life-long residence in Sonoma county, covering fifty-seven years, makes Mr. 
Poppe an interesting relator of events that have led up to the present epoch in 
the history of the county and state. He readily recalls to mind the time when 
Henry H. Haight was governor of the state, and he has watched the growth of 
Santa Rosa from the days when the plaza was the center of all activity, prior 
to the building of the court house, to its present prosperity, as one of the thriving 
cities of the state. 



ANDREA SBARBORO. 

One of the most engaging and striking personalities of the Pacific coast is 
to be found in Andrea Sbarboro, a resident of San Francisco, but one whose 
activities are not confined to that city nor to the state in which he lives, extend- 
ing rather throughout the entire country, or wherever his beloved country- 
men make their homes. It has been said that the men who are most loyal to the 
land of their birth and to their countrymen are the ones who show the deepest 
love for their adopted country and in whose minds patriotism is ever united 
with humanity and brotherly compassion. Nowhere is this truism more applic- 
able than in the life and accomplishments of Mr. Sbarboro, an Italian patriot 
whose life has been given to the cause of his people as truly as was that of 
another patriot from that same country, Garibaldi. 

A native of Italy, Andrea Sbarboro was born near the city of Genoa, No- 
vember 26, 1839, a son of Stephen and Mary Sbarboro, who in 1844 immigrated 
to the United States and located in New York City. The son was then a lad 
of five years. Owing to his mother's prejudice against American public schools 
because they did not teach the Roman Catholic religion, he was not allowed 
to attend school and had to pick up his knowledge of English as best he could. 
When he was thirteen years of age his parents gave way to a deep-seated desire 
on their part to return to their native land, the year 1852 witnessing their return 
to sunny Italy, while the same year was made memorable in the life of their son 
by his advent in California. Setting out from New York by water, he made 
the voyage by way of the Isthmus of Panama, and finally landed in San Fran- 
cisco. After looking about and adjusting himself to his new surroundings he 
associated himself with his brother in the grocery business, a venture in which 
they were very successful from the start, building the business up from year to 
year, until they had one of the largest and best-paying establishments of the 
kind in the metropolis. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 377 

During the years that had intervened up to that time Mr. Sbarboro 
had not been unmindful of the conditions of his fellow-countrymen who had 
come to this western commonwealth to take advantage of opportunities that 
their own country could not offer them. In order to give his time and attention 
more completely to a plan which he had formulated in the meantime for the 
benefit of his countrymen, he disposed of his grocery business and organized 
the West Oakland Mutual Loan Association, San Francisco Mutual Loan Asso- 
ciation, West Oakland Masonic Hall and Building Association, Italian-Swiss 
Mutual Loan Association and the San Francisco and Oakland Mutual 
Loan Association. Through these associations over twenty-five hun- 
dred people have secured homes for their families in San Francisco and the 
Bay cities. It was also owing to his personal efforts that the Italian school 
was inaugurated and maintained in San Francisco. In 1881 he began the colo- 
nization of a tract of land in Sonoma county, at Asti, known as the Italian- 
Swiss Agricultural colony. Here under the best possible conditions he planned 
that immigrants from these countries might purchase land at low prices and 
get a start in this country that would otherwise be impossible. They could not 
be induced to work on the co-operative plan, however, whereby they might have 
been independent financially today, so the directors started the colony and em- 
ployed their countrymen. First they became grape-growers, then wine-makers, 
and finally distributers. 

For years Mr. Sbarboro has been identified with banking interests, and at 
the present time is president of the Italian-American Bank of San Francisco. 
The foregoing enumeration of activities and interests promulgated to aid his 
countrymen have been of inestimable value to them, but in a more intimate 
and personal way he is known to them as councillor and guide. Notwithstand- 
ing the pressure from all sides in maintaining the numerous interests with 
which his name is associated, he always has time and a sympathetic ear for the 
difficulties and trials of others, and none come to him in vain, always finding 
consolation and comfort in his words of advice. As a recognition of the regard 
in which Mr. Sbarboro is held in his native land, it is pleasing to mention that 
he was knighted by King Victor Emmanuel and at the exposition held in Milan, 
Italy, in 1906, he was presented with a gold medal by the Italian government for 
the services he had rendered his countrymen in America. This was especially 
complimentary in that it was the only medal awarded to anyone in the United 
States. While Mr. Sbarboro has never occupied a public office, he has done 
much for the state of his adoption in connection with the California promotion 
committee, the Manufacturers' and Producers' Association of California, and 
the Grape-Growers' Association of California, of which he was the leading 
spirit. 

Tn the short space allotted the biographer it is possible only to suggest the 
various avenues into which Mr. Sbarboro's versatility has taken him, leaving 
the reader to follow out each one in detail as he is able to do elsewhere. All 
has not been suggested, however, until mention has been made of his ability 
as a forceful writer. One of the most recent and probably one of the most 
telling products of his pen is the book entitled "The Fight for True Temper- 
ance,' - which was so favorably received and in such demand that the edition 
was soon exhausted. 



37 8 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

In his quest for the cause of intemperance Mr. Sbarboro is led to the be- 
lief, after making investigations throughout Europe and this country, that so- 
briety prevails only in grape-producing countries, where wine is within reach of 
all classes of people and can be obtained in large quantities, of good quality, 
at low prices. As proof of this he points to England, Scotland and Ireland, 
where drunkenness exists to an alarming degree, among both sexes. In these 
countries grapes do not grow, and as wine is not produced, strong alcoholic 
beverages are used by the people. In contrast to this picture he calls atten- 
tion to the countries across the English Channel, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, 
Switzerland, Belgium, Austria and Germany, containing over two hundred 
millions of wine-drinkers, but where intemperance is practically unknown. 
When Thomas Jefferson was our minister to France he made the observation 
that "No nation is drunken where wine is cheap, and none sober where dear- 
ness of wine substitutes ardent spirits as its common beverage." 

The object of Mr. Sbarboro's book is to create a sentiment throughout 
this country whereby a better acquaintance with the grape and its products 
mav be made to wipe out inebriety, a problem with which temperance workers 
have battled for half a century. Although it is not generally known, the United 
States is the land of the vine. California can produce wine as fine as that of 
any country in Europe, and when the occasion will demand, in as large quan- 
tities as France and Italy. Many other states in the Union also produce very 
excellent wines and will increase their production when the existing obstacles 
to its free distribution are removed. 

Mr. Sbarboro is essentially a home-loving man, his kindly nature being 
nowhere more evident than in the family circle. In Italy he was united in 
marriage with Miss Romilda Botto, and they became the parents of the fol- 
lowing children : Alfredo, Aida, Romolo, Romilda and Remo. Mr. Sbarboro's 
name will remain indelibly associated with that class of men whose public- 
spirited and unselfish disposition has prompted them to innumerable beneficent 
acts, and who have always held the welfare of the public above sordid and 
narrow sentiments. 



JOHN BIDWELL. 

Though not a native of California, John Bidwell has practically passed his 
entire life here, for he was only one year old when his parents transferred their 
home from the middle west to the Pacific coast country. The parents, Ira and 
Elizabeth (Brooks) Bidwell, were born, reared and married in Missouri, and 
there too their eldest son, John, was born September 5, 1849. The following 
year the parents made the journey across the plains over the Carson route, a 
journey of six months finally bringing them to their destination at Georgetown, 
Cal. John Bidwell has never known any other home than Sonoma county, for 
after a year passed in the mining district of Georgetown the father gave up 
the undertaking and located in Alexander valley, Sonoma county, and here the 
son has even since remained. 

Tohn Bidwell gave his father the benefit of his services until he attained 
his majority, after which he started out as a rancher on his own account, renting 
property for a number of years before purchasing and settling upon a ranch 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 381 

of his own. Finally, however, in 1877, he purchased the fine ranch of which he 
is now the proprietor, consisting of four hundred acres of rich bottom land, 
about ten miles from Healdsburg. Hay and grain are raised extensively, be- 
sides which he maintains a dairy of twenty-five cows and has fifteen acres under 
cultivation to grapes. Mr. Bidwell well remembers when all the land which is 
now dotted with productive ranches was wild land, the haunts of deer, bear and 
other wild animals, and ducks and quails were also numerous. The incoming 
of settlers changed conditions so decidedly, that one not familiar with the appear- 
ance of the country at that time would find it difficult to imagine it as it was when 
Mr. Bidwell first saw it over half a century ago. Few if any have done more 
than he to work the transformation that has since taken place, and in the same 
ratio that he has labored he enjoys the results of his efforts, and today has one 
of the most thrifty ranches in the Alexander valley, if not in the entire county. 
Mr. Bidwell's marriage in 1870 united him with Miss Mary Ellen Matthews, 
a native of Santa Rosa and the daughter of C. W. Matthews, a pioneer of 1849 
His wife, in maidenhood Mary McMinn, was also a pioneer of the early '50s. 
Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bidwell, as follows: Wesley; Carrie, 
the wife of Andrew Johnson ; St. Clair, who owns a ranch near the homestead ; 
Albert, also a rancher near Healdsburg; Rena, the wife of Henry Pugett, of 
Petalnma ; Wiley, who died in 1906 ; and Daisy and Joseph, at home with their 
parents. Fraternally Mr. Bidwell belongs to the Masonic order, and also to the 
affiliated body, the Eastern Star, to which latter organization his wife also belongs. 



THOMAS LESLIE ORR. 

There are few if any residents of Sonoma county more familiar with the 
growth and development of its vineyard and winery interests than is Thomas 
L. Orr. It is now over fifteen years since he turned his attention to this spe- 
cial branch of horticulture, and the years that have intervened have not only 
witnessed his own success in the growing and manufacture of the grape, but have 
witnessed a steady advance in the allied industries throughout the length and 
breadth of Sonoma county, until this section of the state has become a recog- 
nized center in this line, no little credit for which belongs to Mr. Orr. 

The earliest recollections of Thomas L. Orr are of a home in Scotland, 
where, in Sunnyside, Lanarkshire, he was born December 10, 1864. His parents, 
James and Jean (Pender) Orr, were also natives of Scotland, the father born 
in Buds Farm, Parish of Shotts, Lanarkshire, and the mother was born in 
Linlithgowshire, near Bathgate. Her father. John Pender, was the owner of 
a large wheat farm, besides which he dealt in grain at Leith, Scotland. The 
history of the Orr family in Scotland can be traced back more than three hun- 
dred years before the birth of Thomas L. Orr, when one of the name purchased 
a large estate from the Duchess of Hamilton, whose descendants in the Scot- 
tish line would now be the reigning family in Scotland. This estate has been 
divided up among the Orrs, Shotts Parish, and is still in possession of their 
descendants. James Orr was a tiller of the soil on a portion of this estate 
until he left the place to his brother and started an express line between Airdrie 
and Glasgow. He followed this business very successfully for twelve years. 



382 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

and when the railroad was completed he was placed in charge of the freight 
department of the Caledonian Raiiroad at Coatbridge, a place in those days 
which was the Pittsburg of that side of the Atlantic, famous for its blasting 
furnaces, coal and iron production. Subsequently he took up his residence in 
Sunnyside, a suburb of Coatbridge, and it was there that the birth of his son, 
Thomas L., occurred. As the result of an accident the father died at the com- 
paratively early age of fifty-eight years, having been struck by a buffer in the 
freight yards. The mother survived him about twenty years, passing away in 
the fall of 1905. Of the eight children born to this worthy couple four are still 
living. John and James are foremen in the locomotive works in the city of 
Glasgow ; and Ellen, Mrs. McDowell, resides in Airdrie, Scotland. 

Thomas L. Orr is next to the eldest of the four children now living. As 
a boy he was brought up in Sunnyside and received his education at Dundyvan 
Academy, Coatbridge, remaining there until he was thirteen years of age, when 
the death of his father made a sudden change in his plans and prospects. Being 
obliged at this early age to provide for his own maintenance, he went to work 
in the Glasgow Locomotive works, being apprenticed as a shop draughtsman, 
and after completing his trade he was placed in charge of all the draughtsmen 
that worked in his department of the works. The confinement and close appli- 
cation which the position of chief draughtsman involved soon made inroads on 
the health of the young man, and it was the condition of his health that attracted 
him to California in May of 1885. He first located in Los Angeles county, and 
the same month that he landed there he determined to make the state his perma- 
nent home. For a time he engaged in farming in Antelope valley, an experi- 
ence that proved beneficial to his health, and subsequently he engaged in the 
real estate business between Los Angeles and San Francisco. In 1888 he 
opened a real-estate office at No. 112 Montgomery street, San Francisco, 
making a specialty of dealing in south side lands. However, in 1895 conditions 
had changed materially by the business stagnation of 1893, and after closing out 
his business he removed to Forestville, Sonoma county, where he founded 
and built the first winery in the village, which he later disposed of. In 1895 
he also leased the Occidental winery, which was then unoccupied, and later 
on, as the business Outlook warranted, he purchased it, including a fifteen-acre 
home set to vines and deciduous fruits, and a four-acre tract in town for exten- 
sions. From this small beginning he constantly added substantial improve- 
ments and' adjoining land, until he now has fifty acres of vineyard and thirty 
acres of pasture four miles from Occidental, without doubt one of the finest 
vineyards in Sonoma county. Aside from what his own vineyard produces he 
buys about five hundred tons of grapes a year for his Occidental winery. In 
1905 he branched out still further by the erection of the Green Valley winery at 
Graton, on the Petaluma & Santa Rosa Electric Railroad, which has since been 
incorporated as the West Coast Wine Company, of which he is president. In 
this plant is manufactured wine from twelve hundred tons of grapes annually, and 
at times he has on hand over five hundred thousand gallons of wine. In addition 
to the holdings already mentioned Mr. Orr also owns an eighty-acre tract of 
spiendid grape land in the Los Guilicos valley, in the Kenwood district. One 
of the ambitions and dreams of T. L. Orr is that the people of the United States 
will become a wine-drinking people, habituated to the use of dry wines at lunch 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 383 

cind dinner, believing that if this be attained, prohibition and total abstinence 
shall have become dead issues ; it will be the one great step towards temperance. 

In 1903 Mr. Orr made a visit to his old home in Scotland, spending a month 
with his mother. The trip was made by way of Chicago, in which city he 
formed the acquaintance of the lady who afterward became his wife. She 
was Miss Anna Comerford, a native of Chicago and a sister of the Hon. Frank 
Comerford, statesman, attorney and orator of that city. Their marriage oc- 
curred in Vallejo, Cal., in February, 1905, but the married life of the young 
people was destined to be brief. At her death in 1906 Mrs. Orr left one child, 
Marshall Comerford Orr, whose training and education takes all his time in 
Chicago. All that professional science and affectionate care could do was 
brought into service in the' hope of restoring her health, but efforts proved 
fruitless, and surrounded by husband, mother, sister and brother, she passed 
away, calmed by her Christian faith. 

Mr. Orr has not arrived at his present independence without much hard 
work, sacrifice and close application. He is endowed by nature with those 
qualities that make him well liked by his fellow men and business associates, 
and all rejoice in the prosperity which he enjoys. It is to such men as Thomas 
L. Orr that the wonderful development and growth of Sonoma county is due, 
and his example is worthy of emulation. 



CHARLES JASPER CHENOWETH. 

Native sons of California have a reputation of loyalty to the land of their 
birth which probably cannot be found to be true of any other state in the 
Union in the same degree. This loyalty of continued residence in the state of 
his birth has been borne out in the life of Charles J. Chenoweth, in fact he has 
never made his home outside of Sonoma county, where his parents settled some 
years previous to his birth, July 4, 1853. 

The Chenoweth family is of southern origin, and the earliest member of 
whom we have definite knowledge is the grandfather of the subject of this 
sketch, Jacob Chenoweth, who was born in Maryland March 2, 1785. Later 
years found him in Kentucky, and there, in Butler county, his son, John H., 
was born December 25, 1817. During young manhood he came as far west as 
Illinois, making settlement in Pike county, and from there he came to the Pacific 
coast in 1849, when the news of the finding of gold in California was heralded 
over the country, the voyage being made by way of Cape Horn. The year fol- 
lowing, 1850, he returned east, and two years later he again came west, this 
time bringing his family with him. Settlement was first made in Green valley, 
on what is now Taylor street, and later the family moved to a location that be- 
came known as Occidental. Here he homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres 
of land, upon a part of which a daughter and her husband. Mr. and Mrs. C. P. 
Nolan, now make their home. Here the father passed away in the faith of 
the Methodist Church in September, 1898, when he was eighty years of age. 
His wife, Ermine English, in maidenhood, was also a native of Kentucky, her 
birth occurring in Hardin county November 4, 1821. Her father, Lemuel 
English, brought the family as far west as Illinois, and it was in that state that 



384 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

she became the wife of Mr. Chenoweth. She passed away September 1. i8yj. 
having become the mother of seven children, as follows : William Lemuel, a 
resident of Curry county. Ore.; James M., of Sebastopol ; John J. Hardin, of 
Occidental; Charles J., of this review; Sophronia Josephine, Mrs. C. P. Nolan, 
of Occidental ; Albert \Y.. who resides near the latter town ; and Alvin S.. who 
died when three years old. 

Under the training of his father Charles J. Chenoweth received a valuable 
insight into the various departments of agriculture, the two working together 
harmoniously until the son reached years of maturity, and assumed agricultural 
responsibilities on a ranch of his own. Not far from the old family home- 
stead in Sonoma county, on Rural Route No. 1 from Sebastopol, he has a ranch 
of sixty-three acres, which is not only a credit to the owner, but to the county 
as well, for no one could take greater pride in upholding the standard of agri- 
cultural excellence that Sonoma county has attained than does Mr. Chenoweth, 
and his efforts have not been without notable accomplishments. 

The marriage of Charles J. Chenoweth, in 1884, united him with Miss 
Julia Stewart, who was born in this state, and who passed away on the ranch 
near Sebastopol December 12, 1897. Besides her husband she left to mourn 
her loss a family of seven children, several of whom were then almost too young 
to realize the deep loss they had sustained. The eldest of the children. Hardin 
T., is settled in a home of his own, having married Miss Hattie Barnes. The 
next child in order of birth, Leslie A., is a graduate of Sweets College, and is 
now at home, as are also the other children. William Leroy, Leland Adolph, 
Josephine Eugenia. Myrtle Ethel and Yerna Sonoma, the two last mentioned 
being students in the local school. Fraternally Mr. Chenoweth is well known in 
Sonoma county, especially in the Odd Fellows order, belonging to Salmon Creek 
Lodge No. 234. I. O. O. F., and for thirteen years he has served as secretary 
of his lodge. 



J. WILLIAM JESSE, M. D. 
Since 1892 Dr. J. William Jesse has practiced medicine and surgery in 
Santa Rosa, without interruption and with such success as to place him among 
the foremost physicians in this part of the state. Born in Mexico. Audrain 
county, Mo., in 1857, he comes of old pioneer stock, the family having located 
in Virginia long before the Revolutionary war, and the great-grandfather on 
the paternal side served as a scout during this crisis in the affairs of the colon- 
ists. The grandfather, William, was born and reared in Yirginia, where he 
became a Baptist minister and combined that calling with farming during the 
greater part of his life. Receiving the greater part of his education in the 
public and private schools of Mexico, Mo., Dr. Jesse qualified as a teacher and 
taught in the public schools of Walia Walla, Wash., removing at the age of 
twenty to the Sacramento valley, where he engaged in educational work for 
seven years. In 1883 he became a student in the medical department of the 
University of New York, in New York city, and graduated in 1886, when he 
engaged in the practice of his chosen profession in Placer and Sonoma coun- 
ties, Cal., and later removed to Modoc county, where he remained until 1892. 
Since that time Dr. Jesse has practiced his profession in Santa Rosa and has 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 387 

won for himself an enviable reputation as a physician and surgeon, his thorough 
understanding of the principles of his profession, especially as a surgeon, bring- 
ing him an extensive practice. 

Being active in political affairs, a member of the Democratic party. Dr. 
Jesse was elected mayor of the town in 1898 but declined to become a candidate 
for more political preferment, his professional duties requiring all of his time. 
Fraternally he is associated with Santa Rosa Lodge No. 57, F. & A. M., and 
with the Order of Elks. He is surgeon for the Southern Pacific Railroad; and 
for the North-Western Pacific Railroad of California. He is proprietor and 
manager of the Mary Jesse Flospital in Santa Rosa. 

Tn 18S1 Dr. Jesse married Mary Higgins, a native of St. Louis, Mo., and 
one daughter, Marie, is the only child of this union. She is now Mrs. Bryant 
Necker of San Francisco. The doctor has a host of friends in Santa Rosa, 
having an optimistic and cheerf.ul disposition, which, aside from the respect 
which his scientific skill commands, endears him to all. 



WILLIAM JAMES ROBINSON. 

Among those who have written, their names in the annals of California is 
William James Robinson, a prosperous and prominent citizen of Sebastopol, 
Sonoma county, udio has made excellent use of the opportunities which he 
found awaiting him when he came to the state in 1872. A native of Canada, 
he was born near Ottawa, in the province of Ontario, April 22, 1852, the son of 
John and Elizabeth (Scott) Robinson, both of whom were born in Ireland, 
the latter being of Scotch descent. During young manhood John Robinson im- 
migrated from Ireland and settled upon a farm in Ontario, and it was on this 
homestead farm that William J. was reared and became familiar with stock- 
raising and general farming. He was still a young man in his teens when he 
left home and took the responsibilities of his own support in his hands, at that 
time, 1872, setting out for the Golden state. His journey's end brought him 
to San Francisco, and going from there to Marin county, he secured work as a 
farm hand on ranches, in so doing familiarizing himself with dairying. Alto- 
gether he remained in Marin county for eight years, during which time he suc- 
ceeded in accumulating sufficient means to warrant him in engaging in an enter- 
prise of his own. 

With the money which he had thus saved Mr. Robinson came to Sonoma 
county and took a lease of six hundred and forty acres of land about one mile 
from Bloomfield, which he stocked with cows, and for the ensuing five years he 
followed the dairy business with excellent success. With the means which he 
had accumulated in the meantime he was enabled to purchase a ranch of his 
own, and it was with considerable pride that he assumed the ownership of five 
hundred and forty-seven acres of fine hill and valley land near Sebastopol, 
upon which he continued in the dairy business for some time. Here also he en- 
gaged in raising a fine grade of Norman and Pollock Clyde horses and also 
standard bred horses, among them such well known strains as Director, Wilkes, 
Bentons, Electioneer, Alexander Bellringer and Nutwood. Mr. Robinson was 
for manv vears engaged in raising Merino and Shropshire sheep ; at times his 



388 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

flock numbered seven hundred head. However, the dairy and fruit-raising in- 
dustries always engaged the most of his attention, for as soon as he purchased 
the ranch he set out an apple orchard of forty acres of the following varieties : 
Gravensteins, Spitzenbergs, Yellow Newtowns, Wagners, Belleflowers and 
Baldwins. Besides the raising of apples, which netted him $2,500 during tlte 
season of 1909, he raised a variety of plums, peaches and prunes, the latter, 
however, more for family use than for commercial purposes. The exceptional 
location of the ranch made it especially well adapted to the crops raised, and an 
abundant and constant supply of pure water from springs in the hills was an 
invaluable advantage and enhanced the value of the property considerably. In 
1910 he sold his ranch at an advance of about four hundred per cent of the pur- 
chase price in twenty-six years' ownership. He then located in Sebastopol, 
where he is engaged in looking after his real estate holdings. He owns Robin- 
son Hill, a place of thirty-one acres, on which is a sightly knoll affording one 
of the grandest views in town, and is one of the highest points in this part of 
the county. Here he intends building a cosy bungalow ; the place is improved 
with Gravenstein apples, blackberries and vines. With others he purchased 
the Kanody ranch of two hundred acres at Windsor, that is being laid out into 
ten acre tracts. At the present time he is building the Robinson block on Main 
street, 52x75 feet, two stories high. He is also the owner of nine houses and 
some business lots in Sebastopol. 

Mr. Robinson's marriage in 1878 united him with Miss Mary Ann Black, 
a native of Ireland. At her death in 1902 she left a husband and two children 
to mourn the loss of a devoted wife and mother. One child, Charles, had died 
in 1884, when four years old. The two sons now living, James and Arthur, 
were associated with their father in the management of the ranch until it was 
sold, and now James is engaged in mining and Arthur has charge of Robinson 
Hill ranch. He is a member of the Sebastopol Apple Growers Union and the 
Sebastopol Apple Show Association. Politically Mr. Robinson is a Republican, 
to the principles of which party he adheres faithfully. In the best sense of the 
word Mr. Robinson is a self-made man, and it is for this reason that he, as well 
as those who know him best, rejoice in his present prosperity and the position 
he now holds as one of the representative business men of Sonoma county. 
It is to such men as he that Sonoma county owes its present state of wonderful 
development. Coming here with a knowledge of the tilling of the soil and the 
raising of stock, and having learned that good management and economy suc- 
ceeds, by close application to business and improving his ranches with trees he 
has demonstrated what could be accomplished by industry and perseverance 
in a land so favored with rich soil and abundance of rain. 



JOHN CHARLES FREMONT. 
Throughout American history and story no name is more familiarly known 
than that of John C. Fremont, the Pathfinder of the Rocky Mountains. School 
children of all ages read and reread with renewed interest his encounters 
with the duskv foe on the plains and exploits of thrilling adventure throughout 
his entire career on the western frontier. His fearless and daring spirit was 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 389 

no doubt an inherited tendency, for it is known that the founder of the family 
in America was a man of large undertaking and indomitable courage. Born 
in France at a time when the edict of Nantes was still in effect, he lived there 
contented with his surroundings and privileges until the revocation by Louis 
XIV, when he was sent to Canada as a officer in the troops, and there he 
eventually settled with his family. There the family became well known, the 
famous Dr. Charles James Fremont being a member of this branch of the 
family. The grandson of this immigrating ancestor, Louis Rene, was the 
founder of the family in the United States, his later years being spent in 
Charleston, S. C, and his death occurring there in 1818. In Virginia he mar- 
ried Anne Beverly Whiting, whose aunt, also a Miss Whiting, became the wife 
of John Washington, and held George Washington in her arms at the time 
of his christening. 

Born in Savannah, Ga., January 21, 1813, John Charles Fremont, of this 
sketch, was a lad of five years when the death of his father cast the first 
shadow over his young life. Remaining with his widowed mother in Charles- 
ton, he there became a pupil in the public schools, where he displayed an 
aptitude and receptivity which made him a delight to his teachers. One es- 
pecially, Professor Robertson of the University of South Carolina, took a 
keen interest in him and gave him outside assistance in his studies that was 
of untold advantage to him. Circumstances over which he had no control, 
however, put an end to his school days, and at the age of nineteen the support 
of his mother, brother and sister fell upon his young shoulders. From his 
earliest school days he showed a fondness for mathematics, and it was along 
this line that he bent his keenest energies. Naturally he sought employment 
which would make use of his training, and this he had no difficulty in finding. 
His first practical work was as a surveyor in the rice lands of South Carolina, 
a task which involved considerable risk to his life, and was paid for accord- 
ingly. From 1833 to 1835 he was a teacher of mathematics on the sloop-of- 
war Natchez, and later became assistant to Capt. W. G. Williams of the United 
States topographical engineers. Subsequently he was appointed an assistant 
to Mr. Nicollet, who under the direction of General Sibley, with headquarters 
at old Fort Snelling, explored the country north of the Missouri river, at the 
same time discovering its source. In May, 1842, he set out on another expedi- 
tion, his object being this time to survey beyond the Rocky Mountains by the 
south pass, one of the members of his party being Kit Carson, the noted trapper 
and scout. On this occasion, on August 15, he scaled the peak that is now 
known as Fremont's Peak. 

With a band of thirty-nine trusty men Mr. Fremont set out in May of 
1843 Ior the purpose of finding a path to the Pacific Ocean. In his equip- 
ment he had the first India rubber boat ever constructed, and this was also 
the first boat that ever floated on Salt Lake, the explorers sighting this body 
of water for the first time September 6, 1843. It is a fact worthy of note 
that the maps which Mr. Fremont made of the country at this time were the 
same ones which Brigham Young used in making his way to that garden spot. 
Proceeding toward the coast, Mr. Fremont reached California in the middle 
of the following December, and in March of 1844 reached Sutter's Fort, near 
Sacramento. Having accomplished the purpose for which he came he began 



39c HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

to retrace his steps on the 24th of the same month, reaching Kansas July 1, 
1844. Starting on his third expedition in 1845 ne finally reached Monterey, 
the old capital of California, there raising the first American flag on Gavicta 
Peak, when threatened with attack by Castro's men. From Monterey he went 
to Klamath lake. Working under the direction of orders received from Wash- 
ington to defend the interests of the United States in California and to protect 
American settlers, with Stockton and Sloat he soon wrested northern California 
from Mexican rule, and July 4, 1846, was elected governor of California. By 
the treaty of Cahuenga, on January 13, 1847, he concluded articles of capitula- 
tion which left the territory in the possession of the United States. During the 
memorable year of 1849 he was elected United States senator from California, 
taking his seat September 10, 1850, the day after the state was admitted into 
the Union. He and his wife though southerners were advocates of a free state 
and it was largely through his influence that it was admitted as such. 

In September, 1853, Mr. Fremont made his fifth expedition across the 
continent and three years later he became the recognized leader of a new polit- 
ical party whose slogan was "Free soil, free speech, freedom, and Fremont." 
The Republican Convention of June, 1856, witnessed his nomination for presi- 
dent. Returning to California in 1858 a few years later, at the outbreak of the 
Civil war, he was made Major-general of the regular army, commanding the 
western department, with headquarters in St. Louis. At the hands of Presi- 
dent Lincoln, in March 1862, he was given command of the mountain district 
in Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee, and in 1878 was appointed governor 
of Arizona. Further promotion and honor awaited him, for by act of Congress 
he was made Major-general of the regular army in 1890 and put on the retired 
list. He was not long spared to enjoy his new honors, however, for death came 
to him a few months afterward, July 13, 1890, while on a temporary visit to 
New York City. 

In Washington, D. C, October 19, 1841, occurred the marriage of John 
C. Fremont and Jessie Benton, daughter of Thomas H. Benton, United States 
senator from Missouri. Opposition to the marriage on the part of Mr. Ben- 
ton proved no bar to the consummation of the plans of the young people, for 
they were quietly married without his knowledge or blessing. Subsequently 
Mr. Benton became reconciled to their marriage and in later years became 
Mr. Fremont's staunchest friend. Five children blessed the marriage of Mr. 
and Mrs. Fremont, but of these two died young. The eldest, Elizabeth Mc- 
Dowell Benton Fremont, was born in Washington, D. C, in 1842, and as long- 
as her parents lived continued to make her home with them. She has been a 
resident of California since June. 1849. living first in San Francisco, later in 
Los Angeles, and in 1904, located in Long Beach, although she still retains 
her home in Los Angeles. The next child, John Charles, named for his 
illustrious father, was born in San Francisco in April, 1851, one of the first 
American children born in the state. As an officer in the United States navy 
he participated in the Spanish-American war and later was made commander 
of the U. S. ship Florida. His marriage was with Sallie Anderson, a daughter 
of Gen. Adna Anderson, who laid out the Northern Pacific Railroad. Their 
three children are John Charles (who is the third of that name and the second 
to serve in the United States navy) ; Jessie Benton and Julia Van Wyck. 




f$ H-fac*6> 




Mm do?/™*' - -^ - ^Af 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 395 

Francis Preston Fremont was born in Washington, D. C, in May, 1855, and is 
a major in the United States army. His marriage united him with Caroline 
Townsend, a daughter of John D. Townsend, a prominent attorney of New 
York City, and they have one son Benton Fremont. 

During the same year in which General Fremont died Congress granted 
a special pension to his widow, following which the women of California united 
in giving her a beautiful residence in Los Angeles. She was born in May, 
1824, and died at the home just mentioned December 2j, 1902. General Fre- 
mont's remains were interred on the beautiful banks of the Hudson in New 
York, and at her death her ashes were taken east and placed beside his remains. 
A woman of charming traits of character, she was an inspiration to all with 
whom she came in contact, and though dead she yet speaks, for she was a 
writer of considerable note. Not only are her writings entertaining, but they 
claim the greater merit of truth, and are based on her experiences in this west- 
ern frontier. Notable among the productions from her pen are: "A Year of 
American Travel": ''Souvenirs of My Time": "A Sketch of Senator Benton"; 
"Stories of the Guard"; and "Will and Way Stories." At the time of her 
death she was engaged in the preparation of her autobiography. 

Colonel Fremont was in Paris with his wife and daughter in 185 1 and 
1852, during which time Napoleon declared himself Emperor, and they were 
honored guests at the last birthday dinner given in honor of the Duke of Well- 
ington. They were also presented at court. In 1869, General Fremont, wife 
and daughter, again went abroad, this time visiting in Copenhagen and Den- 
mark particularly. Mrs. Fremont owned the first carriage that was ever seen 
in California, it having been built for her in the east and brought around the 
Horn. It was so arranged that she could use it as a bed at night, and in this 
conveyance she and her eldest daughter made many trips throughout the staU 
with Colonel Fremont. 



GEORGE H. JACOBS. 

Considerably more than one-half century has brought its cycle of change 
to the manifold industries of California since first Mir. Jacobs passed through 
the Golden Gate into the harbor of San Francisco and thus became identified 
with the pioneer history of the coast. The long voyage from New York City 
had given him his first glimpse of the world beyond the boundaries of his native 
land, but had only served to strengthen those ties of patriotic devotion binding 
him to the country of his birth. Nor have the experiences of maturity weak- 
ened the chords of loyal affection to country and commonwealth. Especially 
is he interested in the development of that portion of California to which Des- 
tiny led him and in which desire has made him a permanent resident. Within 
the boundaries of Sonoma county he has lived an active, useful existence, his 
industry bearing its fruitage of deserved success, so that he is now able to pass 
his declining days in comfort at his pleasant home in Healdsburg, his landed 
estates cultivated by others under lease and his investments made so that they 
yield him enough for the necessities of life. 

Born in Chester county, Pa., in 1829, George H. Jacobs is a son of William 
C. and Mlarv (Price) Jacobs, natives respectively, of Germany and Pennsyl- 



396 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

vania. At this writing he has only one brother living, W. R. Jacobs, a resident of 
Texas. As a bov he attended school in Coshocton county, Ohio, whither his 
parents had removed when he was a child of three years, and there, at the 
expiration of his rather meagre schooling, he served an apprenticeship to the 
blacksmith's trade, in which he became very skilled. April 19, 1852, he left 
Ohio in company with a relative and proceeded to New York City, where he 
boarded a ship bound for San Francisco. Coming on the Northern Light to 
Gray Harbor, after crossing Lake Nicaragua he boarded the propellor steamship 
Lewis destined for San Francisco, reaching that city July 7, 1852. The tedious 
voyage came to a safe termination when the vessel cast anchor at its destination, 
and thus he became identified with our western country. Temporary employ- 
ment as a blacksmith at Sacramento was followed by his removal to Petaluma 
in the spring of 1854, and about that time he relinquished work at his trade 
in order to develop a claim in Sonoma county. At the expiration of two years 
he removed from his original location to Sebastopol, and in 1857 ne moved to 
the mountains, where he still owns twenty-three hundred acres of land, in the 
foothills of Black mountains, known all over as Jacob's ranch. 

During September of 1861 Mr. Jacobs was united in marriage with Miss 
Ann Maria Caldwell, who was born in Missouri, the daughter of Hugh Caldwell, 
a native of New Jersey. At this writing two of her brothers, S. T. and John 
G. Caldwell, are residents of Sonoma county, the latter making his home in 
Healdsburg. Twelve children formed the family of George H. and Mrs. Jacobs, 
and of these seven are now living. William M. and Edward S. reside in the 
same part of Oregon, the former working as a blacksmith, and the latter culti- 
vating a farm. Ruby, Mrs. John Nerz, lives on Mill creek in Sonoma county. 
Minnie. Mrs. Stockstill, died about eighteen years ago, leaving a daughter, Min- 
nie Leota, who was reared by her grandparents and is now the wife of C. Fred- 
son, of Winnemucca, New George, who is married and has two children, is 
now living on a mountain ranch near Healdsburg. Nettie, Mrs. Leach, has two 
children and lives at Willits, Mendocino count}. Hattie makes her home with 
her parents. Stella, Mrs. Henry Bowers, has two children and lives on a ranch 
in the Alexander valley. 

For a long period the activities of Mr. Jacobs were concentrated upon his 
extensive mountain holdings, and the result was profitable, repaying him for 
privations and hardships incident to ranching in an isolated location. Finding 
that sheep did well on his land he invested in a large flock, and for years the 
sale of wool and lambs formed a considerable factor in his income. 'Eventually 
he disposed of his entire flock of twelve hundred head. A portion of his ranch 
he kept in meadow, and a large part furnished pasturage for the stock, while 
in addition he also became interested in practical horticulture and planted fruits 
of many kinds. On his ranch now may be found many varieties of fruits, 
although his specialty has been the raising of winter apples. Peaches also have 
proved profitable, and besides he has walnuts, figs and olives. It was a source 
of -pleasure to him to experiment with nuts and fruits, in order that he might 
ascertain the varieties best adapted to this soil and climate, and his experiments 
proved helpful to those who afterward embarked in the fruit business. 

The political affiliations of Mr. Jacobs have been with the Republicans ever 
since the organization of their party during the '50s. and meantime he has not 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 397 

only kept posted concerning public questions, but in addition he has been prom- 
inent in local affairs. As school trustee and road commissioner he has aided in 
promoting two of the movements most vital to the well-being of any locality. 
His labors in both offices have been governed by wise judgment and guided by 
loyal devotion to the local progress. As early as 1852, while yet living in Ohio, 
he became connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, joining the 
local lodge at Utica, that state, but afterward transferring his membership to 
a western lodge, and is now one of the oldest Odd Fellows in the United States. 
In addition he has been active in promoting the good of the Rebekahs, to which 
his wife belongs. The people of the home town hold him in the highest esteem, 
and recognize in him the possession of the traits that make a man desirable as a 
citizen, successful as a rancher and companionable as a friend. Long after he 
shall have passed from earth his memory will be kept green in the hearts of 
the associates of olden days, as well as in the minds of the younger genera- 
tions, who realize their indebtedness to the self-sacrificing pioneers. In the 
annals of his county the name of George H. Jacobs is worthy of a permanent 
place. 



P. E. GILMAN. 

It would scarcely be possible within the borders of the United States to find 
a greater difference in climate than exists between the most northeasterly and 
the most southwesterly states in the Union. Mr. Giiman thoroughly appreciates 
the difference, having been reared in the former, and although he still has the 
kindliest feeling toward his boyhood home and all its surroundings, still he is 
grateful that the tide in his affairs turned his footsteps in the direction of Cali- 
fornia, where for nearly a quarter of a century he has enjoyed its unexcelled 
climate and at the same time made a success of whatever he has undertaken in a 
business way. 

Maine was Mr. Gilman's native state, born in Houlton May 27, 1859, tne 
son of Charles E. and Augusta (Tucker) Giiman, old-time residents of Maine, 
where the mother died in young womanhood, in 1868. The father was a well- 
known and prosperous business man of Houlton, in which locality he owned 
large farming interests, besides which he owned large lumber interests, in fact, 
was one of the largest lumber merchants in the Bangor section. After giving 
up his large business interests in that northern state he retired from business 
and came to California to spend his declining years in the salubrious, life-giving 
climate which has no equal. Here his earth life came to a close at the age of 
eighty-two years. 

When he had arrived at the age of fifteen years P. E. Giiman had received 
all the training in schools that was to be his, and had begun his business career, 
at that age taking a position in a clothing house in his native town. He con- 
tinued with his first employer for ten years continuously, being promoted from 
time to time, but being attacked with the western fever about this time all in- 
ducements to continue in the east proved futile. His first move toward the set- 
ting sun took him to Minneapolis, Minn., where for two years he was employed 
in a clothing house, work with which he was familiar through long training in 
his native town. After giving up his position in Minneapolis he struck out for 



308 HISTORY ( )l" SONOMA COUNTY 

the newer west, going to Montana, where as a cow-boy on the range he enjoyed 
ihe free, ont-cloor life of the ranchman for two years. This experience whetted 
his appetite for a taste of life in the far west, and in 1888 he completed the 
journey across the continent, going to the metropolis of the Pacific coast, San 
Francisco, and one year later coming to Santa Rosa, which has continued to be 
his home and the scene of his activities ever since. It was quite natural that in 
locating in his new surroundings Mr. Gilman should seek employment with 
which he was familiar, and this he found in the general store of D. N. Carouth- 
ers Company, where he was given charge of the clothing department, continuing 
with this company for the following twenty-one years. In the meantime he had 
made investments in real-estate from time to time, bought and sold five houses, 
besides buying and selling a number of ranches, until finally he felt justified in 
giving up his position and turning his entire attention upon the real-estate busi- 
ness. This he did February 1. 1910, and with T. J. Davis as a partner, under 
the firm name of Davis & Gilman, a very satisfactory business in this line has 
since been conducted. Although they have been in business but a short time 
comparatively, many valuable properties have changed hands through their of- 
fice, and judging from the high-class of work which they have thus far handled 
a bright and profitable outlook awaits them. 

After coming to Santa Rosa, in 1892, Mr. Gilman was married to Miss 
Harriett E. Tucker, the daughter of Mace Tucker, who was one of the pioneer 
settlers in the state and a prosperous cattle dealer in Sonoma county. Two 
daughters have been born of the marriage of Mr. Gilman and his wife, Gladys, 
an artist in oils who has gained considerable distinction, and Barbara. In fra- 
ternal circles Mr. Gilman is well and favorably known, especially in the Inde- 
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, which he joined in young manhood, becoming a 
member of Houiton Lodge No. 53. Though not a pioneer of California, Mr. 
Gilman is entitled to recognition among the upbuilding factors of the community 
in which he settled, Santa Rosa being vastly benefited by his citizenship of almost 
a quarter of a century. 



RICHARD J. HARRIS. 
The branch of the family to which Richard J. Harris belongs originated 
in Ireland, and it was there, in county Kildare, that his father, Richard Harris, 
was born in 1815. In 1840, at the age of twenty-five, he left his immediate 
home surroundings and located in Dublin, where he engaged in the manu- 
facture of two staple household necessities, indigo and starch. Notwithstand- 
ing the fact that his business outlook was the best considering the time and 
place in which he lived, he became a victim to the attractions of the United 
States at this time. 1849. on account of the finding of gold in California in 
that year. Closing out his business interests in Ireland, the same year found 
him among the immigrants who landed at Castle Garden eager to make their 
way to the gold fields. Upon his arrival in New York he found death and de- 
struction on every hand, clue to the prevalence of cholera, and in order to es- 
cape being held in quarantine he lost no time in leaving the east. Going to 
Galena. Illinois, he remained there until the spring of 1850, when he started 
on the overland route to California. The six months journey by ox-teams was 




& /& h(x,ctje<? 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 401 

a succession of hardships and suffering, and it was with thankful heart that 
lie finally reached his destination. The mines of Placerville as well as those 
in Sierra county engaged his attention for a number of years, but with what 
success the records do not state ; however, in 1857 ne gave up that calling and 
came to Sonoma county, settling on a ranch on San Antonio creek, four miles 
south of Petaluma. Here he engaged in dairying, milking as high as sixty 
cows, and with the proceeds of his labor he made investment in land from 
time to time, all of which is now very valuable and is still in possession of the 
family. His purchases were included in two excellent ranches, one compris- 
ing three hundred and eighty-six acres, and the other three hundred and 
twenty. In 1882 Mr. Harris turned his property over to the care of tenants 
and removed to Petaluma, living here retired from active business cares until 
his death, May 18, 1892. His marriage, February 1, 1863, united him with 
Miss Catherine Keller, a native of Cork, Ireland, who at her death, in January, 
1907, left two children. Catherine, who resides on Howard street, Petaluma, 
and Richard J. 

The- younger of the two children comprising the parental family, Richard 
J. Plarris was born on the family homestead near Petaluma January 23, 1868. 
The schools of the locality furnished him with a good fundamental education, 
and to this he has continued to add by the reading of well-selected literature, 
and as a result he is well informed on all general topics of interest. Having 
been born and reared upon a ranch he early imbibed a knowledge of its duties 
and responsibilities, and when eighteen years old was competent to run his 
father's ranch alone. This he continued to do until 1894, when he located in 
Petaluma, the ranch being placed in the hands of tenants. Since coming to 
Petaluma Mr. Harris has been engaged in buying and selling cattle and horses, 
a business in which he started on a small scale, but which has since grown to 
enormous proportions, shipments being made to all parts of the county and 
state. He is an active member of a number of fraternal orders, notably the 
Eaeles and the Foresters of America. 



GEORGE HENRY EADES. 

In retrospect Mr. Eades looks back on a life of seventy-six years, which be- 
gan in Sherborne, England, October 24, 1834. His experience in his native 
land was limited, for when he was still a youth he set sail for the United States, 
and therefore on this side of the Atlantic the best years of his life have been 
passed and his greatest achievements wrought. He was among the passengers 
who landed on our shores during the year 1846, and for a time thereafter he 
remained in and around the port of landing, New York. In 1852, however, 
he re-embarked on a sailing vessel bound for the Pacific coast by way of Cape 
Horn, and after a voyage of five months cast anchor in the harbor of San 
Francisco, reaching that city on the last day of the year 1852. 

Interest in the mines was paramount to all other attractions at this time, 
and although Mr. Eades was offered employment in San Francisco the very 
day he landed (unloading ship cargo at $1 an hour or $5 a day) he did not 
consider the proposition, but instead made his way as rapidly as possible to 



4 o2 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

the Yuba river, where he found employment with the Excelsior Mining Com- 
pany. The latter were running two shifts of men in their mill, the day hands 
receiving $5 and the night hands $6 for ten hours work. Mr. Eades continued 
in the employ of this company for nineteen months, during which time he ac- 
cumulated $1,350. Leaving the Yuba river district at the end of this time he 
went first to Sacramento and later to San Francisco, and in the latter city 
accepted a position as driver of a team at $75 a month. Subsequently he bought 
a team and outfit and began teaming on his own account, continuing this until 
1856, when he began ranching on what was then known as the old Stewart 
place, near Petaluma. The following year he purchased one hundred acres of 
the property and continued its cultivation until 1905, when he leased the land 
to his son-in-law, Perry Kuhnle. Mr. Eades made the improvements, built the 
residence, barns, etc., set out the orchard and cypress hedge, and now has a fine 
home place. 

Mr. Eades was married to Miss Mary Casey, who was born in Ireland in 
1836, but who was brought to this country by her parents at an early age. Five 
children were born of this marriage, but only one, Nellie E., lived to attain 
maturity. She became the wife of Perry Kuhnle, and they with their three 
children, Marie, Irene and Alice, make their home on the old Eades ranch. 
Politically Mr. Eades is a believer in Republican principles, and his first vote 
was cast for the martyred president, Abraham Lincoln, in i860. He lives re- 
tired on his ranch, making his home with his only child, Mrs. Nellie E. Kuhnle. 
He is a member of the Catholic Church in Petaluma. 



JUDGE ALBERT P. OVERTON. 

A native of Missouri, Judge Overton was born in Independence in 1830. 
His father, Moses Overton, was a native of Alabama and his mother, Mary 
Turner, was born in Tennessee, in which state they were married, and soon 
afterwards settled in Missouri, where they remained until they removed to 
Dallas, Texas, where the father died. 

But four years old when his father died, Albert P. Overton was adopted 
into the family of his uncle, Jesse Overton, of Independence, Mo., with whom 
he remained until he was twenty years of age. About this time the news of 
the discovery of gold in California had spread to the middle west and young 
Overton was fired with the ambition of young manhood to come to the new 
eldorado. On his twentieth birthday, he started from Dallas, Texas, coming 
by the southern route, and arrived in San Diego August 1, 1850. Until the 
following February he was employed in the government service in the Quar- 
termaster's department. He then came to San Francisco, thence to Sacra- 
mento, on his way to the mines on Trinity river, where, after three months 
experience in mining, his mind was dispelled from the charm of gold-digging 
and he went to El Dorado county. There he built a hotel known as the Duroc 
house on the road leading from Sacramento to Placerville ; this he conducted 
until August, 1852, at which time he sold out and came to Petaluma, passing 
over the present site of Santa Rosa, then without a building and only three 
in Petaluma. The total number of voters in Sonoma county, which included 
Mendocino also, was onlv about three hundred. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 403 

Mr. Overton formed a partnership with P. B. Smith in the purchase of a 
tract of timber two miles west of Petaluma and they hired men to chop it 
into wood, bought teams and hauled it to Petaluma, and from there it was 
shipped to San Francisco by schooner. This was all done on credit, as they 
had no money. After selling their wood and having some money ahead after 
paying their bills, they purchased a lot in the town for $300. In the winter 
of 1853-4 they went to the timber, cut and split lumber and erected a building 
on this lot. To get their finishing lumber sawed they exchanged work with a 
man who owned a whip saw. The building when finished cost $300, not includ- 
ing labor and they rented the property for $75 a month. A year later Mr. 
Overton sold his interest in the wood business and, with two partners, Messrs. 
Arthur and Wiley, started a general merchandise business in this building, 
Mr. Overton putting in the building for $3,000 as his share of the capital. All 
business in those days was done on a credit system ; many of their customers 
were nomadic stock-raisers with no permanent abiding place ; Mr. Overton saw 
disaster staring them in the face and after three months time, sold his interest. 

On retiring from business Mr. Overton resumed the study of law, which 
he had begun in Missouri, and in 1857 was admitted to practice, forming a 
partnership with J. B. Campbell and opening a law office in Petaluma. In 
i860 Mr. Overton was appointed census enumerator, also was deputy assessor 
for the southern end of the county four years. In 1867 he was elected district 
attorney and in 1869 succeeded himself in the office. At the expiration of the 
second term he was elected county judge and served four years. Upon being 
elected to the office of district attorney Mr. Overton removed to Santa Rosa, 
where he remained until his death. In 1879 he was selected one of the thirty- 
two delegates at large to the Constitutional Convention which framed the 
present constitution. This body comprising one hundred and fifty-two of the 
ablest men in the state, convened in Sacramento and were in session six months. 
He was one of the organizers of the Petaluma Savings Bank. In 1873 he 
organized the Savings Bank of Santa Rosa and served as. its president until 
his death. In 1877 he was elected mayor of Santa Rosa and served one term. 

In 1855 A. P. Overton and America Helen Talbot were united in mar- 
riage. She was the daughter of Coleman Talbot, a Kentuckian, and pioneer 
settler of 1853 in Bennett Valley, Sonoma county, Cal. Miss Talbot was a 
school teacher who, being remarkable for her beauty, was called the "Belle 
of the Redwoods." Mr. and Mrs. Overton became the parents of four chil- 
dren : Theodore T., a capitalist of Santa Rosa ; John P., president of the 
Savings Bank of Santa Rosa ; N. R., deceased ; and a daughter Jessie, now 
Mrs. Levernash of San Francisco. Mrs. A. H. Overton died in 1869. Some 
years later Mr. Overton married Jennie A. (Olmstead) West, a native of 
Vermont. 

Mr. Overton was very instrumental in the bringing of the State House for 
Feeble-minded Children to Sonoma county, was a member and president of the 
board of trustees from its organization until his death, in 1898. As a member 
of the board he was a prime mover in securing the purchase of about seven- 
teen hundred acres at Eldridge from William McPherson Hill for the nominal 
sum of $50,000 and now with its improvements and advance in land value is 
estimated worth almost three-quarters of a million. Mr. Overton was very 



4 o 4 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

public spirited and helpful in every movement of importance for the advance- 
ment of Santa Rosa and when he came here he sold his interests in Petaluma 
and built several of the first brick buildings. Fraternally he was a Mason, 
holding membership in the lodge at Petaluma. He was very active in securing 
the right of way and starting the early railroads in the county, now the North- 
western. 



HON. JAMES TEMPLE SINGLEY. 

Though twelve years have passed since the death of James T. Singley, time 
has not tended to efface his memory from the minds of those still living who 
were associated with him in the early pioneer days in the state. At the time 
of his death he had been a resident of Petaluma nearly fifty years, during which 
time he had been an interested witness of many changes in his home city and 
county, and for whose betterment and upbuilding he worked in a substantial 
way. A native of the east, he was born in Philadelphia, Pa., April 25, 1817, 
and made his home in his birthplace until he was about twenty years old, 
March of 1836 marking the date of his removal to Baltimore, Md. A later 
removal took him to Norfolk, Ya., and it was while there that he enlisted in 
the United States marine service. His first ocean trip was on the vessel North 
Carolina, which was bound for Rio Janeiro, and after remaining there for one 
month, again set sail, rounding Cape Horn and finally reaching Yalparaiso, 
Chile. A stay of six weeks in that port found the ship and its crew again 
under sail, this time with Callao, Peru, as their destination. After a nine 
months' service at that place the ship returned to Valparaiso, and it was there 
that Mr. Singley retired from the service for the purpose of visiting the interior 
of the country, finally returning and remaining in the city one year before re- 
suming his sea-faring life. 

The year 1842 again found Mr. Singley in the marine service, this time as 
master of the ship Cabija. He continued in the service only about five years, 
however, for in 1847 he t0 °k up the life of the landsman in Lima, Peru, later 
removing to Callao, in which latter place he engaged in merchandising until 
late in the year 1848. The newsl of the finding of gold in California was the 
means of his closing out his interests in the latter city and at once starting for 
the mines. January 1, 1849, was memorable as the day he set sail on the steam- 
ship California, and February 28 following he was rejoiced to enter the Golden 
Gate at San Francisco. He lost no unnecessary time in making his way to the 
mines on the middle fork of the American river, near Michigan bluff, his route 
there taking him through Sonoma. His mining experiences proved detrimental 
to his health, and after remaining there six months he was obliged to leave that 
part of the country. Going to Sutterville he there found employment as clerk 
in the mercantile establishment of McDougal and Blackburn, and remained in 
the employ of this firm until the fall of 1849, when he removed to San Fran- 
cisco. 

Mr. Singley made the trip to California alone, having left his wife and 
children in Peru, but January 25, 1850, they joined him in their new home in 
San Francisco. For a time they continued in this city, but July, 1850. found 




&/h 




HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 407 

them in Petaluma, Sonoma count)', and this has been the home of the family 
almost continuously since. 

Mr. Singley was a man of versatile ability and his willingness to do what- 
ever lay in his power to assist the struggling village in its upward way found 
him interested in all departments of activity. In 1857 his fellow-citizens ex- 
pressed their regard for his ability as a leader in electing him to represent them 
in the lower house of the state legislature, a position which he filled acceptably 
for one term. He also served three years as county supervisor, being a mem- 
ber of the first board, and during one year he served as president of the board. 
During the early days of his residence here he was elected a member of the 
board of education of Petaluma, remaining upon it for twenty-five years, 
during eighteen years of this time serving as president of the board. He was 
appointed the first station agent at Petaluma for the San Francisco and North 
Pacific Railroad Company under the Donahue regime, and as such he had the 
honor of selling the first railroad ticket in the county. 

While in Lima, Peru, South America, Mr. Singley was united in marriage 
with Miss Jane Villalta, who was born in that city June 24, 1824. The follow- 
ing children were born of their marriage : Mattie, now the wife of B. F. Cox, 
of Petaluma; Mary J., now Mrs. John Field, of Cloverdale ; Charles E., of 
New York City, with Wells-Fargo Express Co. ; George W., local freight 
agent of the N. W. P. R. R. in San Francisco; Katherine, now Mrs. S. B. 
Blake, of San Luis Obispo; Frank B., city clerk and auditor of Petaluma; 
and Gertrude, now the wife of Easton Mills, of San Luis Obispo. 

Mr. Singley was a Mason of the Knight Templar degree, having served 
as Master, High Priest and Commander. On March 2, 1898, he passed away 
deeply mourned by family and friends, for all who knew him loved and honored 
him. His widow is now residing in Petaluma at the old home, now the oldest 
settler in the city. 



F. M. COLLINS. 

The present tax collector of Sonoma county is the gentleman whose name 
heads this article, and who has been the incumbent of this position since 1906, 
having been re-elected in the fall of 1910. A man of excellent business capac- 
ity and judgment, well educated and progressive, he is numbered among the 
substantial citizens of the county, where he has made his home for nearly 
forty years. 

A native of the east, Mr. Collins was born in Watertown, Jefferson county, 
N. Y., October 28, 1845, the son °f a farmer. At the age of twelve years he 
left home and struck out in the world on his own account, for three years work- 
ing in a dairy owned by Lieutenant Morgan. Spending another year in that 
same business, he then returned to the home farm and remained until he was 
twenty-one years old, assisting his father with the duties of the farm. In 
Watertown, June 6, 1867, when he was twenty-one years old, he was married 
to Miss Mary R. Mott. After their marriage the young people went to house- 
keeping on a farm, where they remained for one year. In the meantime Mr. 
Collins had decided to learn the trade of miller, and, apprenticing himself to the 
trade, learned it in all its details, and later followed it for four years in his native 

23 



4 o8 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

state. Two years of this time he had charge of a five-stone mill on the Black 
river, in Jefferson county. It was with this varied experience to his credit that 
he left the east and came to California in 1872. Coming direct to Sonoma 
county he located in Petaiuma and established a dairy business. Pleased with 
the locality in which he had elected to make his home he threw his best efforts 
and energy in any cause that had a beneficial tendency to community or county, 
and the interest then awakened has never grown less, but on the contrary has 
increased from year to year. 

Recognizing this interest his fellow-citizens were not long in appropriating 
it to the benefit of the town, and while he was engaged in farming near Peta- 
iuma he was made overseer of the road district, and for ten years was contin- 
uously kept in that position. His ability for serving the public efficiently was 
shown when he was made city marshal and tax collector of Petaiuma, a posi- 
tion which he filled acceptably for the period of nineteen years and two weeks. 
He had given up farming and embarked in the livery business in Petaiuma, 
where he became one of the pioneers in that line. His interest in Republican 
politics was very active, and it was on that ticket that, in 1906, he became a can- 
didate for the office of county tax collector, was elected by a good majority 
and served his constituents well in that important office. That his service had 
been acceptable was made manifest by his re-election to the same position in 
November, 1910. Upon being elected to office it necessitated his removal from 
Petaiuma, from the friends he had made during his long residence there, to the 
county seat, which place has since been his home. Mr. Collins is well known, 
belonging to the Masons, in which order he has attained to the Knights Templar 
degree, the Druids, Eagles and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. 



CHARLES AUGUSTUS BODWELL. 

The life of the pioneer settler, filled with unusual and often thrilling ex- 
periences, will ever form interesting reading to those generations which follow 
him and who unconsciously accept as commonplaces the privileges and luxuries 
of a civilization that but for him would have been unknown. Among the hardy 
upbuilders of this commonwealth mention belongs to Charles A. Bodwell, who 
throughout his life has depicted those sterling and persevering traits of char- 
acter which have come to him as a heritage from a long line of New England 
ancestors. He was born in Farmington township, Hartford county, Conn., No- 
vember 24, 1822, one of the four children born to his parents, Augustus and 
Olive Williams (Buck) Bodwell, the former of native of Simsbury and the 
latter of Farmington township, Hartford county. Conn. On the paternal side 
his grandmother Mary (Mather) Bodwell, came of old Plymouth Rock an- 
cestry, and during her girlhood she made her home with an uncle, Colonel Willis, 
upon whose land grew the Charter Oak, so notable in the history of this country. 
The parents passed their entire lives in Connecticut, the father passing away at 
the age of eighty-four and the death of the mother occurring January 12, 1839. 

Charles A. Bodwell was reared on the home farm, and the education which 
he received in the district schools was supplemented by a course in Farmington 
Academy. With the close of his school days he determined to carry out a plan 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 409 

which had been forming in his mind for some time, which was to take up the 
study of drugs, and in pursuit of this idea he went to Hartford, Conn., and 
entered the drug store of Lee & Butler, well known in the wholesale and retail 
drug trade. Ultimately the business was purchased by his brother, Woodbridge 
Bodwell, who after three years sold the business to another brother, George 
Bodwell. Charles A. Bodwell continued in the employ of his brother until 
March, 1849, when he went to St. Louis, Mo., where he joined a party bound for 
Salt Lake City, under the management of Livingston & Kinkead. The stock 
of merchandise which they brought with them was the first general assortment 
of this line that was ever opened up in Salt Lake. From Omaha the party traveled 
in company with a Mormon train of one hundred wagons for freighting the 
goods, and after being six months on the way, finally reached their destination. By 
this time the Mormons were in sad need of supplies, having nothing except what 
they brought with them when the territory was opened in 1847. The owners 
of the stock pursuaded Mr. Bodwell to remain in their employ and the following 
spring he and Mr. Livingston returned east for more goods to replenish their 
stock. The trip east was made in an army ambulance with $20,000 in gold dust 
under the seat. The Pawnees tried to stampede them at Oak Grove, but Mr. 
Bodwell drew a revolver and a moment of hesitation on the part of the Indians 
gave him the mastery of the situation. Mr. Livingston's duty was the purchas- 
ing of the goods, while Mr. Bodwell selected and purchased the cattle for the 
train. The latter were taken from Independence, Mo., to Table Creek, at old 
Fort Kearney, whither Livingston had brought the merchandise by steamer. At 
this point the wagon train was made up and put in charge of Trainmaster A. O. 
Smoot, prominent in Mormon circles and probably the father of Senator Smoot. 
The leaders of the enterprise preceded the wagon-train and reached Salt Lake 
City in twenty-four days. Mr. Bodwell remained in Salt Lake City until the 
spring of 1851, when he went to Fort Hall, from there he went to Thomas Fork, 
Idaho, east of Soda Springs, and close to the Utah line. There he built a toll- 
bridge over the Thomas fork, a branch of Bear river, by means of which he 
hoped to reap an income from the immigrants who were then going westward. 
Travel that year, however, proved exceptionally light, and after conducting the 
business for about a year, be gave it up. A better fortune awaited his succes- 
sors, for the following year they made about $15,000 on the toll of immigrants. 
From Thomas fork Mr. Bodwell went to Kansas, settling at a trading post 
on Grasshopper creek, on the Santa F'e trail, one mile south of Grasshopper 
Falls, now Valley Falls, Kans., and about forty miles from Leavenworth. During 
the year that he remained there he carried on a trading business with the Indians, 
after which he came to California with a herd of cattle belonging to Young & 
Ross. After he had been in the state about a year, the cattle in the meantime 
becoming marketable, he removed to San Francisco and disposed of his stock, 
after which he established himself in the hay and grain business. His identifi- 
cation with Sonoma dates from the fall of 1856, at which time he purchased 
four hundred and eighty-five acres of land in partnership with his brother-in- 
law, J. B. Lewis. Mr. Bodwell made his home on the land until 1864, when he 
sold his interest to the present owner and with the proceeds purchased the home 
in which he now resides at Lakeville, Yallejo township. Here his property con- 
sists of two hundred and fifty-five acres of excellent farming land, which he 



4 io HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

devotes to general farming and stock-raising. In 1879 he built what is known as 
Bodwell Landing, which is a wharf for steamers and vessels which ply Petaluma 
creek. 

In his marriage, which occurred in 1864, Mr. Bodwell was united with a 
native New Englander in Miss Charlotte Frances Chadbourne, who was born in 
Baldwin, Me., October 17, 1836, and who came to California with her brother in 
the fall of 1861. Two children were born of this marriage, Charles A. Jr., and 
Charlotte Elizabeth. The son married Miss Beda Sperry, the daughter of Austin 
Sperry, the founder and president of the Sperry Flour Company; they have one 
child, Sperry Augustus, and make their home in San Francisco, where Mr. Bod- 
well is a civil engineer and surveyor. Charlotte E. Bodwell became the wife of 
Ross Morgan, of Oakland, Cal. Politically Mr. Bodwell has always espoused Re 
publican principles. Always interested in measures for the public good, he is 
ever found in the forefront of projects which tend to upbuild the community in 
which he lives. During the year 1856 he was a member of the vigilance com- 
mittee, at the time James King was killed by James P. Casey, and he took an 
active part in establishing law and order in the city. On May 5, 1875, Mr. 
Bodwell was appointed postmaster of Lakeville, a position which he has since 
filled with efficiency. Although nearing the ninetieth milestone in life's journey, 
Mr. Bodwell is young at heart and as interested in the welfare of his community, 
state and nation as he was in years past, when an active participant in the affairs 
of life. 



WILLIAM ALBERT DAYTON. 

Ranching and milling activities have occupied the attention of William Al- 
bert Dayton throughout all of his mature years, and have formed the foundation 
of his present substantial prosperity, whereby is accorded a place among the 
influential and successful native sons of Sonoma county. To an exceptional de- 
gree he is conversant with the lumber industry along the coast, and as a member 
of the Laton Lumber and Investment Company at Markham, this county, he 
has identified himself intimately with a well-known concern organized for the 
development of local realty and lumber interests. The ranch which he owns 
and which stands near Duncans Mills comprises eight hundred and seventy-six 
acres of land. Almost all of this vast tract is in meadow, pasture or timber, 
there being an immense amount of fine lumber in the forests that eventually will 
net its owner a rich return for his investment. In common with other residents 
of the county he has taken up the fruit industry during recent years, and on his 
place there is now to be seen nine acres in apple trees of the choicest varieties 
suited to the locality. 

A lifelong resident of Sonoma county, William Albert Dayton was born 
August 23, 1859. being a son of Alexander and Catharine Dayton, the latter born 
in New York state and reared at Nauvoo, in Hancock county, 111. While Illinois 
was yet at the edge of the frontier Alexander Dayton was born there in 1833, 
and from there he came to California in 1856 via the Isthmus of Panama, 
settling in Sonoma county and taking up the occupation of a rancher, to which 
he devoted his remaining days. Practically all of his life was passed near the 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 413 

boundaries of civilization. Hence he had few or no advantages, yet he was a man 
of sturdy common sense, a large store of self-acquired frontier lore and pioneer 
resourcefulness. In his family there were four children, John Joseph, William 
Albert, Henry and Anna. The eldest son, by his union with a young lady born in 
San Francisco, has four children, John Joseph, Jr., Willard Kief, Hazel W. 
(Mrs. Frank Reigo) and Eveline. 

After having started out as a rancher Mr. Dayton was ready to establish a 
home of his own and he then married Julia Recilia Lundquist, who was born in 
Sweden July 13, 1869. By this union there are two children, Earl T. and Leslie 
V. Mrs. Dayton is a daughter of A. and Amelia Lundquist, natives of Sweden, 
the former born in 1826, and reared in his native land. It was not until 1880 
that he brought his wife and children to the United States. Ever since then 
he has resided in California and now makes his home in Lake county. In the 
Lundquist family there are nine children, namely : Joel, who is married and has 
two sons, Andrew and Philip ; Levi, who married Ruby Dearborn and has five 
children, Louis, Dell, Elma, Ida and Juanita ; Henry ; David ; Caleb, who married 
Irma Cottrell and has six children, Leonard, Albert, Harold, Virgil, Norma and 
Alice ; Reuben ; Eleanor, Mrs. Henry Lindholm, who has five children, Reuben 
A., Hugo, Lawrence, Hallie A. and Hilda C. ; Julia and Victoria. The Dayton 
family are identified with the Baptist Church and contribute to its maintenance, 
as well as to philanthropic enterprises calculated to promote the happiness of 
deserving people. In political affiliations Mr. Dayton has been associated with the 
Republican party ever since he attained his majority and he has given his ballot 
and influence wholly to aid in the success of his chosen political organization. 
The people in the vicinity of Duncans Mills hold him in the highest regard, for 
by a lifetime spent in the same county he has proved the value of his citizenship, 
the integrity of his principles and the nobility of his character. 



GEN. M. G. VALLEJO. 

January 18, 1890, was the date of the death of Gen. Mariano Guadalupe 
Vallejo, in Sonoma, and marks the close of one of the most brilliant careers in 
the history of the commonwealth of California. His hands did much in shaping 
the destiny of this magnificent state, and the great heart of the man was con- 
stantly manifested in his benefactions and acts of kindness to those less favored. 

Of Spanish origin, the first of the family of whom we have any authentic 
knowledge is Don Geronimo \'~allejo, a native of Spain, who with his wife, be- 
fore her marriage Dona Antonia Gomez, came as an official of the Spanish gov- 
ernment and settled in Mexico, there passing the remainder of his days. Among 
the children of this marriage was Don Ignacio Vicente Ferrer Vallejo, who was 
born in the state of Jalisco, Mexico, near Guadalajara, in 1748, and died in Mon- 
terey, Cal., in 1832. He was destined to be a leader among his people, and as 
judge of the country, was sent by the king up the coast to make a report of the 
Spanish expeditions to the north. The commission executed satisfactorily, he 
returned to Monterey, Cal., where he located permanently. In the meantime 
he became interested in the various missions along the coast and gave invaluable 
assistance to the missionaries. His marriage united him with the young and 
beautiful Spanish senorita, Marie Antonia Lugo, between whose ages there was 



4U HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

a great disparity, lie being twenty-one years her senior, but nevertheless their 
union was one of continued bliss and happiness. Both lived to good old ages, 
and after his death she survived only a few years, passing away at the age of 
seventy-nine. 

Thirteen children were born to this couple, of whom the eighth child was 
Mariano G. Vallejo, the subject of this sketch, who was born July 7, 1808, in 
the old town of Monterey, Cal. During his boyhood the facilities for obtaining 
an education were exceedingly meagre, and after complaint had been made to 
the Mexican governor, Professor Azpiroz was sent from Mexico to become 
public instructor at Monterey. It was due to the invaluable assistance of the 
latter that Mariano Vallejo was able to lay the good foundation for the broad, 
deep knowledge that he later acquired. Not only was his mind capable of 
acquiring knowledge quickly, but once acquired it was never forgotten, his 
mind to the last being a perfect store-house of facts that had been utterly for- 
gotten by his contemporaries. Far from being a recluse, he yet had a most 
tender affection for his books, and was never so happy as when poring over 
one of his beloved volumes. All of his reading was along practical lines, and he 
sought to put into practice the lessons which he learned thereby. Even more 
than was his father, he was destined to come into prominence as a man of power 
in his community, and he bravely and courageously accepted the duties as they 
came to him, and handled them with a master hand. At the age of sixteen years 
he took his place in the ranks of the standing army of Mexico, and at the same 
time held the responsible position of private secretary to the governor. It was 
while filling this position that he had the honor of drawing up the articles of 
capitulation that acknowledged the surrender of Spanish forces to the Mexican 
government. Military leadership was strongly marked in the make-up of the 
young soldier, and upon attaining his majority he was put in command of the 
presidio of San Francisco. Upon the deposition of Governor Chico in 1836 
Vallejo's popularity with the people placed him in the gubernatorial chair. He 
accepted the appointment, but immediately turned the reins of civil authority 
over to Alvarado, president of the territorial deputation, he himself retaining 
control of the military forces. 

The first town laid out in California north of the bay of San Francisco 
was Sonoma, and General Vallejo established the lines and boundaries alone 
with the aid of a pocket compass. As early as 1838 he had brought from the 
city of Mexico a complete printing outfit, by means of which he reached his 
people through published addresses. He was an indefatigable worker, and it 
is said that he himself set the type, worked the press, bound the pamphlets and 
distributed them with his own hands. 

His control as director of colonization extended over a great area of 
country that has since become one of the most productive agricultural districts 
in the state. This was known as the Petaluma rancho, including Petaluma, 
Vallejo, Vacaville and Santa Rosa, and here he inaugurated an agricultural 
industry that he little dreamed would assume the magnificent proportions that 
prevail today. The young settlement flourished under the leadership of Vallejo, 
who though born to military life, took gracefully to agriculture and stock-rais- 
ing, and at considerable expense brought horses and cattle from the southern 
country, from which grew the large herds which he owned. 



HISTORY OIF SONOMA COUNTY 415 

In 1852 after his vineyard was well established, General Vallejo began the 
erection of the house in which he was to spend his last days. The lumber for 
this mansion was hauled by teams from Vallejo; the brick was brought from 
the Sandwich Islands, and the marble mantle-pieces were purchased in Hono- 
lulu. Even at $17 a day it was difficult to get carpenters to carry forward the 
work. It is estimated that the house cost $50,000. The grounds were in keep- 
ing with the residence, orange, lemon and evergreen trees being planted, and 
two magnificent marble fountains added further beauty to the lawns. In grati- 
fication of an extravagant whim he sent to Germany for a large pavilion made 
of bamboo, iron and glass. This he erected at Lachryma Montis as a summer 
house for his children, entailing an expenditure of $80,000. All that now re- 
mains of this beautiful piece of architecture are the pillars, in the form of 
battle-axes, which now serve as posts for the fence that surrounds the private 
property. Here in the midst of luxurious surroundings the later years of 
General Vallejo were passed quietly, although he was constantly sought to take 
part in public and upbuilding measures. For several years he was treasurer 
of the State Horticultural Society and for many years was a member of the 
Native Sons of the Golden West, of which he was the oldest representative. 

Although at one time a man of vast wealth, General Vallejo died a poor 
man. He owned the homestead at Sonoma and the Pajaro ranch in Monterey 
county, inherited from his father, but aside from these he had nothing. Inci- 
dents of his great generosity were numerous and were the cause of the great 
lessening in his fortunes. 

General Vallejo's marriage united him with Francisca Benicia Carrillo, 
who was born in San Diego, Cal., of Spanish ancestry, and died January 30, 
1891. Sixteen children were born of their union. Andronico died in infancy; 
the second child to bear the name of Andronico died after reaching maturity ; 
Epifania G. became the wife of Gen. John B. Frisbie ; Adela R., deceased, be- 
came the wife of L. C. Frisbie, M. D. ; Natalia became the wife of Attila 
Haraszthy ; Plutarco died in infancy; Platon was a physician of Vallejo; Guada- 
lupe died in infancy ; Jovita married Arpad Haraszthy ; Uladislao E. was the 
next in order of birth; Benicia died in infancy; Plutarco, the second of that 
name, also died in infancy ; Napoleon P. was the next child ; Benicia, the second 
of that name, died young ; Louisa is the widow of R. Emparan ; and Maria 
is the wife of Harry Cutter. 

One of General Vallejo's younger children, Mrs. Louisa Emparan, was 
born at her present home, Lachryma Montis, in the town of Sonoma, where she 
now owns about three hundred acres of her father's old homestead. She is the 
widow of Ricardo R. de Emparan, a native of Mexico, and at one time consul 
to San Diego, and later holding this appointment at San Francisco. He died 
in Mexico in June, 1902, leaving besides his wife three children, Anita, the wife 
of A. M. Thomson, M. D., of Sonoma, Carlos and Raoul. 



GLENN E. MURDOCK. 

Deservedly popular in his community, Glenn E. A'lurdock sustains the good 

opinion which he has won through the evidence of many worthy attributes in the 

past and in the present fulfilling the high expectations which his friends have 

cherished in regard to his future. He is now occupying the position of county 



4 i6 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

treasurer of Sonoma county, an office which, through re-election, he has held 
since 1902. The manner in which he discharges his duties has won the com- 
mendation of the citizens of the county, especially that of the members of the 
Republican party, of which he is a stanch and loyal adherent, and through whose 
influence he was chosen to the position. 

Not only is Mr. Murdock a native son of the Golden state, but he is also a 
native of the city and county in which he now resides, having been born in Santa 
Rosa, August 1, 1874. He is a son of Lewis A. and Mary (Mize) Murdock, 
the father a native of Ohio, born near Cincinnati, and the mother a native of 
Wisconsin. In his native state the father was reared to manhood, but when the 
gold discovery in California caused such widespread interest throughout the 
length and breadth of the land he was filled with a new and strange interest in 
this Pacific commonwealth, and determined to take his chances with the thousands 
of others who were coming to the west. The voyage was made by way of the 
Isthmus of Panama, and from the metropolis, where the vessel landed, he made 
his way to the Sacramento valley, settling at Knight's Landing in the early '50s. 
Prospecting and mining he followed with fairly good success, combining this with 
farming until removing to Sonoma county about the year 1870. Here, just north 
of Santa Rosa, he purchased a ranch of one hundred and sixty acres, near where 
the county farm now is. Here he carried on ranching successfully throughout the 
remainder of his life, or for about thirty-six years, his death occurring February 
22, 1906. He was a Mason in high standing in the various branches of the order, 
including the blue lodge, chapter, commandery and Eastern Star, and he also 
belonged to the Amaranths. Five children were born of the marriage of Lewis 
A. and Mary (Mize) Murdock, three now living as follows: Ella, who became 
the wife of W. C. Rodgers, of Santa Rosa ; Glenn E. ; and Edna, a public school 
teacher in Santa Rosa. 

Primarily educated in the public schools of Santa Rosa, Glenn E. Murdock 
followed this training by a course in the State University at Berkeley, from which 
institution he graduated in 1897. Thereafter he put his recently acquired knowl- 
edge to account in accepting a position as instructor of English and history in 
the Healdsburg schools, following this some time later by becoming principal of 
the high school of Sonoma. Fie had occupied this position but one year when 
his fellow-citizens showed their appreciation of his ability for public office by 
electing him to the office of county treasurer in 1902. a position which he has con- 
tinued to hold through re-election, which is undeniable evidence of his ability 
and of satisfaction on the part of his constituents that they made no mistake in 
their choice of a candidate for this important office. In addition to his public 
duties he also maintains the old homestead ranch near Santa Rosa, besides which 
he is one of the directors of the Santa Rosa bank. 

Mr. Murdock's marriage, which occurred June 1, 1904, united him with 
Miss Abby P. Elliot, one of his class-mates in the Santa Rosa high school and also 
in the State University, and who prior to her marriage was a member of the 
high school faculty of Ukiah, Mendocino county. She was a daughter of William 
R. Elliot, formerly a resident of Santa Rosa, but latterly of Ukiah, where his 
death occurred. He and his wife, the latter now a resident of Santa Rosa, were 
pioneer settlers in the Guerneville district, and throughout his life in the west Mr. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 419 

Elliot was a well-known lumberman. As was his father before him, Mr. Mur- 
doch: is prominent in Masonic circles, being a member of Sotoyome Lodge of 
Healdsburg, and the Eastern Star, is secretary of the Royal Arch Chapter of 
Santa Rosa, and also holds membership in the commandery and Scottish Rite 
and the Court of Amaranth. He is also a member of the board of directors of 
the Santa Rosa Masonic Hall Association. Among his associates Mr. Murdoch 
enjoys the confidence born of well-applied industry, personal integrity, and de- 
votion to the welfare of his home town and county. 



GEORGE NAPOLEON WHITAKER. 

Characteristics of four of the sturdiest nations of the globe contributed to 
the well-being of this pioneer settler of California, English, Welsh, German and 
Irish, a harmonious blending of which made it possible for California to 
write the name of George N. Whitaker in the list of her upbuilders and 
progressive citizens. Some time previous to the Revolutionary war the 
great grandfather, John Whitaker, had left England for the new world, 
mahing settlement in North Carolina, and in the conflict between the Mother 
Country and the colonies he took sides with the latter, rendering valiant service 
as a member of a cavalry company. His marriage united him with a native of 
Wales, who had come to this country in her girlhood. The maternal great- 
grandfather, James Phillips, was a native of Germany, who upon immigrating 
to the United States settled in Pennsylvania and there reared his family. One 
of the sons of this immigrant was James Phillips, who figured in the war of 
1812. His marriage united him with a woman of Irish ancestry who had come 
to the United States with her parents in girlhood.. 

The immediate progenitors of George N. Whitaker were John Mc and Jane 
C. (Phillips) Whitaker, both of whom were born in Clermont county, Ohio. 
Though born and reared in Ohio, much of the early married life of the parents 
was passed in Indiana, and there it was, in Door Prairie, that the birth of 
George N. occurred July 27, 1834. When he was a child of two years the 
family home was transferred to Iowa, the crossing over the Father of Waters 
being made at Fort Madison, on the ice in January. Settlement was made in • 
Van Buren county on Lick creek, the creek being so named for a large deer 
lick at its union with the Des Moines river. Iowa was then a territory, in- 
habited almost entirely by Indians, and in this frontier country the father split 
rails and erected a rail pen in which to house his family for the remainder of 
the winter, 1836-37. Grass was stuffed between the rails to heep out the snow 
and wind as much as possible, but in spite of the most ingenious efforts on the 
part of the mother the children suffered with the intense cold of that memorable 
winter. Charles Bogart and family had accompanied the Whitahers to Iowa 
and thev also made settlement on Lick creeh, the two families comprising the 
only white people between that point and Fort Madison (forty miles), where 
they had to go for provisions. The settlement was located only twenty-six miles 
east of the Indian Territory line, in fact Indians were the nearest neighbors of 
the two white families. Their visits were welcomed rather than feared by the 
newcomers, for they were friendly and peaceable and the boys and girls were 
able to understand and speak the Indian language in a short time. 



4 2o HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Directly east of the camp where the family had passed the first winter 
the father took up a quarter section of land from the government and began 
its cultivation. With the passing of years he lived to see this once wild, unin- 
habited country the populous and prosperous country which it later became. 
School facilities were conspicuous by their absence, but as the little settlement 
grew the settlers banded together in an effort to provide instruction for their 
children, the parents up to this time teaching the children in their homes. A 
log school house was built for the accommodation of the children, and there 
thev diligently conned their lessons during the three or four months of winter 
that the school was in session. The expense of the teacher's salary was borne 
by the parents and the teacher "boarded around" among the families. While 
he was still very young George N. Whitaker was of great assistance to his 
father in the maintenance of the home farm, and year after year found him 
doing his duty faithfully in this respect during the summer months, while dur- 
ing the winters he attended school. It was while engaged in the daily round of 
duties on the farm that he became interested in California through the reports 
of the finding of gold, and his homely duties were thereafter performed with 
less interest. Finally, when he was eighteen years of age, he and an older 
brother, W. S. Whitaker. and William Robison, set out from Iowa to cross the 
plains, in the summer of 1853, anc ^ July 25 they ended their long journey at 
Sacramento. 

No serious mishap befell the young travelers at the hands of the Indians, 
although the year of 1853 was especially disastrous to emigrants. The Sioux 
Indians were on the warpath and as they owned all of the territory from the 
Missouri river to the Rocky mountains and from the Texas border as far north 
as Canada, it may be well understood why travelers took their lives in their 
hands when they attempted to cross the broad plains. The six hundred miles 
through the Indian territory was attended by many dangers, but young Whit- 
aker and his brother had lived among the Indians all of their boyhood lives 
and were not readily frightened by the approaches of the dusky foe. In fact, 
Mr. Whitaker said that only once throughout the entire journey did he experi- 
ence the least uneasiness, this happening along the Platte river about one hun- 
dred miles below Fort Laramie. It was the custom for the leader of the train 
to ride ahead during the latter part of the day to locate the camp for the night, 
selecting a good watering place and where there was also plenty of feed for the 
cattle. The captain of the party, Mr. Fordyce, had followed the usual custom 
on the day of this incident, but he had been gone only a short time when the 
party was startled to see horsemen riding rapidly toward them. As the riders 
drew nearer to the train they were recognized as the captain and nine Sioux In- 
dians. They stopped at once, and every man who could leave his team went for 
his gun. Riding up to his companions Fordyce said : "Boys, get around these 
redskins, but don't shoot, they practically gave in to captivity." They were 
made to dismount, stack their bows and arrows and were kept closely guarded. 
The wagons were corralled and the teams were turned across a slough that made 
an island between the mainland and the river and forming an ideal place in 
case of danger. The animals belonging to the Indians were turned in with 
the other stock. The redmen were given all the food they desired and were 
treated kindly by their captors, but care was taken to keep their bows and 



HISTORY OF SONQMA COUNTS 4-'' 

arrows out of their reach. With the approach of bed-time the captain said : 
"Boys, see that your guns are all right, as you may have use for them tonight.' 
The Indians were made to lie down in their blankets and two trusty guards 
were placed over them to see that none escaped. With the dawn of the morning 
everyone in camp was up, asking each other how they had slept, and 
it was found that no one had had a wink of sleep, and from appearances it 
was safe to presume that the Indians had passed a wakeful night also. During 
the night one of the Indians arose and attempted to follow the guards, but he 
was ordered back to bed and no further trouble was given from that score. 
A hearty breakfast was provided the redmen and after finishing their meal they 
were allowed to prepare for the mount with their blankets instead of saddles. 
Careful guard was kept over them until they were ready to start, then Captain 
Fordyce and several others shook hands with them, gave them their bows and 
arrows and then gave the sign to mount. The Indians and the emigrants started 
on the march together, but the former struck out into the open country, widiout 
road or path, apparently in no hurry however, for as far as the travelers could 
see they walked their animals. All of the Indians had very fine looking Amer- 
ican horses except one, who had a large mule, the rider of the latter being a 
fine-looking half-breed who it was thought could speak English, as he seemed 
to be the spokesman of the band. Mr. Whitaker distinctly recalled the inci- 
dents of this overland journey and of the many experiences of his long life, 
singled out the summor of "53 as the most enjoyable. 

As has been stated the party arrived in Sacramento July 25, after which for 
two weeks Mr. Whitaker worked on the dairy ranch of an older brother, three 
miles south of that city. At the end of this time, the cattle having rested from 
the long trip across the plains, George N. and W. S. Whitaker and Mr. Robison 
came to Sonoma county, near Tomales, where another of the Whitaker brothers 
resided, and here the party remained until the setting in of the rainy season. 
George N. and W. S. ("Win" as he was familiarly known) then set out for the 
mines of Eldorado county, at Drytown, covering the entire distance on foot, 
nnd in the following spring the)- were joined by Mr. Robison, the three then 
going to Grizzly Flat. It was while in the first mentioned place that G. N. suf- 
fered with an attack of chills and fever, finally removing to Drytown, and as 
soon as he was able, undertook work on a vegetable ranch, in so doing acting 
on the advice of a physician. In the fall, however, he was able to return to 
Grizzly Flat and resume mining operations with his brother .and Mr. Robison. 
Altogether he remained in the west about three years, July of 1856 finding him 
on his way to Iowa in company with his brother and friend, the trip being made 
by way of Panama to New York City. 

Soon after his return from the west Mr. Whitaker was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Elmira E. Day, the ceremony being performed October 28, 
1856. Mrs. Whitaker is a native of Ohio, her birth occurring in Hamilton 
county April 13, 1836. After their marriage the young people settled down on 
a farm in Iowa, and for about six years Mr. Whitaker diligently tilled the soil 
with apparent content. Another attack of the western fever seized him at this 
time and in 1863 he again set out for the west, accompanied by the brother 
who made the journey ten years previously and by his wife and three children. 
The journev was made overland with mule teams, and settlement was first made 



422 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

in San Luis Obispo county. It was Mr. Whitaker's original intention to embark 
in the sheep business, but the plan failed of fulfillment through inability to find 
suitable range land. Land at that time was held in large Spanish grants, the 
owners of which were unwilling to sell parts of the tracts, and the settlers were 
few indeed who could at that time satisfy their longings to become land owners. 
George N. soon afterward came to Sonoma county to locate, but his brother 
W. S. continued to make his home in San Luis Obispo county throughout the 
remainder of his life. For a time after locating in Sonoma county G. N. Whit- 
aker made his home on rented property, but November, 1866, marked the date 
of his purchase in Bennett valley, and throughout the remainder of his life there 
was no indication of a desire on his part to locate elsewhere. The original 
purchase of one hundred and sixty acres was added to from time to time as it 
was possible to do so, until he finally owned four hundred and forty acres of fine 
land all in one body. Probably no resident of Sonoma county was more deserv- 
ing of credit for the firm and steady advance along agricultural and horticultural 
lines than George N. Whitaker, and as an evidence of the esteem in which his 
opinion was held on these subjects it is sufficient to state that for twenty-two 
years he was statistical correspondent for the agricultural department at Wash- 
ington, D. C. To him also belonged credit for the organization of the Sonoma 
County Farmers Club, an organization composed of live, thoroughgoing ranch- 
ers like himself, and the result of their co-operation was the means of spreading 
enthusiasm and raising the agricultural standard of the county. For forty-two 
years his slogan was "apples and prunes, apples and fruit and apples and co- 
operation," and in his later years he enjoyed the results of his long-standing- 
convictions in seeing Sonoma county take her rightful place as one of Cali- 
fornia's rich agricultural centers. 

No history of the life of Mr. Whitaker would be complete without mention 
of his deep interest in the Grange movement, and his connection therewith may 
be read in detail in an article entitled "Farmers Organizations" to be found 
in the history section of this volume. The first harvest feast was held at his 
home, and everything on the bill of fare was produced on his ranch, and served 
at the tables by his wife. The deputy organizer at the conclusion of the feast de- 
clared he was "too full for utterance," but nevertheless made known his senti- 
ments to the effect that it was no "imaginary dinner" and offered a toast that 
Mr. and Mrs. Whitaker were the "largest, whole-souled grangers in the state." 
For many years Mr. Whitaker was chairman and secretary of the Sonoma 
County Farmers Club, president and secretary of the Sonoma County Horticul- 
tural Society, holding these offices also in the local Farmers Alliance and the 
County Alliance, besides which in the Bennett Valley Grange he served as sec- 
retary for nine years, master two terms and treasurer eight years. In the 
Pomona Grange he held the office of master for two years, secretary for eight 
years, and was the efficient treasurer for fifteen years. After having served 
as a member of the executive committee of the State Grange for eight years he 
declined re-election to office, although to the end of his life he still retained 
his old-time interest in the movement which had been dear to his heart for so 
many years. At the time of his death, June 22, 191 1, he was the only charter 
member of Pomona Grange, one of three of Bennett Vallev Grange, and as 




TV^Ayiooi 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 425 

far as known was the last survivor of the train in which he crossed the plains in 

1853- 

Ten children were born of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Whitaker, of 
whom the three eldest were born in Iowa and accompanied their parents to 
California in 1863. Named in the order of their birth the children are as fol- 
lows: Wilson R. ; John B. ; James P.; William H. ; Kate R., who died in April, 
1904; Arthur S. ; Walter L. ; Rhoda M. ; Mark S. ; and Rosa A., the latter of 
whom died in 1890. Four of the children still reside with the mother on the 
family home in Bennett valley. 

Death came to Mr. Whitaker suddenly during the still hours of night, 
and as he had been in his usual good health for many months, the news of his 
sudden death came as a great shock to his family and friends. 



WESLEY MOCK. 

Throughout die entire history of the world there always have been some 
who sought ease and the comforts of existence along sunshiny paths, while oth- 
ers, stout of limb and blind to hardships, followed pioneer paths in the vanguard 
of civilization. To the latter class belonged that sturdy pioneer, Wesley Mock, 
whose destiny it was to be identified with pioneer labors in the Missouri river 
valley and along the Pacific coast. Nature qualified him for the life of a fron- 
tiersman. Dangers failed to daunt him and perils but aroused his courage to 
greater heights. Inured to physical privation, he followed the road whither fate 
led him and out of discomfort, peril and sacrifices he eventually won honor, 
success and influence. From the time of the admission of California as a state 
until the time of his demise he followed every phase of the development of the 
commonwealth, participated in all efforts at local upbuilding and, as he gazed 
backward in his old age over the strenuous years gone by, with their triumphs 
and their toil, he could well feel that he had borne an honorable part in the 
wonderful work of advancement whereby the state had risen to a front rank 
among the galaxy of stars adorning the flag of our country. 

The lineage of the Mock family is traced back to Germany, but several 
generations have lived and labored in the new world. David and Elizabeth 
Mock were born in Pennsylvania, and during earl}' years learned to speak 
fluently in both the English and the German languages. From the Keystone 
state they removed to North Carolina and for twenty years he served as clerk 
of Davidson county, where also for a long period he acted as postmaster at Fair- 
grove. Throughout the county he was favorably known and highly honored. 
Although differing in many opinions from his southern neighbors they ren- 
dered a full meed of praise to his strict honesty and painstaking industry, and 
he in turn admired their courteous chivalry and high spirits. In his family 
there were seven sons and six daughters, namely : Charles, William, Christena, 
Franklin, John, Elizabeth, Sarah, David, Margaret. Wesley, Mary, Martha 
and George. 

The eldest daughter of the household had become the wife of Dr. H. C. 
Davis, and had removed with him to Missouri about the year 1834. The long 
and dangerous journey ended, she had written back from the new home glowing 



426 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

accounts of Missouri, its fertile soil and undeveloped resources. These in- 
viting descriptions induced the father to decide to remove to the newer coun- 
try. In 1835 he packed the household necessities in two wagons, provided a 
large supply of provisions and started on the tedious trip. A carriage was taken 
along, and in it rode the mother with the little ones. Among the children was 
eight-year-old Wesley, who had been born April 12, 1827, during the residence 
of the family in Davidson county. Although so young, the boy possessed a 
retentive mind and an eagerness to learn, so that the journey made a lasting 
impression upon his memory, and years afterward he accurately recounted inci- 
dents connected with the month spent between the old home and the new. 

Arriving at their destination David Mock, with the assistance of his eldest 
sons, cut timber and hewed logs with which he constructed a cabin without the 
use of a nail. The little house furnished a shelter for the family and offered 
a kindly hospitality to belated travelers en route to the nearest postomce, which 
was sixteen miles distant from the farm. It was the task of the sons to go upon 
hunting expeditions, and from these they invariably returned with an abund- 
ance of game, the family thus securing the meat necessary for the table. With 
the passing years the boy grew to manhood and gained a broad fund of informa- 
tion from habits of close observation rather than from any extended study of 
text-books. A great change came into his life when, in the year 1848, the 
United States government arranged to build a line of military posts from the 
Missouri river to Oregon, and appointed Colonel Powell commander of the large 
expedition organized for the purpose named. 

A party of six men went from the neighborhood in which Wesley Mock- 
lived, and he was one of the number, his particular task being the driving of 
five yoke of oxen. Many bands of Indians were met, but the company was so 
large that, the savages dared not molest them, although they annoyed them to a 
degree by their frequent depredations. The work for the government com- 
pleted, Mr. Mock returned to the east, but had scarcely reached the old Mis- 
souri home again when he heard of the discovery of gold in California, and this 
interesting news excited him to such an extent that he lost no time in making 
preparations to go west. May 10, 1849, ne joined a large expedition bound 
for the coast, and with this party he crossed the plains, meanwhile meeting with 
many thrilling experiences and undergoing frequent perils in encounters with 
the Indians. The company disbanded October 28, 1849, near Red Bluff, in the 
Sacramento valley, and its various members sought the localities desired by 
them. 

The first mining experience gained by Mr. Mock was at Missouri Bar on 
the Feather river, and later he mined at Foster's Bar on the Yuba river. At 
the expiration of three years devoted to mining he turned his attention to other 
lines of industrial activity. For some time he lived in Petaluma. From there 
he came to Santa Rosa during the early '60s. Four miles from town he took 
up a quarter section at Belleview, and at once began the transformation of the ' 
tract from- a barren waste into a productive dairy ranch, well supplied with 
milch cows, provided with large pastures and meadows, and to a small extent 
utilized in the raising of grain. Throughout the balance of his useful existence 
he engaged in ranching and made the dairy industry his specialty. In advanced 
vears he retired from the most arduous of his labors and established a home 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 427 

in the city of Santa Rosa, where he die<l October 1, 1909, having been an argo- 
naut and a resident of California for sixty years lacking one week. 

At the time of coming to the west Mr. Mock had no domestic ties, and he 
was still a bachelor when he came to Sonoma county. His marriage was sol- 
emnized near Petaluma, November 13, 1853, and united him with Miss Sarah 
Jane Thornton, a native of Howard, Mo. During the early part of 1853 she had 
crossed the plains from Missouri to California, and had made the long journey 
with relatives, riding in a wagon drawn by oxen. The marriage ceremony 
was solemnized by Father Waugh, one of the beloved pioneer preachers of the 
country, and the marriage certificate was signed by James G. Fair and Robert 
Thompson. Six children were born of the union, namely : Sarah A., who died 
at twelve years ; Alonzo W., now residing at Los Gatos, this state ; Willie Ann, 
wife of A. N. Rawles, of Boonvilie, Mendocino county ; Edward W. and George 
L., both of whom died in infancy; and Margaretta M., who married Joseph H. 
Hunt, of Oakland, now residing at No. 160 Lake street, that city, and where 
Mrs. Mock is now making her home. 

Few matters possessed for Mr. Mock a deeper or more vital interest than 
the material progress of Santa Rosa, and in every way possible he promoted the 
civic welfare. Among the local offices which he filled were those of city marshal 
and street commissioner. In these capacities he labored to maintain order, en- 
force the laws and grade the streets, recognizing the fact that these are neces- 
sities in every progressive town. Doubtless, however, it was in the church 
that he found his greatest enjoyment. Of a deeply religious nature throughout 
ail of his life, he labored to promote die spiritual welfare of the human race. 
No duty was neglected that tended to the uplifting of his community and the 
advancement of the church. As president of the board of stewards and as a 
trustee he was intimately identified with the management of the Santa Rosa 
Methodist Episcopal Church. For thirty years he led the choir of that congre- 
gation, and meanwhile he aided many young people in the cultivation of their 
voices, promoted an interest in sacred music, and brought to many a realization 
of its close association with religious progress. When finally death brought to 
an end his splendid, useful labors he passed into eternity, sustained by the Chris- 
tian's faith and comforted by the hope of again meeting his loved ones within 
the «;ates of Paradise. 



PROF. DE WITT MONTGOMERY. 
Great as are the resources of Sonoma county (and many sagacious citizens 
believe them to be unsurpassed by those of any section of the commonwealth), 
her finest assets consist of her boys and girls, and the quality of future citizen- 
ship depends upon the faithful work of the teachers, guided by judicious leaders 
and upheld by the unwavering loyalty of the community. Educational advance- 
ment is the result of the self-sacrificing labors of efficient instructors, who desire 
the mental growth of the pupils more than their own prosperity, and who, far 
removed from narrowness or prejudice, strive to advance the welfare of the 
schools that are the civic pride of the community. In this list of educators men- 
tion belongs to Professor Montgomery, who holds an accepted place among the 



428 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

leading teachers in Northern California and who, both as principal of schools and 
as county superintendent, has been instrumental in raising the standard of edu- 
cation in a degree commensurate with the material growth of the community. 

Eaton Rapids, Mich., is the native place of De Witt Montgomery, and Octo- 
ber 29, 1872, the date of his birth, his parents being Alonzo and Cornelia Mary 
(Dunham) Montgomery, the former born in Michigan in 1840, and the latter 
born in Rochester, N. Y., in 1841. The marriage of the parents was solemnized 
in Michigan in 1867, and resulted in the birth of five children, Robert S., De 
Witt, Ada, Alta and Chester A. Through paternal ancestry the family traces its 
lineage to Scotland, while on the maternal side the line is traced to Holland, 
whence emigration was made to New York during the memorable Knickerbocker 
days of history. Patriotism has been a family trait and every generation has 
exhibited the deepest loyalty to our country, this being evidenced especially in 
the life of Alonzo Montgomery through his service as a soldier and a commis- 
sioned officer in the Union army during the Civil war. Politically he espoused 
Republican principles on the organization of the party and ever afterward re- 
mained faithful to the same. The occupation of a farmer he followed first in 
Michigan and later in Kansas, but eventually he removed to Southern California 
and afterward led a somewhat retired life. 

Primarily- educated in Kansas public schools and later a student in the high 
sciiool at Fullerton, Cal., it was the good fortune of De Witt Montgomery to be 
able to enjoy the educational advantages offered by Leland Stanford University, 
and in 1901 he was graduated from that institution with the degree of A.B., 
while in 1902 the degree of A.M. was conferred upon him by the same educa- 
tional center. In order to pursue advanced study in literature and educational 
work, he secured an appointment as an instructor in the university, and continued 
his association with his alma mater until he felt himself to be thoroughly qualified 
for his professional duties. In 1902 he became principal of the Gridley Union 
high school, a position which he resigned the following year to become principal 
of the Sonoma Valley high school. In the fall of 1906 he was elected county 
superintendent of schools for a term of four years, and both of these positions 
he is now filling with characteristic fidelity and a high degree of intelligence. In 
addition he has served as president of county superintendents and county board 
section of the California State Teachers Association. 

It has been the privilege of Professor Montgomery to see something of life 
in three states. Until ten years of age he lived in Michigan, and he recalls vividly 
the surroundings of his early childhood there. The ensuing ten years were 
passed in Kansas, so that as a youth he saw much of the broad prairies of the 
Sunflower state. Since twenty years of age he has made California his home, 
and he regards this as the banner state of the Union, while he considers Sonoma 
the peer of any of the counties. Educationally it ranks among the first counties, 
having one hundred and forty-four school districts and six high schools. Its ad- 
vance along educational lines has kept pace with its growth in material devel- 
opment. Because of its wonderful resources the Professor believes it is des- 
tined to be one of the greatest counties of the state, its welfare being promoted 
by its geographical position; fine climate and enterprising citizens, no less than 
bv its resources and educational facilities. 




J %s /$**£&&&*-<_ 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 43 l 

The high regard in which Professor Montgomery is held is shared by his 
cultured wife, whom he married at Los Angeles June 27, 1903, and who bore 
the maiden name of Neva Gilfillan, being a daughter of Alexander and Christine 
Maude (Birmingham) Gilfillan. The only child of the union, De Witt, Jr., was 
born February 23, 1905. Reared to a faith in Republican principles, Professor 
Montgomery saw no reason to change his views when he studied the political 
question with the discriminating judgment of maturity, and he always has re- 
mained stanchly devoted to the party. Along the line of his profession he has 
found especial pleasure through his membership in the Schoolmasters' Club of 
Northern California, and has been a recognized leader of thought in the same. 
It has not been possible for him, burdened as he is with professional duties, to 
become active in the fraternities, and the only orders with which he has identified 
himself are the Masons and the Woodmen of the World, but in these he has been 
a generous helper, a philanthropic associate and a genial companion. 



DAVID WILLIAM BATCHELOR. 

Whatever portion of the world has received as citizens people of Scotch 
blood, such sections reap an inestimable benefit from the presence of men and 
women of irreproachable characters, earnest industry and progressive spirit, 
whose descendants will form the bulwark of the prosperity of any country and 
bring honor to any land. There is no citizen more devoted to the welfare of 
the United States than he who proudly points to Scotland as his ancestral home, 
and the men who are most loyal to the land of their birth are the ones who 
show the deepest love for their adopted country and in whose minds patriotism 
is ever united with humanity and brotherly compassion. 

The above applies truly to David William Batchelor, a well-known resident 
of Penn Grove, Sonoma county. He was born in the old historical town of 
Montrose, Forfarshire, Scotland, July 17, 1872, being the second son among 
fourteen children (evenly divided as to sons and daughters) born to his parents. 
They were Robert Scott, born November 27, 1833, at Abothan House, Forfar- 
shire, and Betsy (Smith) Batchelor, born in Montrose February 7, 1838. All 
of the children received good educations, and David W. Batchelor received the 
privileges of Montrose Academy. After leaving school he entered an architect's 
office with the idea of learning the business, but in the meantime he was seized 
with an unrest and desire to come to the new world that made further work at 
learning the trade impossible. At the age of eighteen years he set sail from 
Glasgow for the port of Canada, arriving at Quebec July 14, 1890. A few days 
later he went to Montreal, later to Toronto, and in the latter city he was for- 
tunate in securing employment in a surveyor's office. During the year and 
more that he lived in Toronto he succeeded in saving a neat sum of money, in 
the accumulation of which it was his idea to ultimately engage in farming, 
having a good knowledge of farming as conducted in his native land. His first 
step in this direction was securing a position as foreman of the cattle depart- 
ment of the Beaverton model farm, a position which he filled for three years, 
during which time he traveled over a large part of Canada and the United States, 
making observations and investigations as to a suitable section of the country 

24 



432 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

for a future home. The result of his investigation was a preponderance of evi- 
dence in favor of the United States, and upon resigning his position in the fall 
of 1893, began his westward march. With an open mind, free from prejudice, 
he discerned for himself the merits and demerits of the various places which he 
passed through in coming to the Pacific coast. He arrived in San Francisco 
January 13, 1894. There as elsewhere he set out on an excursion of investiga- 
tion, and contrary to his usual verdict, he was pleased with the outlook. Con- 
tinuing his investigation, he traveled over the Bay counties in an endeavor to 
find suitable land upon which to raise poultry. It was at this point that his eye 
fell upon an advertisement wherein he noted that ten thousand acres had re- 
cently been subdivided at Cotati, and with the hope of finding suitable land in 
this vicinity he came to inspect the land the following morning. Finding con- 
ditions as represented, he selected a twenty-acre lot and made the first deposit 
on it. Settlers at that time were few, and Cotati and Penn Grove could boast 
of little more than their names. This condition, however, did not dismay Mr. 
Batchelor, for he industriously set about improving his land, purchasing a team 
and wagon, and with a plow which he borrowed, broke the soil preparatory 
to putting in a crop of wheat. For a time after locating here he slept under his 
wagon, with his horses tied to the wheels, until such time as he was able to 
erect a barn, when this served as home and stable temporarily. 

Mr. Batchelor established himself in the chicken business here on a small 
scale, starting with three dozen hens, and increasing his flock until he finally 
had eighteen hundred laying hens. In the meantime he had built and occupied 
several houses on the ranch, finally, however, erecting a modern five-room 
house which he equipped with an acetylene gas plant. All of this had been ac- 
complished after six years of hard work on his part, and believing that he was 
deserving of a rest, he took a trip to Scotland to visit his parents. He was 
proud to tell them of what he had accomplished, for on leaving them six years 
before they had declared that he would be glad to return home in three months 
time. After a visit of three months in the home land he was satisfied and even 
anxious to return to California and resume the work which he had temporarily 
laid aside. At this time he was the proud owner of one of the best chicken 
ranches in this section of country, free from debt, and he therefore ventured to 
purchase other property. This he did as a matter of speculation, for, after divid- 
ing the land into small tracts, erecting buildings and stocking it with poultry, 
he disposed of it. He continued the buying and selling of land in this way for 
some time, always disposing of it readily to purchasers who were eager to 
locate. 

Mr. Batchelor finally took another respite from the cares of business, taking 
an extended tour which included England. Scotland, Ireland, Canada and the 
United States. In none of the countries visited did he discover any spot that 
pleased him any more than did Sonoma county, Cal., and it was therefore with 
considerable satisfaction that he again returned hither and resumed his activi- 
ties with more zest and earnestness than before. It was after his return from 
this expedition that he disposed of his home place and began buying and im- 
proving land for the purposes of sale, for he was convinced that the land held 
great possibilities for supporting a large population. It was therefore with 
considerable pride that he watched the growth of Cotati and Penn Grove, 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 433 

noting the erection of schools, churches, stores, club and lodge halls, on ground 
that had so recently been pasture land. It is not too sweeping an assertion to 
say that Mr. Batchelor has built up and sold more poultry ranches than any 
other person in Sonoma county. 

Mr. Batchelor made a third trip to his native land in the spring of 1906, 
leaving San Francisco May 1, soon after the earthquake and fire in that city, 
in which he lost some property. After spending nine months abroad he returned 
to Petaluma and purchased property upon which he erected a cottage, and into 
this home he brought his bride January 22, 1908. Before her marriage she 
was Miss Susie White MacFarlane, who was born in Hector House, Aberdeen, 
Scotland. Their marriage was celebrated in Santa Rosa, Rev. William Martin, 
of that city officiating. Two children have been born of this marriage, a daugh- 
ter, Aurdrie, born May 24, 1909, and a son, Ian, on May 24 of the following 
year. It is Mr. Batchelor's purpose to continue opening up land for settlement 
to home seekers in Sonoma county, working especially in behalf of the Cotati 
rancho, of which he is the sole agent. It is his hope that all the large ranches 
will be divided and settled upon by earnest, hard-working men and their fam- 
ilies, which while proving an inestimable benefit to the settler in providing him 
with a home which otherwise would be well-nigh impossible to obtain, the coun- 
try at the same time is benefiting by his citizenship. No one has been more 
indefatigable to bring about this than Mr. Batchelor. He is a member of the 
school board of Eagle district, which he serves as clerk, and he is also qualified 
to act as notary public. 



THOMAS HOPPER. 

The name of Hopper so well known in California through the accomplish- 
ments of two generations, is of southern origin, the grandfather of the subject 
of this sketch, William Hopper, Si"., being a native of North Carolina. It was 
no other than the latter who was the first to withdraw from the locality which 
had been the home of the family for so many years, this immigrant, soon after 
his marriage, removing to Indiana. His son, William Hopper, Jr., removed with 
his parents to Lawrence county, Indiana, remaining there until grown to ma- 
turity, when he too made a westward move, going to Missouri in 1817 or 1818. 
There he took up land which he continued Lo cultivate throughout the remainder 
of his life, which, however, was cut short in 1824, while he was still a young- 
mar. Before leaving Indiana he had formed domestic ties by his marriage with 
Nancy Armstrong, and at his death he left her with four small children. She 
subsequently returned to Indiana, to the home of her father, and there she later 
contracted a second marriage. 

Born in Lafayette county, Missouri, September 23, 1820, Thomas Hopper 
was four years old when death deprived him of his natural protector, and sub- 
sequently he was taken to Indiana by his mother. Whether deserving or other- 
wise the records do not state, but it is known that Thomas received a corporal 
chastisement from his step-father when he was a young boy which he deeply 
resented, and at once left home and assumed life's responsibilities on his own 
account. Farm labor was the work with which he was most familiar and it was 
employment of this character which he at once sought and found, continuing at 



4;i4 HIST! >RY • >F S< )N( >MA G >UNTY 

this until he was eighteen years of age. Returning to Missouri at this time, he 
worked as a farm hand for about a year, when he bought a small farm in John- 
son county, that state, upon which he settled with the wife whom he had re- 
cently married. Altogether he continued to make it his home for about three 
years, when, on May 9, 1847, with his wife and child he started for the Pacific 
coast with the Charles Hopper party. The journey was made behind ox-teams, 
which finally landed the immigrants in Sutter's Fort September .15, 1847, ne 
being one of the members of the only party that came to California that year. 
From Sutter's Fort he went to the Waukena valley, from there to San Jose, 
and from there to the Santa Cruz mountains, where he had prospects of being 
hired to put up a mill, but the owner failed before the project was carried 
through. Mr. Hopper had intended to settle down in Santa Cruz, having built a 
redwood house for the shelter of his family, and afterward both he and his wife 
found employment in a sawmill at $1 a day each. In the meantime the news 
of the rich find of gold at Sutter's Mill had reached his ears, and in May, 1848, 
he with his family started for the scene of activities, taking with him a boat 
which lie had made with which to cross otherwise impassable streams. Arriv- 
ing at his destination, Mr. Hopper lost no time in making use of the pick and 
shovel with which he had provided himself, and it was no unusual thing for him 
to take out $100 worth of the yellow metal in a day. Owing to the poor accom- 
modations for his wife and children, however, he took them to George Yount's 
ranch in the Napa valley, leaving them there for the time being. Buying four 
yoke of cattle he started on the return trip to the mines, but while crossing the 
Sacramento river came near losing his life by the capsizing of the boat. After 
reaching Sutter's Mill he readily found a market for his cattle, and thereafter, 
with a party, went to Dry Gulch, where he was very fortunate. During the fol- 
lowing October he returned to Napa valley and spent the ensuing winter with 
his family, and he later learned that the men who remained in the camp were 
murdered by the Indians. The spring of 1849 again found Mr. Hopper at Sut- 
ter's, and that summer he went with Walker's expedition to Monterey county, 
but the undertaking proved a failure and Mr. Hopper then returned once more 
to Napa county. 

In the fall of that year, 1849, with a large herd of cattle Mr. Hopper set- 
tled with his family on thirty acres of land which he had bought in Sonoma 
township, Sonoma count}'. Beside? carrying on farming he also did teaming, a 
business which before the coming of the railroads was very remunerative, Mr. 
Hopper often receiving from $18 to $20 a day for his work. Selling his holdings 
in the spring of 1850, Mr. Hopper erected a house on a lot which he pur- 
chased in Sonoma, but disposed of it soon afterward for $1,000 and with the pro- 
ceeds went to Green valley and took up a claim upon which he lived until going 
to Sacramento in 1852. Later he took up a claim of one hundred and sixty acres 
on the Cotati grant, to which he added by the purchase of adjoining land until 
he had a ranch of twenty-three hundred and sixty acres. This property he gave 
to three of his daughters. He also owned other land, at one time having eighty- 
two hundred acres of redwood which he gave to his children. On December 
28, 1878, Mr. Hopper came to Santa Rosa, but continued to make his home here 
only one year at that time, and after living on the ranch for a time he again be- 
came a resident of Santa Rosa. Since 1883 he has lived practically retired, hav- 




\ 



**-tf\ 'H^^C^^l/f 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 437 

ing turned his extensive interests over to the care of his children. It is not to 
be supposed that Mr. Hopper has been content to sit with idly folded hands, 
however, but on the contrary he has been and still is active in the management 
of the various interests with which his name is associated. For a number of 
years he has been prominently identified with a number of large financial insti- 
tutions, serving as president of the Santa Rosa Bank, in which he owned stock to 
the amount of five hundred and thirteen shares. After selling this stock he 
bought $12,100 worth of shares in another institution, and $31,800 in the 
Ukiah Bank, the latter of which he gave to his son, Henry T. Hopper. Through- 
out his life he has been an active worker in Democratic ranks. 

Reference has been made to Mr. Hopper's marriage. This occurred July 
14, 1844, uniting him with Miss Minerva Young, of Lafayette county, Missouri, 
who died February 24, 1891. The eldest of the ten children born of this mar- 
riage was Eliza, born April 23, 1846; she is the wife of Isaac F. Cook, and re- 
sides on the ranch given to her by her father. John William, now a capitalist in 
Santa Rosa, was the first white child born in Nevada, .his birth occurring Aug- 
ust 30, 1847. at the sink of the Humboldt, while the family were crossing the 
plains. Wesley Lee. a capitalist of Santa Rosa, was born January 25, 1852. and 
a sketch of his life will be found elsewhere in this volume. Disy Eveline was 
born July 9. 1854. and by her marriage with Joseph Spottswood became the 
mother of two children, Thomas H. and Minerva Bell, the latter of whom be- 
came the wife of O. F. Leppo ; Mrs. Spottswood died February 28, 1878. Mary 
E., born December 16, 1856, is the wife of Frank Roberts and lives on a por- 
tion of the old home ranch. Henry Thomas, born July 28, i860, is a well-known 
sheep-raiser and active citizen of Ukiah, Cak, where he is serving as president 
of .the Ukiah Bank. Rosa Belle, born March 22, 1865, became the wife of El- 
mer Ludwig, by whom one daughter was born, Hazel Bell. Mrs. Ludwig's 
second marriage was with Dr. McNeal, but he is also deceased and she now 
makes her home in Seattle, Wash. Hazel Bell Ludwig resides with her grand- 
mother, Mrs. T. J. Ludwig, of San Francisco. This large family of children 
have cause to be proud of their pioneer father and mother, who long before the 
gold seekers paved the way for oncoming thousands, comparatively alone and 
single-handed blazed a trail through the wilderness. 



RICHARD PAUL HUNT. 
If the statement is made that a person is a native of California it is almost 
invariably followed by one saying that he is still a resident of the state, and in 
many cases has not crossed the border line of his native state. All of this may 
be said of Mr. Hunt, a well-known and prosperous rancher in the vicinity of 
Sebastopol. Born in Sierra county in 1862, he is a son of William J. and Lucy 
(Jackson) Hunt, who had come to the west the year previous to the birth of 
their son. A mining experience of two years in Humboldt county was followed 
by the removal of the elder Mr. Hunt to the Sacramento valley, but shortly 
afterward he returned to the mines. His hopes for success in the mines made 
him loath to give up the venture, but an experience of several years without any 
perceptible gain induced him to abandon the undertaking, and in 1865 he came 



438 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

to Sonoma county. Purchasing a ranch in the Blucher valley near Sebastopol, 
he settled down to the less exciting though more profitable life of the agricul- 
turist, and here he passed away in 1907. The Gravenstein apple now so gen- 
erally known in this part of the county had not been grown successfully up to 
the time of his locating here, but by making a faithful study of the conditions 
necessary for the cultivation of this special variety, he finally won the day, re- 
sulting in its becoming the favorite apple grown throughout this section of 
country. Mrs. Hunt died on the home ranch in Sonoma county in 1873, leaving 
three children, as follows : Joseph H., a well-known resident of Oakland, and 
the proprietor of canneries in various parts of the state; Richard Paul; and 
Mrs. E. E. Morford, of Sebastopol. 

Richard P. Hunt was a young child when he came with his parents to the 
ranch in Blucher valley, and in the schools of this locality he was well edu- 
cated. Under his father's training he received a good insight into the best 
methods of farming, especially in raising fruit, and the application of these 
principles on his own ranch has shown them to be sound. When he felt com- 
petent to undertake the management of a property of his own he purchased a 
ranch of twenty acres not far from the old homestead, which he developed and 
planted to apples. Gravensteins take the lead, his shipments of this variety 
amounting to three thousand boxes, Spitzenbergs two hundred boxes, and New- 
town pippins one hundred boxes annually. As he looks with pride upon the 
rows upon rows of trees heavily laden with their luscious fruit Mr. Hunt calls 
to mind the time when his father located in the valley and saw this country cov- 
ered with brush and willows, with only a cabin here and there to denote that 
settlers were coming in. The elder Mr. Hunt built one of the first houses erected 
in the valley. None but the main county roads had been marked out at this 
time, and it remained with the farmers to make their own highways. 

The marriage of Richard P. Hunt in 1900 united him with Miss Cora Belle 
Harris, a native of Tehama county, Cal., where her father, S. F. Harris, had 
located in an early day. One son, Raymond, has blessed the marriage of Mr. 
and Mrs. Hunt. Fraternally Mr. Hunt is identified with the Independent Order 
of Odd Fellows, and politically is independent, voting for the man whose qual- 
ifications for the office make him the better candidate. 



JAMES B. BLOOM. 
Among the foreign-born citizens who have contributed to the upbuilding of 
this Pacific commonwealth a goodly share of credit belongs to those who had their 
origin in the little republic of Switzerland. Among those who made an impress 
upon the well-being of that portion of the state included in Marin and Sonoma 
counties in particular was the late James B. Bloom, who passed from the scenes 
of earth over seventeen years ago, but who is still remembered as one of the 
vitalizing influences in bringing to the fore the latent possibilities of this section 
of country. The work which he laid down has not been allowed to retrograde, 
for his sons, who are imbued with the same spirit of progress and perseverance 
that made his success possible, are continuing it along broader and more 
extended lines, and when the final history of this part of the state shall have 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 439 

been written it will of necessity give a large share of credit for its development 
to the Bloom family, both father and sons. 

James B. Bloom was born in Brontallo, in the canton of Ticino, Switzerland, 
July 24, 1842, and in his birthplace he was reared and educated. After his school 
days were over, however, he became restive in his circumscribed surroundings 
and decided to come to the new world and at the age of eighteen he set sail for 
his new home across the waters. Landing at the harbor of New York, a stranger 
and alone and yet not regretting the step which he had undertaken, after a rest 
of two weeks he re-embarked on a vessel bound for the Pacific coast via the 
Panama route, and on May 6, 1861, he reached San Francisco. From the metrop- 
olis he at once made his way to Marin county, where he was fortunate in finding 
employment as a farm hand, and by saving his earnings he was finally able to 
purchase land of his own in Chelino valley. This was in 1866, and the property 
which he then purchased was the home of the family for many years and is still 
a part of the large acreage owned by the family. With a definite object in view, 
Mr. Bloom set about improving the land and in three years time he felt justified 
in bringing his promised bride to the home which he had prepared for her. In 
the spring of 1869 he returned to Switzerland, and on May 4 of that year a 
marriage ceremony was performed which united the lives of James B. Bloom 
and Lucia M. Fiori. A few days later, on May 15, they set sail for the United 
States, coming directly to Marin county, Cal., and the home which they here 
built up was the scene of a happy united family, whose greatest sorrow was the 
loss of the husband and father October 26, 1893. Industrious and persevering 
throughout his life, he increased his holdings from time to time by the purchase 
of land in Marin and other counties, stocking his home place with cattle, and 
finally came to be known as one of the wealthy citizens of this section of the 
state. Notwithstanding his deep love for and interest in his adopted home, he 
never forgot his early home across the waters and during a visit to his native 
village of Brontallo in 1889 he donated a large fountain to the village as a me- 
mento of his birthright and as an expression of his regard for the associations 
of his childhood. 

Brontallo, Switzerland, was also the birthplace of Mrs. Bloom, her birth 
occurring January 13, 1850, and she was therefore a bride of only nineteen years 
when she came to her new home in America. Eleven children came to bless 
their marriage, but of the number three are now deceased. Named in the order 
of their birth they are as follows : Amelia V., the wife of Michael DeMartin ; 
Sabina D., deceased; Adolph John; Leopoldina O., wife of H. J. Dado; Clorinda 
T., the wife of S. J. Maggetti ; Claudina L., who became the wife of A. A. Dado, 
and is now deceased; Americo J.; Charles E. ; Plauso G. ; Eva I. (deceased), 
and James B. 

After the death of the father the eldest son, Adolph J. Bloom, took charge 
of the old home place in the Chelino valley, consisting of seven hundred acres. 
In common with the majority of ranches in this part of the state the Bloom ranch 
was given over to poultry-raising and dairying, and the passing of years has 
noted a steady enlargement of acreage and increase of business along all lines. 
Subsequently Americo J. became associated with his brother in the management 
of the growing interests, and for a number of years the business of the ranch 
was carried on under the name of Bloom Brothers. In February, 1910, the 



440 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

brothers incorporated their holdings under the name of The Bloom Company, 
of which Adolph J. Bloom is president and treasurer, Lucia M. Bloom vice- 
president, and Americo J. Bloom secretary. This consists of the Bloom home 
ranch of seven hundred and seventeen acres, the Bloom ranch of six hundred 
and forty acres near Petaluma, and a one-third interest in the Santa Ysabel 
rancho at Santa Ysabel, San Diego county. On the home ranch may be seen 
a herd of two hundred milch cows, of the Jersey-Durham breed, and in con- 
nection with the dairy the brothers maintain a creamery, in which is made the 
finest quality of butter and cheese. There are also on the place ten thousand 
White Leghorn chickens, a herd of eighty goats, and twenty head of horses. 
Aside from growing sufficient hay and feed for their cattle the brothers do not 
engage in farming, finding it more profitable to use the land for other purposes. 
They conservatively estimate that the annual income from each cow is $65, and 
their gross receipts from the poultry industry were $10,000 for the season of 
1909, all of which goes to prove their wisdom in the use of the land. Altogether 
the Bloom estate now comprises seven thousand acres of land. In 1909 Mrs. 
Lucia M. Bloom removed from the ranch to Petaluma, where she intends to pass 
her remaining years. 

In 1904 Adolph J. Bloom removed to Petaluma and bought a tract of land 
known as Cedar Grove Park. This he has subdivided and sold to residents who 
take pride in making the subdivision what all residents recognize it to be, one 
of the finest residence sections of the town and surrounding country. Mr. Bloom 
is president of the California Savings Bank of Petaluma and also a director in 
the Petaluma National Bank. He has a pleasant home in Petaluma, where he 
resides with his wife, who before her marriage, in 1904, was Miss Eva Howell, 
the daughter of Orrin and Elizabeth (Brookes) Howell, of Hopland, Cal. 
Adolph J. Bloom is a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Elks. 

Americo J. Bloom is the manager of the Sonoma county ranch, comprising 
six hundred and forty acres. Here he maintains a hatchery of sixty-eight in- 
cubators, with a capacity of five hundred and four eggs each, from which he 
realizes thirty thousand chicks at each hatch. He also has ninety cows, twenty 
head of hogs and eight head of horses. His marriage united him with Miss 
Vivian Filippini, a daughter of Charles Filippini, of whom a sketch will be found 
elsewhere in this volume. One child has been torn of this marriage, Stella. 



IRA B1DWELL. 
The life which this narrative depicts began in Lafayette county, Mo., August 
8, 1828, and came to a close in Sonoma county, Cal., in 1893. The first epoch in 
the career of this well-known California pioneer was passed within a mile and a 
half of Lexington, Mo., where he attended school when it was possible to be 
spared from the work of the home farm. Later he undertook farming in earnest 
and it was while working in the field that the news of the finding of gold in 
California reached his ears. He was not the only one in die locality who was 
impressed by the news, as was demonstrated by the large party made up of resi- 
dents of Cass and Henry counties to cross the plains to the eldorado in 1850. 
Mr. Bidwell joined this band of argonauts, who followed the main trail via Fort 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 443 

Hall and down the Humboldt, over what was known as the Carson route. After 
a journey of six months, not unmixed with adventure, the party finally arrived at 
Georgetown, where Mr. Bidwell mined for one year. 

The records do not so state, but it is safe to say that Mr. Bidwell did not 
meet with the hoped-for success in his mining venture, for at the end of his 
year's experience at Georgetown he came to Sonoma county, just a few days 
before Christmas of 1852, and located on a ranch near the old Franklin Bidwell 
place half a mile from the Russian river and near the land owned by Capt. H. 
D. Fitch and Cyrus Alexander. At that time Ira Bidwell and Cyrus Alexander 
were the only residents of the valley. Game of all kinds was plentiful at that time 
and hunting offered great possibilities to those who liked the sport. Mr. Bidwell 
followed hunting as a means of livelihood for a considerable period, finding a 
readv market in San Francisco, the game being hauled to Sonoma, and shipped 
from there by launch to the city. Deer meat brought from twelve and a half to 
twenty cents a pound, and all other game brought equally good prices. Mr. 
Bidwell was considered an excellent shot, and during those early days many 
grizzly bears fell before his unerring aim. In 1857 he gave up hunting and went 
to Block Mountain, where he selected a ranch upon which he lived for one year, 
during this time setting out an orchard and otherwise improving the land. Vari- 
ous tracts of land were thus bought and improved and finally sold, but in 1876 
he purchased and located upon the ranch which was his home thereafter until 
his death. During the time he managed the property he made a specialty of 
stock-raising, having six hundred acres stocked with cattle and sheep, but finally 
he turned the enterprise over to his two sons, John and James. 

The marriage of Ira Bidwell was celebrated in Missouri and united him with 
Miss Elizabeth Brooks, who passed away in 1855 leaving three children, John. 
James and Nancy, the latter of whom later became the wife of James Anderson. 
Mr. Bidwell's second marriage was with Miss Caroline Howard, who was born 
in McDonald county. Mo., the daughter of William and Rachel (Markham) 
Howard. Mr. and Mrs. Howard originally came from Tennessee, going from 
there to Missouri, and in 1854 they made the overland journey across the plains. 
She died in June. 1891. 



SAMUEL WALTER PURRINGTON. 

Numbered among the prominent and substantial citizens of Santa Rosa is 
Samuel Walter Purrington, whose thrifty ranch is one of the busiest centers in 
the agricultural community of which lie is a resident. As a citizen he is held 
in high repute, and by his excellent character and straightforward business 
course in life he has fully established himself in the esteem and confidence of 
his neighbors and associates. 

A native son of the state and also of Sonoma county, S. W. Purrington 
was born in Two Rock valley January 1, 1861, one of five children born to his 
parents. Joseph and Frances (Hogg) Purrington, natives of Mattapoisett, 
Mass., and England, respectively. The father is now deceased, but the mother 
is still living and a resident of Santa Rosa, where she is beloved by all who 
know her for her kindness and fine traits of character. Of late years her health 
has not been as robust as formerE. She came from England in a sailing ves- 



444 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

sel and reached her destination after a voyage of sixteen weeks on the Atlan- 
tic. She and her companions crossed the Isthmus of Panama and there took 
steamer for San Francisco. Sixty of the passengers died of fever. For some 
time after her arrival in San Francisco she was matron of a hospital in that 
city. In the east Joseph Purrington had learned the trade of ship carpenter 
before he was sixteen years of age, and was industriously working at this trade 
in Mattapoisett, Mass., when the attractions of the west proved too strong to 
allow him to remain contented with work at his trade any longer. The year 
1853 found him emigrating to California via the Isthmus, and throughout his 
life he never had any regrets that fate turned his footsteps westward, where, 
in this land of opportunity, he realized the expectations of his young manhood. 
In San Francisco, in 1855, he was united in marriage with Frances Hogg, their 
union resulting in the birth of two sons and three daughters, as follows : Sam- 
uel W. ; Henry L. ; Elizabeth M., who married R. B. Sinclair of Graton ; Elinor 
F., who married W. B. Tedford, of Santa Ana, Cal. ; and Margaret, who mar- 
ried J. H. Ballard, of Graton. Henry Lincoln Purrington, the younger of the 
two sons, chose as his wife Nellie Wilber, and three sons and three daughters 
were born to them. 

Samuel W. Purrington received such education as the common schools of 
Two Rock valley and Petaluma afforded, and early in life turned his thoughts 
toward the establishment of a ranch enterprise, thus following in the footsteps 
of his father in the choice of an occupation. Not far from Santa Rosa he has 
several ranches, in all about five hundred and twenty-two acres, of which one 
hundred and forty acres are in hops, forty acres in wine grapes, twenty acres 
in prunes, thirty acres in apples of the Gravenstein variety, eighty acres in hay, 
and the balance of the land is used for pasture and as a runway for his chickens. 
In his hennery he has about four thousand laying hens, besides three thousand 
young chicks, this one enterprise of itself being sufficient to occupy the time and 
attention of anyone less ambitious than is Mr. Purrington. His income from 
hops during the year 1909 was $20,000, the grapes bringing $1,500, prunes 
$1,500, while the sale of eggs and chickens this year amounted to $7,500. From 
these figures some idea of the enormity of the undertaking which Mr. Purring- 
ton is maintaining with such wonderful ability may be realized. His is the mas- 
terhand that keeps all departments of the ranch running without halt or fric- 
tion, and he abundantly merits the reputation which is his, namely that of being 
one of the most successful and versatile ranchers in Sonoma county. 

On January 1, 1885, in this county, Mr. Purrington was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Louise H. Miller, a native of this county and a daughter of 
Thomas B. and Mary Ann (King) Miller, both pioneers of Sonoma county, 
where they had lived since their marriage, which took place just over 
the line in Marin county. This had also been the home of Mr. Miller 
before his marriage, but Mrs. Miller had been a resident of Marin 
county. Mr. Miller passed away January 26, 1892, and his wife sur- 
vived until January 9, 1904. The Miller family was of southern origin, and 
James P. Miller, the grandfather of Mrs. Purrington, was a native of Virginia, 
who served as second lieutenant of the Twelfth United States Infantry in the 
Mexican War; his wife, Charlotte (Bell) Miller, was a native of Tennessee. 
After the close of the Mexican war, Mr. Miller, with his two sons, Thomas B. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 445 

and Gideon T., immigrated to California, locating in Placer county, where they 
opened a store of general mining supplies, but not meeting with the hoped-for 
success, the father returned to his home in the ■ south in 1850. Thomas B. 
Miller was not so easily discouraged, however, and after this experience came 
to Sonoma county in 1851, and engaged in farming near Sebastopol. From 
there he removed to Marin county, where he farmed until 1855, when he moved 
to Healdsburg, making that city his home until 1874, when he came to Santa 
Rosa and purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land five miles from 
town, on Santa Rosa creek, upon which he engaged in agricultural and horti- 
cultural pursuits throughout the remainder of his life. Of the children born of 
the marriage of Thomas B. and Mary Ann (King) Miller, we mention the fol- 
lowing : James P. is a resident of Russian River ; Charlotte E. is the wife of 
E. H. Parnell and resides near Graton; Thomas Boone is an extensive hop- 
grower in Russian River township; Louise H. is the wife of Mr. Purrington; 
Mary Alice is the wife of Alexander Ragle, of Eldorado county ; Irene B. is 
the wife of S. E. Ballard and resides in San Jose ; Josephine is Mrs. Spencer 
Grogan, of Santa Rosa; Laura E. is the widow of Thomas Barlow, of Sebas- 
topol ; Henrietta is the wife of F. Byron Chenoweth, of San Francisco ; and 
Robert L. is deceased. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Purrington, 
a daughter and son. Edna Irena, born January 9, 1886. married Marion Mor- 
gan, of Morgan, Texas, and she died September 14, 1908; Joseph Miller was 
born May 31, 1887, and is a valuable assistant to his father in the care of the 
ranch. Mrs. Purrington is an intelligent and well-educated woman, a graduate 
of Pierce Christian College, and with her husband is interested in upbuilding 
projects in the community in which they live. Both are members of the Chris- 
tian Church of Santa Rosa. Politically Mr. Purrington is a Republican. Per- 
sonally he is a man of high mental and moral calibre, no one in the vicinity of 
Santa Rosa bearing a better record for absolute sincerity and devotion to the 
highest welfare of his home city, county and state. 



HON. EZEKIEL DENMAN. 

The records of the Denman family show that it is of English origin and 
the founder of the name on this side of the Atlantic was the grandfather of 
Hon. Ezekiel Denman, whose name appears above. William Denman, for such 
was the name of this immigrating ancestor, came to America with his wife 
and children, among the latter of whom was William Denman, Jr., who was 
then three years of age. The family settled in Sullivan county, N. Y., and 
there the son passed his boyhood and youth upon the home farm, in the mean- 
time becoming familiar with its duties and responsibilities, and upon attaining 
mature years settled upon a farm of his own in the same county. There he 
ultimately became well known as a successful farmer and stock-raiser, and there 
too he reared to lives of usefulness nine children in whose welfare and accom- 
plishments he took a just pride. The mother of these children was Nancy 
Curry in maidenhood, a native of Sullivan county, N. Y. 

One of the children born to William and Nancy (Curry) Denman was 
Ezekiel Denman, who was born (December 2, 1827). and reared in Sullivan 



44" HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

county, N. V., and attended the district school in pursuit of an education. His 
advantages in this respect were meagre, however, for the schools were in 
session during the winter months only, and at other times throughout the year 
his time and services were required on the home farm. When lie was twenty 
years of age he began teaching school in Sullivan county, but shortly afterward 
was transferred to Ulster county, where he continued teaching for about three 
years. Following this experience in the school room he returned to Sullivan 
county and purchased a farm which he conducted successfully for two years, 
and upon which he might have continued indefinitely had not the news of the 
finding of gold in California swept with such telling force over the entire 
country. Thereafter the quiet round of duties no longer satisfied his ambitious 
nature and he determined to come to the west and prove the truth of the 
wonderful stories which he had heard. After having disposed of his farm 
he was ready to set out for the west about the middle of August, 1851. From 
New York City he took passage on the Georgia for Panama, and after reach- 
ing the Pacific side, embarked on the steamer Oregon for San Francisco, reach- 
ing his destination in the latter part of September. He went at once to the 
mines of Buckeye Gulch, near Mokelumne Hill, where he stayed about eight 
months, later went to lone valley, and from there returned to San Francisco, 
early in the year 1852. In the metropolis he engaged in the milk business 
until the following June, when he came to Petaluma, Sonoma county, and was 
so well pleased with the outlook that he purchased a ranch and determined to 
make his future home in this locality. His purchase was in Two Rock valley, 
a part of the old Bojorques rancho, and in addition to cultivating this he also 
engaged in buving and selling land in the country round about. He made his 
home in Two Rock valley until 1869, during which time he became known 
as one of the most extensive ranchers on this section of country, having no 
less than one thousand acres in the home property, of which at one time four 
hundred acres were under cultivation to potatoes. Besides this ranch he also 
brought under cultivation about twenty-two hundred acres of other land in 
Sonoma and Marin counties. The home which sheltered the family in the early 
days was constructed of redwood, which Mr. Dcnman cut from the forests and 
prepared by hand. 

Mr. Denman's identification with Petaluma dated from November, 1869, 
and for a quarter of a century thereafter or until his death December 16, 
1894, he was no less well known in financial circles than he had previously been 
in agricultural affairs. For a number of years, or until t88~. he continued 
the management of his various ranches, but in that year he relinquished their 
care to tenants, and in so doing was enabled to devote more of his time to 
financial and public interests. He was one of the first and largest stockholders 
in the Sonoma County Bank, which was organized in 18A6, and of which he 
was made first vice-president. He held this position continuously until 1886. 
when he was elected president. He was also one of the original stockholders 
in the Petaluma Woolen Mills. No one was more willing or anxious to work 
for the progress and upbuilding of Sonoma county than was Mr. Denman, yet 
on the other hand it was only after persistence on the part of his fellow-citizens 
that he could be prevailed upon to become an office holder. For several years 
he was a member of the board of trustees of Petaluma, of which he was at one 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 449 

time president, and he was also a member of the board of education. It was 
probably as a director of the Sonoma and Marin District Agricultural Society 
that he achieved his greatest success, and during his presidency of two years 
the society accomplished much in the betterment of agricultural conditions. 

In June, 1855, Mr. Denman returned east for a visit to his old home, and 
while there was united in marriage on October 3, 1855, with Nancy Louise 
Hardenburg, a native of Sullivan county, N. Y. She survived until January 
9, 1870, having become the mother of nine children, of whom six are living, 
as follows : Frank H., of whom a sketch will be found elsewhere in this 
volume; Nellie L. : Ida B., Mrs. George P. McNear ; Carrie E., Mrs. J. Edgar 
Allen ; John R. : and Catherine, all residents of Petaluma and vicinity. On 
October 15, 1877, Mr. Denman was united in marriage with Mrs. Isabelle St. 
John, who survives him and. makes her home in Petaluma. Fraternally Mr. 
Denman was a Mason of the Knight Templar degree. Personally he was a 
man of unblemished reputation, his strict integrity and thoughtful consideration 
for the rights and happiness of others being the keynote of his character. In 
his death, which occurred in Petaluma December ifi. T894, be was mourned 
as a personal friend by all. even by those who knew him only by hearsay. 



SAMUEL BROWN. 

A native of Ohio, Samuel Brown was born in Zancsville, October 28, 
1828, and died December 17, 1902, in Petaluma. Between these dates he ac- 
complished much and did his part in the upbuilding of this commonwealth. He 
was the son of Samuel and Mary (Spear) Brown, the former born in Ohio and 
the latter in Gettysburg. Pa. The grandfather, also named Samuel, came from 
the North of Ireland and settled in Ohio, where he married Jane Morrow and 
engaged in farm pursuits. Samuel Brown, the father of the gentleman whose 
name heads this article, was a man of considerable means, and in 1852, wdien 
he had concluded to come to California with his family, purchased a large 
outfit and a band of cattle and started overland for the Golden West with the 
aid of twenty men to look after the stock, six months being consumed in the 
journey. The only misfortune was the death of a daughter, Mrs. Mary Detro. 
who died of cholera on the Platte river. A coffin was constructed from the 
wagon bed and a large stone was rolled on the grave to keep it from being dis- 
turbed by wild animals. Arriving in California, they stopped in Sacramento 
and located on the present site of the state house grounds, which Mr. Brown 
sold to the state for the purpose for which it is now used. He died on the 
Brown ranch in Marin county. 

Samuel Brown of this sketch was educated in. the common schools of Ohio, 
and took an active part in the migration of the family to California. After 
working for a time on the ranch in Sacramento he came to San Francisco and 
was employed in Mission valley until August. 1854. when with his brother 
McAllen he located in Flicks' valley. Marin county, and purchased a part of the 
Borjorques ranch and engaged in dairying and the stock business until they 
dissolved partnership, and Samuel came to Petaluma, making this his home until 
, 1iis death. The ranch comprised, several thousand acres which was brought to 



450 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

a high state of development and was considered a model dairy of this section. 
In the early days there were no fences to obstruct their journey to Petaluma. 
where they came to purchase supplies and market their produce. The virgin 
soil was so productive that the wild oats grew high enough to almost hide a 
man riding horseback through them. Indians were numerous in that part of 
the country, and these brothers were the pioneers of the locality. Samuel Brown 
brought butter to Petaluma to sell, and at one time he received $100 for one 
hundred pounds of that commodity. There being no banks, money was buried 
in the ground for safe keeping. Wild animals were numerous and the settlers 
had to carry firearms at their side to protect themselves. 

Samuel Brown was married in Petaluma in 1885 to Miss Harriet A. Scott, 
who was born in Floyd county, Ind., the daughter of Robert and Sarah J. (Coff- 
man) Scott, natives of that state. Her paternal grandfather, John Floyd Scott, 
who was closely related to Gen. Winfield Scott, came from Delaware and be- 
came an early settler of Indiana. On the maternal side, Abram Coffman was 
born in Pennsylvania and came to Indiana, settling in Jackson county. Of the 
union of Mr. and Mrs. Scott we mention the following : Charles M., deceased, 
was a soldier ;n the Seventeenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry (Wilder's Brig- 
ade), serving until the close of the war; H. A. is court reporter and lives in 
Santa Rosa ; Mary E. is Mrs. Eldridge, of Petaluma ; and Harriet A. is the 
widow of Mr. Brown. Mrs. Brown was reared in Indiana and made that her 
home until 1882, and in March of that year came to Petaluma and resided until 
her marriage. She became the mother of three children : Hugh, who died aged 
four years: Mabel M., a graduate of Irving Institute in San Francisco, who be- 
came the wife of Arthur Parent and died in Petaluma May 26, 191 1, aged 
twenty-three years ; and Samuel, a graduate of Hitchcock Military Academy of 
San Rafael. 

Since the death of her husband Mrs. Brown has made her home in Peta- 
luma, where she erected a large residence, colonial architecture, on D street. 
The family own a large ranch with several sets of buildings which is leased to 
tenants for general agriculture and dairy purposes. Mrs. Brown is a member 
of the Christian church and is identified with all movements that have for their 
object the advancement of moral and social conditions. Mr. Brown was a 
very reliable man, and held the confidence and esteem of all with whom he had 
business or social relations. 



GEORGE EDWIN PRUNK. 
As an instructor of youth in his early manhood and as a minister of the 
Gospel in his mature years, George E. Prunk has filled a sphere of distinct use- 
fulness in the localities where duty called him, and as he looks back over the 
past he may gather encouragement and happiness from the thought that the days 
of his greatest physical and mental activities were given to the spiritual and 
educational upbuilding of the race. In the quiet routine of his self-sacrificing- 
labors, helping the needy, encouraging the despondent, uplifting the fallen, 
teaching the erring and ignorant, he passed from young manhood to old age, yet 
he has not allowed his activities to be diminished, having merely changed their 
form of service. Besides he officiated as postmaster in Minnesota and as justice 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 45 J 

of the peace in Illinois. After coming to California in 1886 he occupied a number 
of pulpits on the coast, but after coming to Healdsburg he retired from the min- 
istry and has since been a useful citizen of his home town. 

During the early history of Maryland Daniel Prunk was born in that com- 
monwealth in 1796, but when he was a child of two years his parents removed 
to Virginia, and in that commonwealth he was reared and educated. It was 
there that he met and married Catherine Hammond, who was born in Virginia 
in 1797. Later years found Daniel Prunk and his wife immigrating to the middle 
west, and it was while living on a farm in Putnam county, 111., that their son 
George Edwin Prunk was born February 3, 1834. Until he was twenty-one 
years of age he remained with his parents on the home farm, in the meantime, 
however, receiving a primary education in the district schools of the locality and 
later for a year and a-half, attended the Chicago University. In early life he 
had decided to give his life to the cause of Christianity, and all of his studies 
and reading were pursued with this thought in mind. In 1859 he took up a 
course of study in the Chicago University, continuing his studies there until the 
year 1862, when owing to the illness of ,his father he was called home to take 
charge of the farm. The death of this parent followed soon afterward, in March, 
1862, when he was made administrator of the estate. By the division of the prop- 
erty among the heirs he received one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he 
endeavored to till and cultivate, but not being a practical farmer the undertaking 
was not a success and he finally sold the property. After his marriage, which 
occurred in 1865, he took up his studies in earnest and in that year entered upon 
a course in Shurtleff College, remaining there two terms and graduating with 
the license to preach. His first appointment was in Chillicothe, 111., having 
charge of a Baptist church there for a year and a half, when he was called to 
the Second Baptist Church of Peoria, 111. He remained there two years, after 
which he went to Mossville, a country village near Peoria, having charge there 
for two years and a half. It was at the expiration of this time that he went to 
Minnesota and near the village of Union Lakes, Rice county, purchased a farm 
which he operated for the following ten years at the same time continuing his 
ministerial duties. Going from there to Kansas, he had charge of a church 
in Wetmore until 1886, in which year he came to California, landing Christmas 
day. Going to Yountville, Napa county, he was chaplain of the Veterans Home 
there for fifteen months. After spending a year in Washington and Oregon 
he returned to California, locating in Colusa county, where, in Arbuckle, he had 
charge of two churches for two years. He then, in 1892, came to Healdsburg, 
and on the 20th of April of that year he purchased his present home place at 
No. 465 West street, where he has since lived retired from ministerial and other 
labors. 

Mr. Prunk's marriage, which was celebrated April 20, 1865, united him with 
Miss Mary Jane Hatch, a native of Elmira, N. Y., who died February 17, 191 1, 
at her home in Healdsburg, at the age of sixty-nine years, ten months and twelve 
days. The only child born of this, marriage was George Edwin Prunk, Jr., born 
January 19, 1874. In June, 1906, he was married to Miss Marie Noonan, a 
native of California, who at her death, December 13, 1909, left one child, George 
Edwin Prunk Til. Wherever duty has called the elder Mr. Prunk he has in- 



452 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

variably filled his obligations with the most complete satisfaction to all con- 
cerned, this quality being nowhere more noticeable than when he was a member 
of the board of Shurtleff College. 



JONATHAN ECKMAN. 

Rumors concerning the opportunities afforded by the United States to young 
men of industrious dispositions and force of character penetrated the remote 
and humble German home where Jonathan Eckman was born in 1844, and where, 
his school tasks ended, he was determining upon the location and nature of his 
future activities. It was not possible for him to cross the ocean as soon as he 
desired and anticipated for parental duties intervened and there was the further 
duty of discharging to his country the required period of military service. 
Eventually, however, he bade farewell to the old associations and the friends of 
early days, and took passage upon an American-bound ship for the new world. 
The voyage to California was made via the Isthmus of Panama and in 1869 he 
became a pioneer of Sonoma county, where he still makes his home. During the 
more than forty years of his residence on the Pacific coast he has witnessed the 
development of California and has given his quota toward the upbuilding of his 
own locality, proving himself a desirable citizen and in ever}- respect loyal to the 
best interests of his adopted country. Industry and sagacity enabled him to 
accumulate a competence for his old age and now, in the afternoon of life's busy 
day, he is enjoying the fruits of former labors and the friendship of a large 
circle of old-time associates. 

Upon coming to California and settling in this county Air. Eckman was. un- 
married and it was not until some years later that he established a home of his 
own, taking as a wife Miss Jennie Stevens, who was born at Fruitvale, this state, 
in 1859. Twelve children were born of their union, namely : John, who married 
May A. Shannon and has a son, John; Herman; Henry; Frank; Albert; Minnie. 
Mrs. R. Holliday. who has three children, Ray, Frank and Urcell; Bertha, 
Mrs. Clyde Avers, who has five children, Ward, Dallas, Eugene, Claude and 
Helen ; Emma, Mrs. William Miller, who has one daughter, Lena ; Clara, Mrs. 
George Quiglev, who has two children, Esther and George ; Evaline, Nellie and 
Hazel. 

Genealogical records show that the Stevens family was established in New 
England during an early period of our country's history. J. B. Stevens, father 
of Mrs. Eckman, was born in Vermont during the year 1824 and became a pioneer 
of California, settling at Otay, San Diego county, but later removing to Fruit- 
vale, Alameda county, where his daughter, Jennie, was born and reared. By 
his marriage to Julia Delano there were seven children, those besides Mrs. Eck- 
man being John, William, Robert, Fannie, Albertine and Julia. There also were 
two children, Josephine and Edward, by another marriage. William Stevens 
and his wife, Ida (Gable) Stevens, had two sons and two daughters, William, 
Jr., Lester, Julia and Lulu. Fannie Stevens became the wife of Charles Sissam 
and by that union had five children. Albertine (Stevens) Phillips had two 
sons, George and James. 







c?,rr (x2tfc-r-r 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 455 

In studying the political issues of his adopted country Mr. Eckman es- 
poused the principles of the Republican party and always has voted the party 
ticket in national elections. It has been his aim to keep posted concerning cur- 
rent events of importance and he is regarded as a man well-posted in the hap- 
penings of the day. During early life he was trained in the doctrines of the 
German Lutheran Church and at the stipulated age received the ordinance of 
confirmation, since which time he has continued to be identified with the denomi- 
nation and is a contributor to its charities. Many years of strenuous exertion 
have been given to the task of paying for his farm and improving the land. 
With the result he has no reason to be displeased. Seven hundred and twenty 
acres of land comprise his ranch near Guerneville and here he makes his home, 
superintending the varied branches of agriculture followed on the tract. A 
specialty is made of raising Angora goats and he now has a herd of one hundred 
and fifty head which browse in the pastures and through the dense woods. A 
few other head of live stock are kept for farm uses. Twenty acres of the ranch 
are in a vineyard which in 1909 yielded thirty tons of fine grapes. Twenty acres 
are under cultivation to grain and there is also a bearing orchard of four acres 
containing a variety of fruit adapted to the soil and climate. 



ADAM W. ADLER. 

A native-born son of the state and the son of a pioneer whose coming to the 
state antedated the earliest gold-seekers, Adam W. Adler is one of the best- 
known and most substantial citizens of Sonoma, Sonoma county, and is the 
owner and occupant of property which his father purchased over sixty-three 
vears ago. The elder Mr. Adler, Lewis by name, was a native of Germany, 
was educated in London, England, and from there, in 1842, he set sail for the 
United States when in the full flush of young manhood. The perilous voyage 
to the Pacific coast by way of Cape Horn was accomplished without disaster, 
and in the spring of 1846 Mr. Adler debarked from the whaling-vessel in which 
the voyage had been made. After remaining in San Francisco for one year he 
came to Sonoma county, and at Sonoma opened a general merchandise store 
which he maintained throughout his active years. Here he bought a two-acre 
plot in 1848 and erected the old house which has done faithful service for so 
manv years. It was here that his married life began in 1874, when he was mar- 
ried to Miss Martha Winkle, who, like himself, was a native of the Father- 
land. She passed away in 1900, four years after the demise of her husband, 
which occurred in 1896. 

The only child born to his parents, Adam W. Adler was born in the old 
homestead in Sonoma June 12, 1876. The schools of Sonoma furnished him 
with the only school advantages that he received, but he has always been a 
constant student of current events, and is thus well informed and able to con- 
verse intelligently upon any topic that may be brought up. As soon as he was 
old enough to think of his future from a business standpoint Mr. Adler was at- 
tracted to the carpenter's trade, and after learning the business he followed it 
in Sonoma for a number of years. It was from this beginning that was devel- 

25 



456 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

oped the business of which he is the proprietor today, the A. W. Adler Lumber 
and Mill works of Sonoma. The establishment of the business in 1904 relieved 
a long-felt want in the community, as it is the only plant of the kind in Sonoma 
or vicinity, and six men are given constant employment, the force being enlarged 
whenever the business necessitates it. 

As a link between the past and the present is the old homestead that the 
father erected in the early days of his residence in Sonoma. This was before 
the days of saw-mills, and all of the boards that entered into its construction 
were hand-made, redwood timber being used throughout. In 1910 Mr. Adler 
began removing the old building from the site upon which it had rested since 
1848 and erected in its place a beautiful modern house, in which he used some 
of the redwood that had done service in the old building for so many years, and 
is still in a perfect state of preservation. It is the most pretentious residence 
in Sonoma ; the reception hall, which is twelve feet wide, is finished in quarter- 
sawed oak. The den is finished in solid mahogany and the rest of the house is 
finished in white enamel. Mr. Adler is a friend of education and advancement, 
and both as to character and attainment is one of the most thoroughlv reliable 
citizens of whom we have any knowledge in the county. 



HENRY CHEEVER BOWMAN. 

The new world was still in the dawn of its splendid history when the Bow- 
man family became identified with its colonization and planted their name among 
the pioneers along the barren and stern coast of New England. Tradition is 
authority for the statement that succeeding generations bore an honorable part 
in the transformation of the wilderness into habitable cities and prosperous 
farms, and it is certain that at the beginning of the nineteenth century tiiere 
were many representatives of the race following various lines of commercial 
activity in the east. The first to migrate to the Pacific coast was Arthur Welling- 
ton Bowman, who was born in Cambridge, Mass., in the year 1831, and whose 
residence in California dated from 1850, he having been drawn hither by reports 
concerning the mineral wealth of die west as well as its other riches of oppor- 
tunity. When he came hither he was young, energetic, ambitious and unhamp- 
ered by domestic ties, but as he became more prosperous he established a home 
of his own and his married life was long and happy. Like himself of eastern 
descent, his wife was Alice B. Cheever, born at Manchester, Mass., in 1845. 
Their family comprised six children, namely : Arthur W., who married Edith 
Swailes and has two boys, one bearing his own name; Henry C. ; Frank; Alice 
W., Mrs. Archibald Tapson, who has one daughter, Frances N. ; Adelaide E.. 
Mrs. Trembeth, who has two sons and one daughter ; and Natalie, a graduate 
nurse now following her chosen occupation in San Francisco. 

During the residence of the family in the village of Piedmont, in Alameda 
county, this state, Henry Cheever Bowman was born in the year 1876, and in 
the same locality he received a common-school education. In the year 1904 he 
married Miss Emily Boice Adams. Her father, Rev. George C. Adams, D. D.. 
was born in Castine, Hancock county, Me., in 1850, and received superior advan- 
tages in youth, being a graduate of Amherst College in Massachusetts and also 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 457 

of Yale as a divinity student. The degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred 
upon him in recognition of his theological attainments and scholarly mind. 
As a minister in the Congregational denomination he labored with effectiveness 
in St. Louis, Mo., and in the year 1896 he was called to San Francisco, where 
he served as minister of the First Congregational Church. He passed away 
September 3, 19 10. In his denomination he was recognized as a man of power 
and far-reaching influence, whose uplifting teachings and consecrated life imbued 
his parishioners with zeal in Christian work. While voting the Republican ticket 
and believing in the principles, of the party, with him politics had been in the 
background and no trace of partisan spirit was apparent in even his most trivial 
acts ; on the other hand, he was broad and liberal in views, progressive in senti- 
ment and patriotic in devotion to commonwealth and country. 

Not a little of the effectiveness of the labors of Rev. Mr. Adams was due 
to the helpful spirit and gentle character of his wife, who labored by his side 
through the years of a long and happy marriage. She was born at Brooksville, 
Me., in 1849, and bore the maiden name of Mercy Perkins Shepardson. One 
of their ten children died in infancy and the others were named as follows : 
Frank M. : William S., who married May Hoffman and has one son, George C. ; 
George; Emily Boice, who is Airs. Bowman; Mary, Mrs. Guy Edwards, who has 
one daughter, Mary ; Alice, Mrs. Richard McGinnis, who has two sons, Richard, 
Jr., and George C. ; Sarah C, Mrs. Edwin V. Krick ; Mercy P. and Adelaide 
M. 

In their religious connections Mr. and Mrs. Bowman are members of the 
Congregational Church, while in politics he votes the Republican ticket. The home 
farm lies near Cazadero and contains three hundred and sixty acres of pasture 
land with a large amount of fine timber, which greatly enhances the value of 
the property. 



JOHN BACON LEWIS. 

A prosperous, progressive and highly esteemed resident of Petaluma was 
John Bacon Lewis, a splendid representative of those brave selFmade men 
who have achieved success by their own strenuous labors and acquired a com- 
petence by the exercise of their physical and mental faculties. He was pro- 
prietor of one of the best equipped ranches of the locality ; also owner of the 
Lewis Museum in Petaluma. A son of Reed Lewis, he was born March 15, 
1825, in Saratoga county, N. Y. His father was born and reared in Vermont, 
but subsequently moved to New York state, becoming a pioneer of Saratoga 
county, where he spent his remaining years, dying in manhood's prime in 1835. 
His mother, whose maiden name was Margaret Bacon, was born and reared in 
New York state. 

After the death of his father, John B. Lewis attended school in Greenbush. 
N. Y.. for a year, and then went to Farmington, Conn., where he resided until 
1847, making his home with his brother-in-law, James Cowles. Returning then 
to his native state, he was engaged in mercantile pursuits for two years at 
Schuylerville. In January, 1849, joining a company organized with regular 
offices and laws for the purpose of going to California in search of fortune, 
he started for the gold regions of this state. According to a signed contract. 



458 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

each member of the company was to pool his money, and later draw regular 
dividends from the same, and no individual could do or control anything that 
would not be in joint accord with the company. Provided with everything 
needed for the enterprise, the company started on its journey idled with en- 
thusiasm, each and every member confident of his returning home within a year 
as a millionaire. After crossing the Isthmus, the company was compelled to 
remain in Panama four months, during this time many exciting events occur- 
ring. From three thousand to four thousand people, coming from all quarters 
of the globe, were there congregated, waiting for transportation to that golden 
paradise, where, in their imagination, golden metal could be picked up by the 
handful. The only steamer plying along the Pacific coast at that time could 
make but one trip a month to San Francisco, but unable to wait for that one, 
many of the more venturesome of the emigrants set out to sea in frail barks 
improvised for the occasion, but all had to turn back. 

Mr. Lewis, who had given tc his wife $20 of the $25 he had borrowed 
prior to leaving home, realized that he must do something to support himself 
and family. Opening a restaurant, he fed the hungry people with such as he 
could find to give them, and in his rude tent, with a blanket on the ground for 
a bed, he lodged all of those willing to accept his accommodations, charging 
$1 per night. The venture proved financially successful. The company finally 
secured an old condemned brig of about two hundred tons burden, single decked 
and fitted her up, in order that the journey might be continued. Two hundred 
and fifty tickets were sold, but when the vessel was loaded the number was 
found to be many more than could be accommodated. For a time serious trouble 
was threatened, the managers refusing, until intimidated, to return the passage 
money already paid by those who were obliged to remain behind for want of 
room on board the vessel. This brig, named the Two Friends, was left at the 
Island of Toboga, near Panama, where, after a stay of two weeks, the Alexander 
Von Humboldt came in with a load of coal. This vessel was there purchased for 
$60,000, and on its arrival in San Francisco it was condemned and sold for 
$12,000. Of the three hundred passengers who sailed from Toboga, two hun- 
dred had purchased tickets for the cabin, which in reality could accommodate 
but sixteen persons, and the favored number was selected from the most de- 
serving of the company, the others faring as best they could. Dividing the 
company into messes of fifteen each, the steward of each mess would go up to 
the caldron in which all of the food was cooked, help himself to his allowance 
and return to his mess-room with it. Plard tack and sugar were served twice 
a week, and plum duff, a favorite dish, made its appearance once a week, meals, 
however, being served but once a day. At Acapulco, where the vessel was de- 
tained two weeks, the hungry passengers feasted on fruit. 

Finally, after a hard journey of one hundred and two days, the passengers 
were landed in San Francisco August 29, 1849. There the company found that, 
banded together, they could do nothing, so dissolved. A large amount of 
merchandise was awaiting their arrival, and in order to dispose of it a store 
was opened. Then the problem of getting the goods up from the beach con- 
fronted them. Mr. Lewis managed to secure a horse, and having brought carts, 
with Yankee ingenuity made a harness, thus completing the needed outfit. 
Mr. Lewis subsequentlv bought the horse, paying the company $250 for it 




<5l?£ t/tZtm^Ly 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 461 

with the cart, and the day following was offered $1,000 for the outfit, but re- 
fused the offer, as the property was worth at least $25 per day to him for haul- 
ing purposes. At once establishing a draying business in San Francisco, Mr. 
Lewis was a pioneer in that industry, which he followed with great success until 
1856. 

Coming then with his brother-in-law, C. A. Bod well, to Sonoma count)' 
they purchased in partnership a one-thousand acre ranch, of which five hundred 
acres constituted Mr. Lewis's home ranch. On this ranch, which contains 
three hundred acres of upland and two hundred acres of marsh, Mr. Lewis 
carried on stock-raising and dairying most profitably during his years of ac- 
tivity and was well known throughout this part of the country as a skillful 
and thorough-going agriculturist. In 1900 he moved to Petaluma, where he 
resided till the day of his death, January 6, 1909, enjoying his well earned rest. 

In January, 1847, Mr. Lewis was married in Farmington, Conn., to Eliz- 
abeth Bod well, who passed away at her home in Petaluma in 1866. Two chil- 
dren blessed their union, one of whom lived but a year. The other child, Charles 
Wadsworth Lewis, was born in 1853, an d a sketch of his life will be found else- 
where in this volume. 



HENRY C. OTTMER, M. D. 

In recording the lives of those who, having completed their allotted tasks 
in this life, have gone to their reward, mention belongs to that well-known and 
substantial citizen of Healdsburg, Henry C. Ottmer, whose life and labors of 
over thirty years meant so much to the well-being of Sonoma county. At the 
time of his death in 1907 he had attained a ripe old age, longevity being a 
characteristic of the family, demonstrated by the fact that his father lived to 
attain his ninety-sixth year, while his mother was one hundred and three years 
old at the time of her death. 

Henry C. Ottmer was a native of Germany, and he was born in Brunswick 
January 18, 1828, the son of parents who were industrious, ambitious, and in 
every way typical of the best characteristics of the German race. They gave 
their son every opportunity that their means would afford, and as he had a nat- 
ural aptitude for study he made rapid progress along this line. An inclination 
toward the medical profession led him to take special studies in preparation 
for the work which he had chosen, and at the time he came to the United States 
in 1850 he had a good grounding in the principles of the medical profession. 
Upon coming here in that year he went direct to Missouri, and in St. Louis 
completed his medical studies. After receiving his diploma he opened an 
office in Warren county, Mo., and followed his profession for the following 
twenty-six years. It was upon the expiration of this time, in 1876, that he came 
to California and settled in Sonoma county, at Dry Creek, and there he con- 
tinued to follow the medical profession for a considerable period. Soon after 
locating here he purchased a ranch of one hundred acres, which he set out to 
grain, a crop which later gave place to a fine orchard and vineyard. Here Dr. 
Ottmer continued to follow his profession and give his personal attention to the 
management of his ranch until he removed to Healdsburg and retired from 
active professional and business life. In addition to his valuable ranch he also 



462 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

owned choice business lots in Healdsburg, upon which he erected two substan- 
tial blocks, one of which is known as the Ottmer block. Since his death, in 
1907 his widow has followed his policy in regard to the management of the ranch, 
which is rented and managed by a tenant on shares. All of the best-known 
grades of prunes, peaches and apples are raised in the orchard, the crops from 
which, as well as from the large and flourishing vineyard, make it one of the 
most productive ranches in the county, $10,000 being an average year's income. 
Dr. Ottmer's first marriage united him with Miss Helen Archer, the daugh- 
ter of Fields and Frances (Wood) Archer, natives of Virginia. From that 
southern state the parents removed to Missouri, where their daughter was born. 
She died at the early age of thirty-two years, leaving four children, as follows : 
Florence H., a medical practitioner in Eureka, Cal. ; Ida, the wife of Horace 
Board, a rancher of Dry Creek; Victor S., deceased; and Adelia, the wife of 
Charles Blazer, of Healdsburg. In 1865 Dr. Ottmer married for his second 
wife Miss Marion I. Archer, a sister of his first wife. She, too, was a native 
of Missouri, where their marriage occurred. Two children were born of this 
marriage, Lora, the wife of A. J. LeBaron, of Healdsburg, and Nellie, the wife 
of J. I. Coleman, and they make their home in Arizona. Five great-grandchil- 
dren delight the heart of Mrs. Ottmer, who since the death of her husband has 
found a great solace in interesting herself in the lives of others, especially in 
her children and their descendants. Mr. and Mrs. Ottmer were active members 
of the First Baptist Church of Healdsburg and took a prominent part in its 
upbuilding. 



ISAAC De TURK. 

As an old pioneer settler in Sonoma county the name of Isaac DeTurk 
needs no introduction to her citizens, particularly those in Santa Rosa, where as 
the founder and proprietor of the Santa Rosa winery he gained a reputation 
which made his name and brand of goods household words. For many years 
his parents had been residents of Berks county, Pa., and in that county his birth 
occurred in 1834, and until he was four years of age he lived in his native state. 
At this age his parents removed west as far as Indiana, locating in Morgan 
county, where parents and son made their home together until the winter of 
1858-59. 

A new era in the life of Isaac DeTurk began with the winter above men- 
tioned, for it was then that he came to California and began the industry that 
assumed such large proportions during his lifetime. Seeing the possibilities 
for successfully manufacturing wine where the grape flourished as plentifully 
as he found it in Sonoma county, he ventured to establish the first plant of the 
kind in the county at Santa Rosa. This he did in 1859, at the same time plant- 
ing a vineyard of twenty acres in Bennett valley, later increasing the size of his 
vineyard to fifty acres. His choice of vines was about equally divided as to 
Mission and Zinfandel and yielded from three to three hundred and fifty tons 
of grapes annually. A desire to branch out on a larger scale led him to dispose 
of his holdings in Bennett valley in 1885 and the same year he purchased twelve 
hundred acres in Los Guilicos valley, where he planted a vineyard of one hun- 
dred acres, adding to this from year to year until he had one of the largest vine- 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 463 

yards in this part of the county. For the storage of his products he built the 
first wine cellar in Bennett valley in 1867, which at the time was ample in size 
to accommodate all of the wine which he wished to store. With the rapid in- 
crease of his business this soon became too small, and was consequently increased 
until it accommodated one hundred thousand gallons of wine. 

In 1878 Mr. DeTurk erected the first buildings of the Santa Rosa winery 
and the same year manufactured one hundred thousand gallons of wine. From 
year to year the output was steadily increased, in the early '80s amounting to 
between three hundred thousand and four hundred thousand gallons of wine 
and about fifteen thousand gallons of brandy. All of the foregoing was the 
product of from thirty-five hundred to five thousand tons of grapes. It was 
at this point in the history of his plant that it was necessary to increase the stor- 
age capacity of his wine cellar to accommodate one million gallons. His spec- 
ialties were clarets, reisling, sherry and port wines, and grape brandy. All of 
the buildings connected with the Santa Rosa winery were built of brick and 
equipped with all known modern improvements at the time. Mr. DeTurk wisely 
selected the western part of the city for the location of his plant, having there 
unexcelled shipping facilities. Since his demise the business has been absorbed 
by the William Hoelscher Company of San Francisco, who operate the business 
from Healdsburg. 

It is a conservative statement to say that Mr. DeTurk was one of the most 
prominent and progressive men who have ever made their home in Sonoma 
county. That he was interested in a vital way with many of the important 
enterprises of this part of the state may be seen from the statement that he was 
the state viticultural commissioner for the Sonoma district, was identified with 
the Sonoma County Agricultural Association, and the Stock Breeders Associ- 
ation, in all of which he was also a director .from the time of their inception. 
Socially he was identified with the Athenian Club of San Francisco. That Mr. 
DeTurk was held to be one of the foremost men of Sonoma county was just 
praise, for he was ever on the alert to forward her interests, helping by personal 
work and also bv liberal financial assistance. 



CLARENCE FREDERICK LEA. 

The profession of law in Sonoma county has no more able or more honored 
representative than Clarence F. Lea, a well-known attorney of Santa Rosa. En- 
dowed with keen intelligence and discrimination, he is at all times and under all 
circumstances actuated by the highest principles of honor and fair dealing, and 
has thereby gained the esteem and respect of his associates and the confidence 
of the people among whom his lot has been cast. 

Mr. Lea takes a commendable pride in the fact that he is a native son of 
the state, and also that he is the son of early settlers and upbuilders of this great 
Pacific commonwealth. Born in Highland Springs, Lake county. Cal., July 11, 
1874, he is a son of James M. and Elizabeth Trower Lea, the father born in Ten- 
nessee in 1827, and the mother born in Kentucky in 183 1. Their marriage oc- 
curred in Missouri in 1857. Shortly after the finding of gold in California the 
elder Mr. Lea came to the state, in 1851. across the plains, returning to Missouri 



464 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

five years later, and the following year, 1857, occurred his marriage. The young 
people settled down to agricultural life in Greene county, that state, and remained 
there until 1865, when they came to California and located at Cioverdale, So- 
noma county. Two years later the family home was transferred to Highland 
Springs, Lake county, and there the death of the father occurred in 1901. Nine 
children were born to these worthy parents, as follows : Emmet N., Mary (who 
became the wife of Douglas Shartzer and is now deceased), Orlando, Alonzo, 
Horace, Finice L., Loutitia, Elizabeth and Ciarence F. All of the children who 
survive are married and established in homes of their own with the exception of 
two daughters. 

With his brothers and sisters Clarence F. Lea was given splendid educa- 
tional facilities, the parents realizing the importance of a good education, in fact 
considering it a prime requisite in their training. In the common school of 
Highland district Clarence F. Lea laid the foundation of his education, following 
this by a course in Lakeport Academy, and this by a two-year course in Stanford 
University. A predilection for the legal profession led him to take a special 
course in the Denver Law- school, from which he graduated in 1898, and on 
August 1 of that year he opened an office for the practice of his profession in 
Santa Rosa. In the more than twelve years that he has been located here he 
has built up a splendid practice, and counts among his clients some of the most 
influential citizens of the town and county. A stanch advocate of Democratic 
principles, Mr. Lea loses no opportunity to further the interests of the party 
to which he gives his allegiance, and on numerous occasions he has made stump 
speeches in behalf of his political friends. At the hands of his fellow-citizens 
he was elected district attorney of Sonoma county in 1906, and re-elected in 
1910 with a majority of twenty-one hundred votes. Prior to holding this office, 
in 1902, he was nominated for the office of superior judge of Sonoma county, 
but lost the election by two hundred and eighty-one votes. 

Mr. Lea's marriage united him with Miss Daisy A. Wright, a native daugh- 
ter of California, her birth occurring in Oakland, Cal., September 10, 1874. She 
is a daughter of James A. and Emma Russell Wright, natives respectively of 
Canada and Oakland, Cal. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wright, 
Daisy A., Mrs. Lea and Myrtle, the wife of W. H. Stewart. Mr. Lea holds 
membership in a number of fraternal organizations, being identified with the 
Woodmen of the World, Modern Woodmen of America, Improved Order of 
Red Men, and he is also a prominent member of the Native Sons of the Golden 
West. 



JAMES BIDWELL. 
The name of Ira Bidwell is too well known in Sonoma county to need special 
mentioning, for his deeds and accomplishments are a part of the history of this 
part of the state, nevertheless a brief account of his life may be found elsewhere 
in this volume. A son of this well-known pioneer, James Bidwell was born on 
the paternal homestead in Alexander valley March 27, 1852. With his older 
brother John he secured such educational advantages as the early conditions 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 467 

afforded, but when still quite a small boy was competent to do much of the 
farm work formerly delegated to older hands. 

In 1879, when the father divided his property among the children, James 
Bidwell began work independently, his portion of the ranch amounting to three 
hundred acres. He still owns the land, and superintends its management, al- 
though the actual work is performed by his two sons, Charles E. and James E. 
Twenty acres of the land is in vineyard, and large crops of hay and grain are 
gathered annually, and the land not under cultivation is used as pasture land 
for the twenty head of cattle which are being fattened for market. In 1904 
Mr. Bidwell purchased and located upon the ranch which is now his home, con- 
sisting of one hundred and ten acres of very productive land in Alexander valley. 
Thirty acres are in vineyard, and the remainder of the- land is given over to 
grain, with the exception of twenty acres in alfalfa. A dairy of twenty cows 
of fine breed adds considerable to the annual income of the thrifty owner, who 
is one of the most progressive and up-to-date ranchers in the valley. The com- 
bined efforts of father and sons have worked a vast change in conditions in 
Sonoma county, for all are experienced agriculturists and as natural pioneers and 
leaders have forged ahead and accomplished what others with less courage dared 
not undertake. 

Mr. Bidwell formed domestic ties in 1879 by his marriage with Miss Lucy 
Martin, a native of Tennessee, and three children have been born to them, 
Charles Edward, James Eugene and Linnie. The eidest, Charles Edward, was 
born in r88i ; his marriage on October 8, 1902, united him with Miss Kittie 
Coombs, of Healdsburg, and they have one son, Leslie, born October 23, 1903. 
James Eugene, born February 10, 1882, married Miss Anna Peck, of Healdsburg. 
in 1899, and they had two children, Henry, born January 20, 1901, and Charles, 
born November 23, 1902. His second marriage occurred January 8, 1909, and 
united him with Mrs. Amanda Rose, of Santa Rosa. By his activity as a citizen 
and his capability as a rancher the elder Mr. Bidwell has added luster to the 
honorable reputation established by his father during the pioneer history of our 
commonwealth. 



LEWIS G. NAY. 
An impression of peace and prosperity and personal worth and strength 
is conveyed in the life history of Lewis G. Nay, who took up his residence in 
Petaluma in the early '60s, and in the years that have intervened his interest 
in the town which he helped to bring to its present state of prosperity has not 
been diminished, notwithstanding the fact that he is now well advanced in 
years and has not been intimately identified with business affairs for many 
years. However, as he goes up and down the streets of his home town he is 
gratified by the sight of the substantial buildings which stand as evidence of 
his accomplishments as a builder in his younger years. Many of these are the 
most prominent public buildings and residences in town, including among others 
the Wickersham bank building, the Whitney building, the city hall, Masonic 
hall and Odd Fellows building. In connection with his building business he 
ran and operated the Petaluma Planing mill for fifteen years, and after dis- 
posing of this, retired from active business life, since which time he has found 



4 68 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

all that he cares to do in looking after his large holdings of real estate in the 
town and county. 

The parents of Mr. Nay, Gardner and Amelia (Simonds) Nay, were both 
natives of New Hampshire, but after their marriage they removed to Genesee 
county, N. Y., where the father continued to work at the machinist's trade. It 
was while his parents were living there that their son, Lewis G., was born, 
December 26, 1823. Owing to a severe attack of chills and fever in 1828, 
Gardner Nay returned to New Hampshire and settled at Hancock, Hillsboro 
county, remaining there for thirty years, during which time he carried on con- 
tracting and building and managed a farm. In 1858 he came west as far as 
Illinois, and there he died in 1861, leaving considerable means to his wife and 
children. In his political views he was a Democrat, and religiously he was a 
Baptist. Two years after his death, in 1863. Mrs. Nay came to California, 
making her home with her son until her death, at the age of eighty-three years. 

Lewis G. Nay learned the carpenter's trade from his father during his boy- 
hood, and later was of great assistance to his father in carrying out his many 
building contracts. When he attained his majority he felt competent to under- 
take carpentering on his own account, first working at his trade for a year in 
Manchester, N. H.. and later in Boston, Mass., for the same length of time. A 
larger opportunity for the exercise of his ability came to him in 1846, when he 
went to Lawrence and became identified with the Bay State Company woolen 
mills, and for the following seven years he not only worked at his trade, but 
also assisted with the building and installing of machinery. It was with con- 
siderable reluctance that his employers saw him leave their service to accept 
;■ position with the Boston flax mills, where he was variously employed as re- 
pairer, installer of machinery, pattern-maker and general overseer of the 
machinery and wood shops. Leaving the east in 1856, he came as far west as 
Illinois, and in McLean county bought a section of land in partnership with 
his brother-in-law, A. Thurston. This was all virgin land, and after clearing it 
he engaged in general farming and stock-raising until coming to California 
in 1863. His first experience in the west was in the dairy business in Marin 
county, where he was associated with his brother, Samuel A., and in June of 
the same year he came to Petaluma, which has been his home ever since. 

From the first years of his residence in the town Mr. Nay has given him- 
self heartily to the upbuilding of his community, and at the earnest solicitation 
of his fellow-citizens he has consented to fill public office a number of times, 
being a member of the school board for one term, and city trustee for a consider- 
able period. During the early years of the Wickersham Bank (then known as 
the First National Bank of Petaluma) he was made and remained a director 
in the Wickersham Banking Company during its existence. 

The first marriage of Lewis G. Nay occurred in 1847. uniting him with 
Miss Sarah L. Foster, a native of New Hampshire, her death occurring two 
years after her marriage. His second marriage was with Miss Eliza Walker, 
a native of Maine, who at her death two years later left one son, Lewis W., 
who died in San Bernardino, Cal., November 7, 1903. Mr. Nay's third mar- 
riage united him with Miss Margaret N. Fishburn, a native of Franklin county. 
Pa., who died in 1881, at the age of forty-five, leaving two children, both of 
whom are deceased, dying at the ages of nineteen and twenty years respectively. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 469 

The present Mrs. Nay was before her marriage Mrs. Sarah J. Waters, and is 
the mother of one daughter, Mrs. Abbie M. Treadwell. Mr. Nay has for many 
years been prominent in the Odd Fellows, being a member of Petaluma Lodge 
No. 30, and has passed all the chairs in this organization. He is also a member 
of Silver Spray Lodge, D. of R., of Petaluma. which he served as first noble 
grand. He organized Petaluma Rebekah Lodge No. 226. Mrs. Nay is a 
prominent member of the order, being past noble grand of Silver Spray Rebekah 
Lodge, and also a member of Petaluma Lodge, in which she has passed all of 
the chairs. She assisted in tlie organization of Antietam Relief Corps, and was 
the first president, besides which she was a member of Erickson Woman's Re- 
lief Corps of Sebastopol. 

In the evening of life's busy day Mr. Nay can look back with no regrets 
and forward without fear, for he has endeavored to live by the Golden Rule 
and has always done his share towards the upbuilding of Sonoma county and 
especially Petaluma. 



JOHN C. SCOTT. 

The opportunities offered by California to men of determination and per- 
severance find a fitting illustration in the life of John C. Scott, president of 
the J. C. Scott Hardware Company of Petaluma. Coming to the west alone, 
he has worked his way to a position of independence unaided, and among the 
residents of Petaluma he holds an honored place, and throughout Sonoma 
county his friends are numerous and stanch. A native of Ohio, he was born 
in the city of Columbus, April 20, 1833, the son of David and Mary L. (Mann) 
Scott, who were born in Pennsylvania and became pioneers of Franklin county, 
Ohio. The father was a participant in the war of 1812. John C. Scott con- 
tinued in his native surroundings until he was six years old, when the family 
removed to Indiana. From there they removed to Springfield, 111., two years 
later, remaining there three years, when they made another removal that took 
them to Andrew county. Mo. 

John C. Scott followed the family in their several changes of location, and 
by the time he had attained his majority he felt little timerity in undertaking 
the overland journey to the far west. Joining a party of twenty men they set 
out from St. Joseph, Mo., about April 20, 1854, driving four hundred head of 
cattle and a herd of fifty horses. The distance between the starting point and 
their destination was covered in a remarkably short time, August of 1854 bring- 
ing them to Mark West creek, in Sonoma county. Along Mark West creek 
they turned the cattle loose on the plains, and after they were fattened for 
market they brought good prices to the owners. At the end of two years Mr. 
Scott returned east by the water route, remaining one year, after which he 
became interested in mining near Denver, Colo., and from there went to Mis- 
souri and remained one year. All of his efforts had proved unsatisfying since 
his return from the far west, and he determined to return thither and take up 
his permanent abode. Coming to Petaluma at that time, about 1858, he estab- 
lished the nucleus of the business now conducted under the name of the J. C. 
Scott Hardware Company, and has maintained the business continuously ever 
since. A short respite from commercial life in Petaluma found him engaged 



4 ;o HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

in the stock business in Humboldt county, going there in 1869, but finally re- 
suming his hardware business in Petaluma. He still owns the ranch of forty- 
seven hundred acres at Alder Point, Humboldt county, where he is engaged in 
the sheep business, generally running about three thousand head of Merino 
sheep. This ranch he has incorporated as the Monte Vista Land Company, 
of which he is president. The ranch is known as the Monte Vista rancho, and 
is in charge of his son, Joseph M. Although Mr. Scott prefers to make his 
home and headquarters in Sonoma county, he is not unfamiliar with conditions 
in other portions of the state, especially in Humboldt county, where he has 
large real-estate holdings, besides which he owns a number of substantial busi- 
ness blocks and fine residences in Petaluma. 

Near Petaluma, on January 1, 1864, Mr. Scott was united in marriage 
with Miss Louisa C. Bowles, and four children were born to them. The eldest 
of these, Louisa A., is the wife of C. W. Cramer, a resident of Humboldt 
county; Minnie O. Howard is deceased; Joseph M., a rancher, is married and 
has one child, John C. ; John A. is a resident of San Francisco. Mr. Scott is 
rich in the possession of five grand-children, whose growth and development 
he watches with fond pride. Politically he is a Democrat. He was made a 
Mason in Arcturus Lodge No. 180, F. & A. M., which was later consolidated 
with Petaluma Lodge No. 180. 



TFIOMAS BARNEY MEEK, JR. 

Until recently horticultural activities engaged Mr. Meek's attention exclu- 
sively, the place which he owns and formerly operated being a well-known farm 
lying on Mill creek near the city of Healdsburg in Mendocino township and 
comprising one hundred and fifty-seven acres of land, a portion being favorably 
located for fruit culture. A timber pasture contains three thousand cords of 
wood, and in addition there is a prairie pasture utilized by the stock on the ranch. 
Thirty acres are in a vineyard which in 1909 produced twenty-two tons of grapes 
of choice quality. In addition there are thirty acres in deciduous fruits, from 
which were sold in 1909 about nine tons of dried fruit. In the fall of 1910 Mr. 
Meek leased his interest in the ranch and located in Healdsburg, where he is now 
engaged in the cornucopia and ice-cream business. 

Born at Cheyenne, Wyo., in 1885, Thomas Barney Meek is a son of Thomas 
B. and Augusta Ann (McClure) Meek, the former born in Kentucky in 1847, 
and the latter born in Indiana in 1845. By successive removals the father grad- 
ually worked his way to the west, going to Deadwood, S. Dak., in 1871, and 
from there to Wyoming, whence in 1894 he came to California and settled in 
Sonoma county. In his family there are eight children, namely : William E. 
(who married Alice Hall), John, Frederick, Thomas B., August A., Harry V., 
Mary E., and Tiny O., the last-named being the wife of R. W. Hawes and the 
mother of a son, Delbert Lyle Hawes. The primary education of Thomas Barney 
Meek was secured in Cheyenne schools and later he completed grammar-school 
studies in Sonoma county. After leaving school he began to work on a farm, 
and in a short time acquired the property which he now owns. 

Upon establishing a home of his own Mr. Meek chose as his wife Miss Mar- 
garet Cavers, who was born in San Francisco, Cal.. in 1889, and is a young 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 473 

woman of excellent education and superior attainments. Two children bless their 
union, George Thomas and Roy Elmer. Mrs. Meek is of Canadian ancestry, 
her father, George W. Cavers, having been born in that country, whence he came 
to the United States and now makes his home in Sonoma county. His marriage 
united him with Mrs. Anna (Lee J Thomas, who by her former marriage had four 
children, George, Bert, Amanda and May, while by her marriage with Mr. Cavers 
she had two daughters, Margaret and Anna. Amanda, a daughter born of the 
first marriage, is the wife of Frank Chaverria, and has one daughter, Frances. 
May is the wife of John Terry, of Healdsburg, and has three children, Elwood, 
Glenn and Mintie. It was always necessary for Mr. Meek to devote his atten- 
tion closely to his land, in order that the best possible results might be secured 
therefrom; hence he has not identified himself with public affairs and has taken 
no part in politics aside from voting the Republican ticket, yet he would be well 
qualified for official responsibilities both by intelligence and by loyal devotion 
to the welfare of the county. The only fraternal organization to which he has 
allied himself is the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, his membership being 
with Healdsburg Lodge No. 64, in the work of which he maintains a warm inter- 
est. Charitable projects have his sympathetic co-operation, and while he has not 
been identified with any religious denomination he has the utmost faith in their 
importance as uplifting factors to the human race, his interest manifesting itself 
in contributions to worthy movements along that line of progress. 



PETER YOUNG. 

Energetic, enterprising, public-spirited and honest, Peter Young is one of 
Alexander valley's prosperous ranchers, and enjoys in a marked degree the con- 
fidence and esteem of the entire community. Kind-hearted, liberal and generous 
to a fault, he has hosts of friends who appreciate his many virtues, and no 
opportunity for uplifting his fellowmen or improving conditions in his com- 
munity escapes his notice or fails to receive his support. A native of the east, 
Mr. Young was born in New York state June 8, 1834, representative of an old- 
time eastern family. Pie was about twenty-six years of age when by way of Pan- 
ama he made the voyage to the Pacific coast. After landing at San Francisco he 
joined his two brothers in Sonoma county, where they were engaged in the 
stock business. George and Michael Young came to California in 1852, and 
for a time mined with fair success in Eldorado county. After a few years, how- 
ever, they came to Sonoma county and engaged in stock-raising, and here they 
lived the remainder of their lives, George dying in 1889, at the age of sixty- 
four, and Michael passing away some years later. After an association of sev- 
eral years with his brothers in the stock business Peter Young went to Oregon 
in 1862 and was interested in gold mining there for about one year. 

After his mining experience in Oregon Mr. Young returned to New York 
state, remaining there variously engaged until early in the '70s, when he again 
came to California, this time to make it his permanent home. Coming direct 
to Sonoma county, he settled in Alexander valley and near Healdsburg pur- 
chased a ranch of two hundred and ten acres, then uncultivated and in no way 



474 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

suggesting the possibilities that have since been developed. Mr.'Young at once 
bent his energies to clearing the land and preparing it for cultivation, and as soon 
as it was in condition, planted the nucleus of the fine prune orchard that is such 
a source of profit today. Altogether he now has forty acres in prunes alone, 
both new and old trees, and fourteen acres are now in bearing and yielding an 
annual output of thirty-five tons of dried fruit. Ninety acres are in pasture 
land, besides which he has a large acreage in hay and grain. Not only is Mr. 
Young an expert horticulturist, but he is also an experienced miner, his 
knowledge along this line making him an expert mining claim recorder, a posi- 
tion which he filled with acceptability in Sonoma county for many years. 

In all of his efforts and undertakings Mr. Young has had the co-operation 
and encouragement of his wife, who was formerly Miss Rachel Kazenstein, a 
native of New York state. Named in the order of their birth the eight children 
born to them are as follows : George A. ; Emma, the wife of J. W. Watson, 
of New York : Alice, the wife of William Peasley ; Flora E., the wife 
of Thomas Meek, of Alexander valley; Clara, the wife of Fred Merry; Warner 
F. ; Maynard ; and Silas. Mr. Young has always exhibited a keen public spirit, 
and may be depended on to do all in his power to advance the material, moral 
and social interests of the communitv in which he has resided for so manv vears. 



WILLIAM LOGAN TOMBS. 

No incident connected with the boyhood years of Mr. Tombs stands out 
more vividly in his memory than the crossing of the plains when he was fourteen 
years of age. From the time of the discovery of gold the family had been deeply 
interested in tales concerning the vast undeveloped regions of the west, but it was 
not until 1856 that the opportunity came for migration hither. The old home 
had been in Missouri and he was born at St. Joseph, that state, in 1842, in child- 
hood attended the common schools and shared the recreations and play of his 
associates in the neighborhood familiar to his early recollections. Like the ma- 
jority of the southern families of that period, there were slaves owned by this 
family and upon the removal to California five were brought along, accompany- 
ing the father and mother, the two sons and two daughters. The tedious journey 
with wagons and oxen dragged its course toward completion and ended in 
safety with the arrival in the Santa Clara valley. Concerning the slaves it is 
worthy of note that three of them remained with the family until they died, 
another is now a resident of Healdsburg, while the fifth lives in San Francisco 
at this time. 

Upon the completion of the studies of the San Jose grammar schools Mr. 
Tombs took up general ranching as his occupation, coming to Sonoma county 
during the autumn of 1857 and finding a sparsely settled region, containing only 
grants and government land, and having as residents as many Mexicans and 
Spaniards as Americans. For fourteen years he was identified with the manage- 
ment of thirty-four hundred acres of land and in that time he learned much con- 
cerning the care of stock and the details connected with agricultural activities. 
Next he embarked in the stock business for himself, purchasing eighteen hundred 
acres of land on the Wallala river and for twenty-nine years operating the same 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 475 

as a stock ranch. Meanwhile he experienced his share of joy and sorrow, of 
success and adversity, but prosperity did not elate nor discouragements daunt 
him. In every condition and environment he remained calm, steadfast and 
sanguine, with an unwavering optimistic faith in the future of his county and 
commonwealth. 

The marriage of William Logan Tombs and Miss Jennie Sacry, a native of 
Missouri, was solemnized in 1866 and was a union of mutual helpfulness and 
happiness until the bond was severed by the death of the wife in 1893 at the 
family residence in Healdsburg. One child had preceded her in death, passing 
away in infancy. The surviving daughter, Nellie, married Robert Mason. The 
father and mother of Mr. Tombs died in Sonoma county and their remains were 
interred amid scenes familiar to their later years. His list of kindred is now 
small in the west, but in partial recompense for the lack of nearer ties he enjoys 
the warm friendship of those who have known him since pioneer days as well 
as the deep regard of the younger generation now entering upon life's activities. 
His declining days, therefore, do not represent a period of isolation, but the 
fruition of an existence of honorable toil, generous deeds and uncounted kind- 
nesses. 

The Democratic party has received the ballot of Mr. Tombs ever since he 
attained his majority. When he was in his prime he maintained a deep interest 
in public affairs and even now few men in his town are better posted than he 
concerning national problems. During 1891-92 he held the office of deputy 
sheriff. At the expiration of his term of service he returned to his ranch and 
resumed the raising of stock for the markets. Again in the fall of 1898 he was 
chosen deputy under the then sheriff, Frank P. Grace, of Santa Rosa, and for 
eight years he filled the office with credit to himself and with an absolute fearless- 
ness that commanded universal respect. When the eight years had ended he re- 
signed his position and in January of 1907 came to his fine little farm near Healds- 
burg, where ever since he has given close attention to horticultural pursuits. The 
homestead comprises seventeen and three-tenths acres, of which eight acres is 
under cultivation to prunes, a few acres to other fruits and the balance in alfalfa, 
thus forming a farm whose every foot is made to produce an income for the 
owner in return for his wise oversight and scrupulous care. 



GEORGE TYLER TROWBRIDGE. 
In its lineage the Trowbridge family claims descent from a long line of 
English ancestors, and the great-grandfather of George Tyler Trowbridge was 
for many years a cotton manufacturer in Trowbridge, Worcestershire, England. 
After his immigration to the United States he settled in Massachusetts, where. 
at Trowbridge, he founded and carried on the cotton mills with which his name 
was associated for so many years, and which after his demise were owned and op- 
erated by his son. The son of the latter was George O. Trowbridge, who in his 
earlier years was a manufacturer of iron in the east and who in 1835 went to 
Wisconsin and established a foundry and machine shop in Sheboygan. Subse- 
quently he engaged in the same business in Fond du Lac, but the panic of 1873 



476 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

made it necessary for him to discontinue the business. For five years thereafter 
he continued in the middle west, but in 1878 he determined to come to California, 
and that same year found him located in Oakland. There he established one of 
the oldest business enterprises in that city, the Oakland Iron works, which he sold 
after running it for a few years. From Oakland he came to Sonoma county, 
and near Windsor was interested in horticulture throughout the remainder of 
his life, his death occurring in 1905. At his death he left a widow, Louise (Tyler) 
Trowbridge, a native of Kentucky, and the daughter of John Tyler, a native of 
Virginia and an early settler of Kentucky, where his daughter was born. John 
Tyler was a near relative of President Tyler. Mrs. Louise Trowbridge is still 
living, making her home in Santa Rosa, at the age of seventy-six years. 

Five children comprised the family of George O. and Louise (Tyler) Trow- 
bridge, of whom three are now living. George Tyler was the eldest of the num- 
ber and was born while his parents were living in Sheboygan, Wis. His earliest 
educational training was in the German language, two years being passed in 
German schools before entering the public schools of Fond du Lac. Upon the 
completion of his high school training he began his business career at the age 
sixteen years by accepting the position of bookkeeper and interpreter in the 
Savings Bank of Fond du Lac, a position which he filled acceptably for four 
years. Accompanying the family to California in 1878, he was for a time in the 
employ of Senator Sharon, subsequently for one year with S. B. Whipple as 
bookkeeper, after which he held the same position with the California Boiler 
works and a year later became a one-third partner in the business. In 1882 he 
sold his interest and came to Sonoma county, purchasing a ranch at Windsor, 
which he improved by setting out an orchard of apples, pears, prunes and grapes. 
Later he subdivided the property and sold it out, one of the purchasers of this 
property being W. P. Hammond, now a wealthy dredge owner of Butte county. 
Mr. Trowbridge continued the buying and selling of ranches until 1893, when 
he became manager of the sale of the Cotati ranch, cutting it up into small tracts 
and disposing of it, and he takes pride in the fact that this has since become 
one of the best improved sections of Sonoma county. 

After locating in Santa Rosa Mr. Trowbridge became associated with 
W. D. Reynolds (now president of the Santa Rosa Bank) in land speculation, 
among the tracts which they purchased and laid out being the Trowbridge and 
Reynolds subdivision of part of the Rincon Heights addition, and later on he 
laid out the Trowbridge and Doyle addition to Santa Rosa. Mr. Trowbridge's 
operations have not been confined to this immediate locality, but have extended 
all over the county, and at the present time he is operating a ranch in Rincon 
valley and two in Sebastopol. In partnership with Alexander B. Hill he owns 
five thousand acres of land in the Sacramento valley, located between Sacra- 
mento and Marysville, all of which is under cultivation to grain and alfalfa. 
Numerous as are the interests already mentioned they do not cover the activi- 
ties which have engaged Mr. Trowbridge's time and thought. Altogether he 
has built some twenty-five residences in Santa Rosa, secured the location of 
the National Ice Company's plant for this place, and since 1906 has erected 
about thirty residences and business buildings in Oakland, and in which he is 
still interested to a large extent. Last but not least, he has been much interested 






&C<A^Z^^C^z^-^ 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 479 

in raising full blooded Jersey cattle, and has accumulated a herd that took first 
prize at fairs all over the state. On his ranch may also be seen fine specimens 
of standard-bred horses which he has raised. 

In Oakland was celebrated the marriage of George T. Trowbridge an 
Miss Emma Flint, a native of Santa Rosa and the daughter of E. P. Flint, of 
the firm of Peabody & Co., formerly of Boston, Mass., and the oldest mer- 
chants in California. Nine children were born of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. 
Trowbridge, as follows : Mabel, Mrs. Dohn, of Santa Rosa ; Grace, Mrs. Mc- 
Christian, of Sebastopol ; Alice, Mrs. Scott, of Santa Rosa ; Lloyd, in the em- 
ploy of Wells Fargo & Co. at Los Angeles; Harold and Edward George, ranch- 
ing in Sutter county ; Bessie, Florence and Wilbur, the three last mentioned 
still at home. Fraternally Mr. Trowbridge is a Mason of the Knight Templar 
degree, a member of Islam Temple, N. M. S., of San Francisco, Elks and 
Woodmen of the World, besides which he is a member of the Grange, Sonoma 
County Horticultural Society (of which he was one of the founders) and is 
an active member of the State Fruit Growers' Association. For five years he 
was the Sonoma county representative of the State Board of Trade. 



JEPPE C. LAURITZEN. 

In Hjerndrup, Denmark, Jeppe C. Lauritzen was born August 21, 1848, 
a son of Hans C. and Kathrina Lauritzen, the former being a farmer. Mr. 
Lauritzen received his education in the public schools of Denmark, and in com- 
pany with his brother Christian he came to America in the year 1866, going 
to Humboldt county,. Cal., where he engaged in the sheep raising business, 
conducting the same for a number of years with success. In 1875 he made a 
trip to Denmark to visit his home, but realizing more than ever the higher 
advantages and the better opportunities of America, he soon returned and con- 
tinued in his former business. In May, 1884, the brothers came to Sonoma 
county with their flock of sheep and later sold them in San Francisco. J. C. 
Lauritzen then located in Petaluma, and with his brother Christian bought the 
Centennial building, and they engaged in the livery business and also the butcher 
business. In 1888 the brothers sold the Centennial building and purchased a 
ranch of eight hundred and forty acres at Reclamation, where they engaged in 
general farming, raising hay and grain, and continuing on the place until 1899, 
since which time they have leased it. In 1899 J. C. Lauritzen located in San 
Rafael, Marin county, where he died October 21, 1900. He was a school trus- 
tee for the Rose Hill district. Fraternally he was affiliated with the Masonic 
order, being a member of Petaluma Lodge No. 180, F. & A. M., and he was 
also a member of the L T . A. O. D. Politically he gave his support to the Re- 
publican party. 

Mr. Lauritzen was married in Petaluma September 18, 1884, to Miss May 
Claassen, a native of Germany, born on the Isle of Sylt, a daughter of Jens P. 
Claassen, a cabinet maker by trade. For seven years he was in Australia, after 
which he. came to San Francisco, Cal., and in 1858 located in Petaluma. Some 
years afterward, in 1875, he brought his family here and commenced farming, 
and later purchased a ranch and added to it until he held one hundred and 



480 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

eighty acres. Here he died on December 6, 1906, at the age of eighty-six years, 
Mrs. Lauritzen's mother, Inken Klein, was also born on the Isle of Sylt, in 
1830, and still resides at theold home place near Petaluma, Cal. She had two 
children, but only one, Mrs. Lauritzen, is now living. Mrs. Lauritzen was 
brought up and educated in Germany, and on July 8, 1875, she came to Peta- 
luma. After her husband's death she located in Petaluma, and in 1907 she built 
a new residence on the old Qaassen place, where she has a comfortable home. 
She has four sons, John, Hans C, C. I. and Lewis. These sons have been given 
splendid educations and a home training that must prove of inestimable value 
as they take their place in the world's activities. Mrs. Lauritzen possesses many 
fine traits of character which have won for her the esteem and respect of all 
with whom she is acquainted. 



GEORGE WASHINGTON LAYMANCE. 

A man of marked ability, enterprise and foresight, George \V. Laymance 
occupies a position of importance among the substantial and well-to-do citizens of 
Healdsburg. Interested in mining throughout his entire life, he has experi- 
enced the fluctuating career of those who follow that life, meeting with pros- 
perity and with discouraging reverses, winning and losing fortunes in different 
ventures. Beginning at the foot of the ladder of attainments, he has, however, 
finally surmounted all obstacles, and by earnest toil and persistency of purpose 
has risen to a position of influence and independence. 

Although he is a native son of California, born in Colusa county in 1853, 
Mr. Laymance did not really become a citizen of this commonwealth until about 
the year 1875, since which time he has lived here continuously. His parents, 
James P. and Augusta (Caldwell) Laymance, were both natives of the south, 
born in Virginia and Georgia respectively, and both are now deceased. Their 
advent in the west was brought about by the discovery of gold in California, but 
with what success the elder Mr. Laymance met, the records do not state partic- 
ularly. It was while he was engaged in mining in Colusa county that his son 
George W. was born in 1853, and he continued to remain here until the son was 
two years old, when he went east with his family, returning by way of the 
Isthmus of Panama and landing in New York. It was not the intention of Mr. 
Laymance to remain in the east, however, and as soon as arrangements could 
be made he secured transportation to southwestern Missouri, where the parents 
made their home throughout the remainder of their lives. 

George W. Laymance has no earlier recollection than of the parental home 
in Missouri, where he was educated and grew to a sturdy young manhood of 
twenty-two years. Besides a public-school education at Springfield, Mo., he also 
received the privileges of a high-school education in the same city. When his 
school days were over he gave vent to an inborn inclination to follow the miner's 
life, his first experience along this line being in Colorado, near Denver. After a 
number of years passed in that state he came to California in 1879, coming direct 
to Healdsburg, Sonoma county, which has been the scene of his activities ever 
since. He owns a forty-acre ranch about seven miles northwest of Healdsburg. 

In 1876, about the time he came to the west, Mr. Laymance formed domestic 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 481 

ties by his marriage with Miss Augusta Testemen, a native of Missouri, and 
five children, two daughters and three sons, have been born to them. Charles, 
who was born in 1882, is proprietor of a hotel near Chicago, 111. Lillie B. is the 
wife of Ralph Thomas and the mother of a daughter, Ruth, the family residing 
in Oakland. George E. is employed in the oil fields near Bakersfield, Cal. Ernest 
G. is now stationed in Texas as a member of the Twenty-third Regiment of the 
Regular Army. Marguerite is a graduate of the high school at Healdsburg, and 
is now at home with her parents. Not unlike her husband, Mrs. Laymance is a 
descendant of southern ancestors, both her father and mother being natives of 
South Carolina, and both are also deceased. Probably no one in this part of 
Sonoma county has a more thorough or complete understanding of mining in all 
of its varied phases than has Mr. Laymance, who has been equally successful 
in the mining of gold, silver and copper. Politically he is a Democrat, and it was 
on the ticket of this party that he was elected to the office of sheriff and United 
States marshal for the Indian Territory, in both of which capacities he served 
efficiently for a number of years. He has never allied himself with any secret 
order, but is a man who is ever on the alert to advance the welfare of the com- 
munity in which he lives, and is a citizen of which any community might be 
proud. 



EMMETT SEA WELL. 

Judge Emmett Seawell was born in Yountville, Napa county, Cal, April 
5, 1862, a son of the late William N. Seawell, who was born in Cape Girardeau, 
Mo., in August, 181 1. Of Virginian ancestry, the father of the latter, Joseph 
Seawell, removed from North Carolina to Missouri at an early day and was 
a member of the state legislature from his district. W. N. Seawell took up 
land in Missouri and was engaged in farming for several years. He came to 
California via the Truckee route and after his arrival in 1853, settled in Napa. 
He was appointed postmaster by President Buchanan, and afterwards served 
as deputy sheriff, and there also engaged in farming. In 1873 he removed to 
Santa Rosa, was elected city recorder and justice of the peace, serving in the 
latter capacity for many years. He was a very active man and was identified 
with many movements that were factors in upbuilding the city and county. He 
passed away in 1896. Sarah A. Rickman, to whom he was married, was born 
in Hartsville, Tenn., in 1818 and died in Santa Rosa in 1898. She was an 
earnest member of the Methodist church. To this worthy couple eleven chil- 
dren were born and we mention the following: Mary, who married M. H. 
Matthews, now deceased ; Joseph ; James W., a well-known stockman of this 
county; Susan, who became the wife of the late Benjamin Wood, of Santa 
Rosa; George C. ; Lucy; and Emmett, of this review. Senator John H. de- 
ceased, was a prominent attorney of Mendocino county and was its repre- 
sentative in the Senate and Assembly for many years. 

Emmett Seawell came to Sonoma county when he was a lad of eleven 
years of age and for the following five years was a pupil in the public school 
of Santa Rosa. He subsequently worked at the printer's trade for a period of 
three vears and a half, then entered Pacific Methodist College, and pursued 



482 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

his course covering several years. On March 17, 1885, he was appointed postal 
clerk, but in August of that year resigned to finish his college course and was 
graduated in May, 1887, from the Pacific Methodist College. His college days 
over he devoted some time to newspaper work as a reporter for different news- 
papers and was also connected with the Associated Press. In 1888 he entered 
the law office of J. W. Oates, and the following year was appointed clerk of 
the committee on judiciary of the state legislature. May 6, 1890, he was 
admitted to the bar, and shortly afterwards formed a partnership with W. F. 
Cowan in the practice of his profession in Santa Rosa. In November, 1892, 
he was elected district attorney of Sonoma county and was re-elected in 1895, 
serving six years. In 1898 he was nominated on the Democratic ticket for 
congress. He was loath to accept, but was persuaded to do so by his friends 
and at the election ran ahead of his ticket in his district. In 1902 he was 
elected judge of the superior court and again in 1908 was returned to that 
important position and is now serving with satisfaction to the people. He has 
frequently been called to preside over cases in other counties. 

Judge Seawell was united in marriage on March 20, 1892, with Ida S. 
Graeter, of Santa Rosa and they have two children Dorothea, aged seven years, 
and Emmett James aged four years. In 1910-11 Judge Seawell served as 
grand trustee of the Grand Parlor N. S. G. W. A man of good attainments, 
well versed in the intricacies of the law, he has conducted and won manv im- 
portant suits, and in his professional conflicts with prominent lawyers of Sonoma 
county and the section of the state in which he resides has ever proven him- 
self an opponent worthy of their highest efforts. As a judge he has shown 
his true quality and his decisions have ever been made with justice and without 
partiality. 



MELYIN R. CRYSTAL. 

In the raising of fruit as in other occupations of the present day the spe- 
cialist has certain advantages over other horticulturists, for having devoted his 
land and energy to the perfection of some particular specie, he naturally acquires 
results which one whose interests are more scattered could not attain. One who 
has made a study of this subject and is now devoting his attention to the raising 
of apples and berries almost exclusively is Melvin R. Crystal, whose ranch on 
Rural Route No. 2 from Sebastopol is one of the show places of the county. 

Though not a native of California, Mr. Crystal was born in the adjoining 
state of Oregon, in 1872, and has passed his entire life in the west. His parents 
were both natives of Iowa, but much of their mature life was passed west of the 
Rocky mountains. The father has passed from earth, but the mother is still 
living in a small home of her own near Sebastopol. When he was fifteen years 
of age, in 1887, Melvin R. Crystal came to California, and in 1895 he settled in 
Sonoma count}-. His first experience as a rancher in this locality was on prop- 
erty adjoining the Burbank ranch near Sebastopol, which he had purchased in 
1898. After living there about four years he sold the property and rented the 
Hicks ranch in Green valley, remaining there one year. Upon giving it up in 
1903 he purchased the property on which lie now resides, near Sebastopol. The 




CO *^*-*<sL^.Gu / y\ i^Cj^-^^^t-^sCj^Uu^ ^ 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 485 

ranch was only partly cultivated and it remained for the purchaser to make of 
it what he could. Mr. Crystal's has been the master hand in bringing about the 
transformation that has since been wrought, all of which has been done in a 
quiet, methodical way, characteristic of the proprietor and noticeable in whatever 
he undertakes. Of the one hundred and sixty-three acres included in his prop- 
erty, known as the Formosa ranch, ten acres are in Gravenstein apples, ten acres 
in strawberries, logan and mammoth berries, ten acres in vineyard, and on a 
portion of the remainder he raises hogs, also horses for his own use, besides 
which he keeps cows to supply the needs of his household. The raising of fruits 
has been a subject of special interest to Mr. Crystal for a number of years, and 
in specializing on the raising of apples and berries the results would indicate 
that he has made no mistake in his selection. Having decided that the Graven- 
stein apple was the best adapted to the conditions that prevail in this locality he 
set out ten acres to this variety, also devoted the same amount of land to berries, 
strawberry, logan and mammoth berries, and these two commodities are his spe- 
cialties, although he also has a vineyard of ten acres which is in a very flourish- 
ing condition. His apple crop averages four hundred boxes to the acre, and 
brings an average price of $1.50 per box. The fruits raised on the Formosa 
ranch have no equal in this section of the country, and are not only in constant 
demand, but bring the highest prices. The purchase price of the land was $16,000, 
and although Mr. Crystal has since disposed of eighty-eight acres, he holds the 
remaining acreage at $44,000, and even at this figure could not be tempted to 
part with it. In mentioning the fruit-raising possibilities of Formosa ranch all 
has not been said in its favor, for it includes a natural park of ten acres which 
has no equal in Sonoma county. This is entirely covered with a natural growth 
of trees, making a spot as beautiful as it is unusual. 

In 1895 Mr. Crystal was united in marriage with Mrs. Sadie D. Ewing, a 
native of California. In his political sympathies he is a Republican, but he has 
never cared for nor sought official recognition, finding his greatest interest in the 
care and development of his ranch and doing his duty as a citizen in a quiet, 
unostentatious way. 



CHRISTIAN LAURITZEN. 

The life herein delineated commenced in Denmark in the year 1846, and 
ended in California in 1897. It represents the maximum of effort on the part 
of an individual to achieve for himself a life of undying fame by the consum- 
mation of earnest and sincere desires both toward himself and his fellows. There 
is nothing more inspiring, nothing more glorious, than a life well spent and 
duty well discharged, and this may be said to be true of Mr. Lauritzen. 

Christian Lauritzen was born in Hjerndrup, Denmark, August 10, 1846, 
a son of Hans and Katherine Lauritzen. ' At an early age he became a student 
in the public schools and later in life commenced farming, in which pursuit he 
was engaged until he came to America. In addition to this, he served three 
years in the Danish army. From the annals of family history we learn that 
Mr. Lauritzen left his native land in the year 1866 and journeyed to America. 
He came direct to California and for a time stayed in Petaluma, later moving 



486 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

to Humboldt county, where he engaged in the sheep-raising industry with his 
brother, J. C. Lauritzen. Continuing in this business for several years with a 
measure of success, they sold out in 1884 and returned to Petaluma, buying a 
livery business in the Centennial building, and in addition to following this, 
also conducted a butcher business until 1888. In that year they sold the busi- 
ness, bought a ranch at Reclamation and engaged in farming. Their ranch con- 
sisted of eight hundred and forty acres of good land, through which the North- 
western Railroad runs. Reclamation station was located on the place and af- 
fords a splendid shipping point. Here Mr. Lauritzen died November 16, 1897, 
having lived a successful life as a farmer, stock-raiser and a citizen. Politically 
he was a Republican, firmly believing in the principles advocated by this party ; 
fraternally he was a member of the United Ancient Order of Druids, and reli- 
giously gave his moral and financial support to the Lutheran church. 

Mr. Lauritzen was married in Petaluma January 10, 1888, to Miss Clara 
Uahlmann, a native of Marin county, Cal., and daughter of Henry Dahlmann, 
who was born in Hanover, Germany, where he married Wilhelmina Starke. 
This couple immigrated to America during the early '50s, coming via the Isth- 
mus of Panama, and landing in San Francisco. After mining for a short time 
Mr. Dahlmann located on a farm in Marin county, where he had bought a dairy 
farm consisting of two hundred and fifty acres. Here both Mr. and Mrs. Dahl- 
mann passed away. There were seven children in their family, six of whom are 
living, Mrs. Lauritzen being the fourth oldest. After her husband's death, Mrs. 
Lauritzen came to Petaluma, and established her home where she now lives on 
Seventh street. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Lauritzen : Harold; 
who is paying teller in the Savings Union Bank of San Francisco, having served 
three years in the Hill Bank of Petaluma and six months in the Petaluma 
National Bank ; and Augusta, who is at home. Mrs. Lauritzen continues to hold 
her interest in the farm on which her late husband died, and in the city of 
Petaluma she has many friends who admire her for her numerous admirable 
qualities and kindly disposition. 



THOMAS GILBERT WOOLSEY TROSPER. 
It is intensely interesting to chronicle the life history of the pioneer, the 
man who in his prime entered the wilderness and claimed the virgin soil as his 
heritage, not afraid to endure the hardships and dangers that surrounded him 
on every hand, and by his energy and perseverance carved out a home and 
competence for himself and family. Such a man was the late Thomas Gilbert 
Woolsey Trosper, pioneer, hunter, Indian fighter and citizen. He was born 
in Knox county, Ky., June 2, 1826. His father, also a native of Kentucky, 
moved to Nodaway county, Mo., in 1833, when Thomas was only eleven years 
of age and there he was brought up on the frontier farm and became inured to 
the privations and hardships attendant upon the conquering of a new country. 
It was an active outdoor life for him and laid the foundation for his strong 
physique, energy and endurance displayed in after years. However, living as 
he did, on the frontier, gave him very limited advantages for obtaining an 
education. 



HISTORY! OF SONOMA COUNTY 487 

In 1850, like thousands of others, he became interested in the gold dis- 
coveries in California, so he crossed the plains with an ox-train, arriving in due 
time and for a time followed mining, but it was not fraught with the success 
he had pictured, so he turned his attention to other fields, and came to Cape 
Mendocino, where he entered into a contract with a large mill company to 
furnish them with meat by hunting with his old muzzle-loader. He killed an 
abundance of deer, elk and bear for their camp. During this time he had 
several scraps with the Warm Springs Indians and one of these nearlv termi- 
nated his life, while he and a partner were working about half a mile from 
their cabin, getting out timber. They had been bothered a great deal by Indians 
pilfering while they were away and they took turns going to the cabin to see 
that things were not disturbed. On one trip, as he passed through the tall 
grass, he was waylaid and attacked by five Indians grabbing his gun and ham- 
mering him over the head with pine knots. Fortunately they did not get in a 
telling blow from the start, so that in the scrimmage he knocked one down with 
his fist, thus freeing his gun, and wounded another through the knee, the same 
shot killing the Indian he had knocked down. The third Indian was killed 
with a blow from his gun, breaking it off at the stock. Seeing the fate of the 
three the other two ran away. His partner found him unconscious and nursed 
him until his wounds were healed and he was fully recovered. He had twenty- 
seven holes and cuts through his scalp at the time and carried the marks of 
the battle as long as he lived. When his partner found him there were two 
Indians beside him and the third was found later in the top of a fallen tree 
where he had crawled and died. 

Sometime afterward Mr. Trosper settled in Green Valley where he mar- 
ried Cornelia Elizabeth McGuire, born in Jackson county, Mo. Her father, 
James McGuire brought the family to California in 1849, crossing the plains 
with ox-teams and locating at Knight's Landing, where he died, the family 
afterwards removing to Green Valley, Sonoma county. 

Thomas Trosper was among those who made the rush to Salmon river 
during the gold excitement, making the trip through the mountains, over- 
land. As early as i860 he purchased a tract of land on West Austin creek, 
above what is now Cazadero, and located there. At the mouth of what is now 
called Bear Trap creek he built a bear pen and in it trapped many a bear and 
from this the creek received its name. He was a great lover of hunting and 
enjoyed it all his life, although he had many a narrow escape from bruin. In 
1867, near Cazadero, he wounded a bear and his dog stopped it and four other 
bears in a thicket. Nothing daunted, Trosper went in, being absolutely fear- 
less, but the wounded bear attacked him ; his hunting partner fled, the bear 
caught him by the heel, then with a second pass of his huge paw grabbed the 
calf of his leg and stripped it clear down; then caught him by the thigh and 
began chewing it up and would soon have put an end to him had the bear not 
been in a dying condition. Fortunately his life was ebbing slowly and as one 
of Trosper's dogs bit the bear it turned on the dog and with the effort keeled 
over, dead. Trosper was carried home on a horse and was laid up for six 
months from his many wounds ; though healed he carried them for life. 

Mr. Trosper was extensively engaged in sheep, cattle and hog raising, in 
which he was very prosperous and acquired a large tract of land, being classed 



488 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

among the foremost and most substantial men of his section, always interested 
in its advancement and upbuilding. When a young man Mr. Trosper took an 
active part in driving the Mormons out of Missouri and when he came over- 
land to California he left Salt Lake to one side. His demise occurred May 
4, 1898, while his wife died in 1910. Five children were born of this union, 
as follows : Albion A., who died at the age of nineteen years ; Annie E., who 
became the wife of F. O. Schumann and died in Marin county in 1882; Arthur 
L., who died near Occidental, in October 1910 ; Francis D., and Ernest E., 
whose sketches appear elsewhere in this work. Mr. Trosper was a man of 
much native ability and was truly a self-made man, rising from a youth empty 
handed to a man of affluence. He was a very prominent old pioneer, kind 
hearted, generous and charitable and he and his good wife were greatly esteemed 
by all who knew them. 



ROBERT EDWARD LEE HALLEY. 

We are indebted to the eastern states for many of our best citizens. Many 
of these men and women came to this state in the early days and by persistence 
and industry made possible to us many of the privileges we enjoy today. In fact 
it is impossible to estimate correctly the amount of good these fearless ones have 
done for California. Not only to the pioneers of old do we owe a debt of deep 
gratitude, but to those who followed them up and continued their work. The 
progress of a country cannot be continued indefinitely by one band of men and 
women, for the time comes when the\ are called upon to rest from the heat and 
burden of the day and view from the rugged heights of achievement the accom- 
plishments of their hands. Then it is that others are called into the breach to 
maintain prestige won by predecessors. Thus it is that we commend the life and 
work of Robert Edward Lee Halley. 

Mr. Halley was born in Newton, Jasper county, 111., September 13, 1869, 
a son of John Henry and Lucie Kathleen (Thompson) Halley, the former a 
native of Virginia and the latter of Tennessee, where they were married in 
Brownsville, May 4, 1864. Mr. Halley was educated in the public school of his 
native place and his after life bears excellent testimony to the fact that he made 
the most of the meagre educational facilities, by earnest application to his studies. 
After graduating from the public school he was first employed as a clerk in a 
store, which occupation he followed for some time. Not content with the pros- 
pects of improving his position in the store in Illinois, we find the young man 
travelling from one place to another in search of better conditions, always being 
sure that he was advancing his status before making the move. Thus we find 
him going from Illinois to Paica, Indian Territory, and later to Antlers. At the 
latter place he heard of the splendid openings in the west and ultimately yielded 
to the lure of this land of sunshine, for we find him coming to San Francisco 
From this latter place he moved to Cotati, Sonoma county, in which town he now 
resides. 

Mr. Halley saw a splendid opportunity to purchase land at Cotati and he 
accordingly bought seven acres. Having the instinct of shrewdness well developed, 
Mr. Halley sold this land, for which he had paid $85 per acre, at a good margin 




o£<Jt *£4L~J2>*A 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 49 1 

of profit which enabled him to purchase a store and five lots in Cotati. In this 
store he now operates a general merchandising business and his up-to-date 
method of attending to the many wants and needs of the customers finds hearty 
endorsement in the minds of all who trade there. 

Politically Mr. Halley is a Democrat, believing in the rule of the people, 
and in him his party has a stanch supporter of its principles, for he is true to 
what he believes to be right and just. For two years he was school trustee and 
during his tenure of office showed his practical sympathy in giving to rising gen- 
erations the full benefits of modern educational methods. He has also served as 
deputy sheriff and is a member of the Woodmen of the World and the Odd Fel- 
lows. He is a member of the Catholic Church. 

Mr. Halley married, October 17, 1891^ in Arkansas City, Kan., Miss Eliza 
Park, who was born in Clements, Kan., February n, 1872. She was the daughter 
of Samuel Chase and Amanda (Carner) Park, natives of Athens, Bradford 
county, Pa., both of whom died in California. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. 
Halley, a daughter, Wanda, was born in Elmdale, Kan., July 26, 1892. Mr. and 
Mrs. Halley are looked upon with respect by all the citizens of Cotati and vicinity 
and they continue to hold the patronage of their many customers. 



FRED NEWTON FOLSOM, M. D. • 
A gratifying medical and surgical practice, and an- honored place as man 
and citizen in the community of Forestville, Sonoma county, have not come to 
Fred N. Folsom through any special advantages of fortune or encouragement 
along the lines of influence or money. On the other hand, he had to make his 
own way unaided, obtaining the means to prosecute his medical studies by fol- 
lowing the teacher's profession until his studies were completed. 

Aside from pride of accomplishment in professional lines, Dr. Folsom is 
proud to claim birth as a Native Son, being a native of Marysville, Yuba county, 
where he was born July 6, 1871, the son of Hiram Folsom, who came as a 
pioneer to the state in 1852 and is now living in Marysville at the age of 
eighty years. He is a native of New England, born in New Hampshire, while 
his wife was born in New York state ; the latter died in Marysville in March, 
1910, at the age of sixty-nine ^ears. The possibilities of the mines had been 
the chief attraction in bringing the elder Mr. F'olsom to the west in 1852 and 
for some time he followed mining with more or less success in Plumas county. 
Besides the subject of this sketch the parental family included another son, 
Clarence E. Folsom, who is now engaged as an electrician in Oakland. 

Although a miner during his earliest years in the west, the father later 
turned his attention to farming, and on the home ranch Fred N. Folsom grew to 
a sturdy boyhood and youth, and when he had attained school age, was a pupil 
in the schools of Prairie, Yuba county. After his graduation from grammar 
school he took an examination for teacher, and passing it successfully, began 
his career as a teacher at the early age of eighteen, in 1889, and continued to 
follow it until 1894. With the proceeds of six years efforts he began his medical 
studies in San Francisco, taking the regular course, from which he graduated 



492 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 



May 20, 1896. From the metropolis he returned to Laporte, Plumas county, 
and opened an office for the practice of his profession, and from the first re- 
ceived the patronage of the best and most influential citizens of the town. His 
identification with Sonoma county dates from the year 1902, when he located 
in Windsor. From there he removed to Forestville in 1905, continuing his 
practice there five years, when he located in Sebastopol October 20, 1910, since 
which time he has built up a fine practice, not confined to the immediate vicinity 
of this town, but extending to all parts of Sonoma county. 

Dr. Folsom's marriage, February 4, 191 1, united him with Mrs. Annie 
McLaren, a native of California. By a former marriage Dr. Folsom had one 
child, Ortis Fred Folsom, born March 10, 1898, and now a pupil in the schools 
of Santa Cruz. Politically Dr. Folsom is a Republican, and fraternally his 
affiliations include membership in the Odd Fellows Lodge at Forestville, the 
Modern Woodmen of America, and the United Artisans. Next to his love 
for the profession which he has chosen for his life work Dr. Folsom has a deep 
fondness for man's best friend, the horse, and has raised many high bred trot- 
ting horses. He was formerly the owner of Starlock, a fine standard-bred trot- 
ting stallion, which he has recently sold. 



CHARLES FITCH. 

Genealogical records show the intimate association of the Fitch family with 
the colonial period of American history. The founders of the name in this 
country crossed the ocean to New England while that region was still a forest 
primeval. The transformation of a stern and inhospitable wilderness into an 
abode of thrift and industry was a task into which successive generations threw 
their eager energies. By degrees, however, agriculture gave place to maritime 
pursuits and, as captain of ocean vessels, many of the name sailed the stormy 
northern seas. Capt. Henry Fitch commanded a trading-ship that sailed under 
the English flag and he attained a position of wide influence among men of his 
calling. The next generation was represented by Henry Delano Fitch, who 
was given his father's name as a prefix to the family name of his mother. 
Born at New Haven, Conn., May 7, 1799, he was three years of age when his 
parents removed to Charlestown, Mass., now a suburb of Boston, and there he 
attended the local schools, with the advantage of subsequent training at Harvard 
University. An initial experience as a sailor under Captain Smith was followed 
by an appointment (secured through his father's influence) in 1822 as successor 
to the recently deceased captain of a large ship owned by the firm of Bryan, 
Sturgis & Co., of Boston. L T nder his command the ship rounded Cape Horn, 
sailed along the Pacific coast of South America, anchored for a time at the. 
Sandwich Islands, and ultimately reached California, where the sturdy young 
captain had the distinction of being the first to pilot a steamer within the 
Golden Gate. 

While acting as commander of the ship, which was anchored in the harbor 
of a California port. Captain Fitch formed the acquaintance of Dona Josepha 
Carrillo. who was born at San Gabriel, Cal., in April, 18 10. She was christened 
Maria Antonia Natalia Elijia Carrillo, but was afterward called Josepha, be- 



HISTORY OF SONAMA COUNTY 493 

cause she forgot her names but thought one of them was Josepha. She grew to 
womanhood in San Diego, whither at the age of two years she removed with 
her father, Don Joaquin Carrillo. The affection of the young American for 
the beautiful Castilian girl was so deep that it overcame every obstacle to their 
union. Her father, a gentleman of fine family and an officer in the Mexican 
army, was an ardent believer in the Roman Catholic faith and would not permit 
his daughter to become the wife of one holding different religious views. It 
was to overcome this objection that about 1827 Captain Fitch announced his in- 
tention to become a Mexican citizen and was baptized in San Diego as Enrique 
Domingo Fitch. The consent of the parents to the union had been obtained 
finally, but in the midst of the ceremony an uncle of the bride raised objections, 
and by threats or otherwise so scared the priest that he refused to perform the 
rite, and the wedding did not come off then. However, the lovers had the aid 
of General Vallejo and Captain Cooper, who had married sisters of the young 
girl and who assisted her in her elopement. The captain's vessel was boarded 
and on the arrival of the ship at Valparaiso the two were united in marriage. 
After one year they returned to San Diego and were arrested and separated 
by ecclesiastical authority. After the trial by the vicar they were set at liberty, 
but Don Enrique was condemned to do penance to the extent of furnishing a 
fifty-pound bell for the church at Los Angeles. This the captive did by giv- 
ing them a chime of three bells. The couple received the parental blessing and 
took up their residence in San Diego, where he was engaged in the mercantile 
business. 

The interests of Captain Fitch first became identified with Sonoma county 
through receiving a grant of eleven leagues of land here in 1844 from the 
Mexican government. Cyrus Alexander was appointed manager of the Sotoyome 
grant (as the tract was called) and the captain himself gave considerable per- 
sonal attention to its supervision, building on that portion of the grant now 
known as the Bailhache estate two adobe houses, both still standing and one 
forming the present ranch residence. On his estate he built the first mill in the 
county, the machinery for which he brought from Boston on his ship. The mill 
for years was utilized for the grinding of feed and the sawing of lumber. Fitch 
mountain, visible from Healdsburg. over which it stands guard like a sentinel, 
was named in honor of the captain. He also owned Coronado Beach and a 
small grant in San Francisco, now the site of Golden Gate Park. A short time 
before his death he was appointed as representative of the Pacific Mail Steam- 
ship Company, but never qualified for the position. Ere yet age had lessened 
his activities he passed from earth, January 14. 1849. It was not his privilege 
to witness the admission of California into the Union nor the wonderful trans- 
formation wrought by the discovery of gold, yet he had passed through many of 
the most stirring scenes in the early history of the coast and among his com- 
patriots was recognized as a man far above the average in intellect. His 
widow survived him for forty-four years and lived to see three successive na- 
tions in control of the land of her birth. She passed away January 26, 1893, 
in Healdsburg, where her last days were passed in close proximity to her chil- 
dren, Charles Fitch, Mrs. Josephine Bailhache and Mrs. John B. Grant, all 
of whom are residents of this city. One son, John, died in Arizona in 1899. 

During' the residence of the familv in San Diego, Charles Fitch was born 



494 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

September 1, 1842. and from there he came to the Sotoyome grant at the age 
of seven years. His education was secured principally in the schools of Alameda 
and in early life he engaged in ranching, but later turned his attention to rail- 
roading, which he followed from 1863 until his resumption of ranch activities. 
These he continues to the present and besides he devotes some attention to min- 
ing properties. During the Civil war he served as first lieutenant of Company 
E, First Native California Cavalry, and remained on duty in the state until the 
expiration of his time. Ever since the organization of the Republican party he 
has been in sympathy with its principles and at no time has he swerved in his 
allegiance to its platform. Twice married, he suffered a bereavement in the 
death of his first wife, Helen, in 1861, a year after their marriage. She was 
a daughter of Clark Foss, a noted stage-driver of early days. During 1877 he 
married Miss Carrie Brown, born in Healdsburg, and whose grandfather, Cap- 
tain Brown, of Ogden, Utah, was second to Brigham Young in command of the 
Mormons of the United States. Daniel Brown, father of Mrs. Fitch, came to 
California in 1849, a t the time of the excitement caused by the discovery of 
gold and here he remained until his death in 1866. Two children blessed the 
union of Mr. and Mrs. Fitch, namely : Charles R., born in 1878, and Woodley 
B., born in 1886. Both were born in the house still occupied by their parents;- 
both are married, the former residing at Coalinga, and the latter in Montana. 
The last mentioned son is the father of one child, Carrie. 

Tn the west, as years ago along the coast of New England, the Fitch 
family has given evidence of the possession of those traits that bring pros- 
perity and prominence, and Charles Fitch has proved a worthy representative 
of the race from which he sprang. Modest and unassuming to an unusual de- 
gree, tactful in his intercourse with all, generous to those in need, philanthropic 
in his association with charitable undertakings, he possesses the characteristics 
that endear a man to his contemporaries and entitle him to the respect of pos- 
terity. Proud as the state is of the splendid type of citizenship at the helm of 
affairs, there is a general recognition of the fact that the descendants of the 
pioneers are entitled to notable consideration and especially so when they sup- 
plement the courage and patriotism of their ancestors with the progressive 
spirit necessarv to twentieth-century development. 



MRS. JOSEPHINE BA1LHACHE. 

In maidenhood Mrs. Bailhache was known as Josephine Fitch, the daughter 
of Henry Delano and Josepha (Carrillo) Fitch, her birth occurring in San 
Diego in 1837. (The history of the Carrillo and Fitch families is given at 
length in the sketch of Charles Fitch, Mrs. Bailhache's brother, and to that the 
reader is referred for interesting and historical data concerning two of the 
most prominent families in this part of California.) 

Miss Fitch was about eleven years of age at the time of the death of her 
father, and it was soon after this event that the mother removed with her family 
to the Sotoyome ranch. This was a grant of land bequeathed to her by her 
husband, Henrv Delano Fitch. 



k 




w^&^- 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 497 

At the age of nineteen years, in 1856, Miss Fitch was united in marriage 
with John N. Bailhache, who was born in Ohio in 1828. At the age of three 
years he was taken by his parents to Alton, 111., where he lived until attaining 
his majority. Coincident with this was the finding of gold in California, and 
as he was of age and free to choose his own course in life, he came to California 
that year, 1849, t° see ' < h' s fortune. He landed at Sacramento at the end of an 
uneventful trip, and instead of going into the mines as did the majority of the 
immigrants of that year and the years immediately following, he went into the 
grocery business with Lloyd Tevis and Stanford at Sacramento. 

Fifteen children were born of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Bailhache, 
and of the number seven are now living. The eldest of these is George E., who 
was born in Sonoma county in 1858, and is now a practicing dentist in San 
Francisco. Ruth, born in i860, became the wife of M. A. Blumenberg, who 
is editor of the Musical Courier, a publication of New York City; while they 
have a home in that eastern city, much of their time is passed in Paris, France ; 
Fred, Jackson T., Nicholas and Solon are next in order of birth, and Juanita, 
the youngest of the family, is the wife of Oda Waldrop. Since the year 1856 
the home of the family has been in Healdsburg, where Mr. Bailhache passed 
away in 1902. 

Mrs. Bailhache's father, Henry Delano Fitch, w-as the son of Boriah Fitch, 
a native of England, and who came to America in 1725 as an officer in the 
British navy. He landed at Nantucket, but later moved to New Haven, Conn., 
where Henry Delano was born in 1798. The family home was later moved to 
Charleston, Mass., and there he continued his education, later attending Harvard 
University at Cambridge. He became master of his own ship and sailed the 
seas for thirty years. He came to California for the first time in 1822 and 
made location in San Diego in 1829, after his marriage with Josepha Carrillo. 
He followed the sea until 1848, when he sold out, and was making preparation 
to move to Healdsburg- in 1849, when his death occurred, January 14, 1849. 
His wife was the daughter of Don Joaquin Carrillo. a native of Spain, who 
settled near Cape San Lucas, Lower California. He acquired the grant of 
Sotoyome in 1842, and later received the patent to it. 



WILLIAM EVART. 
More lasting than any printed testimonials of worth and high citizenship 
is the enduring impress made by Mr. Evart upon the commercial and agricul- 
tural development of Sonoma county. His privilege it has been to maintain 
an intimate association with this region from a comparatively early period to 
the present era of twentieth-century progress. That the community offers op- 
portunities to a man of integrity and energy is indicated by his own success, 
for he came here entirely without means and he has had the care of a large 
family, yet he has risen steadily to a position of influence and responsibility. 
Under his supervision there are now interests representing large amounts and 
important enterprises; to each of these he brings an intelligent mind, keen reas- 



498 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

oning faculties and habits of prompt decision. The natural outcome of such 
devotion and intelligence has been a high degree of financial success. 

Born in the city of Rochester, Monroe county, N. Y., February 1, 1853, 
William Evart had no advantages in boyhood except such as came to him 
through his own arduous industry and resolute purpose. Quite early in life he 
was attracted to tales of California happenings and his resolve was made to 
migrate to the Pacific coast, which ambition reached its fulfillment during the 
year 1877. The trip to the west was made over the Union Pacific Railroad and 
he arrived safely at San Francisco, where and in Oakland he labored for two 
years. The ensuing year was spent in Napa county and from there he came 
to Sonoma county, where ever since he has made his home and the center of his 
varied enterprises. In all of his work he has had the wise counsel of a prudent, 
frugal and sagacious wife, Bridget Frances (Williams) Evart, who was born 
in Monroe county, N. Y., in the year 1855 and who came to California during 
young womanhood. Throughout the community she is honored for her devotion 
to her large family, her love of home, of country and of justice. Deeply in- 
terested in all reform, she was a pioneer in good works for the betterment 
of Sonoma county during her younger days. Her life has been bright and 
sweet with all the virtues that go to make a faithful wife and a loyal friend. 

The family of William Evart comprised the following-named sons and 
daughters : Frank R. ; John R., deceased ; William P. ; Earl P. ; Edwin J. ; 
Henry G. ; Benedict Y., deceased; Mary E. ; Sophia, deceased; Catherine; 
Alice R. ; Ida C. ; Irene A. and Helen. The eldest son, Frank R., married Clara 
Keegan, a native daughter of the state, and they have five children, Frances 
R., Dorothy M., Marjorie, Edwin J., and an infant as yet unnamed. William 
P. Evart married Celia Howard, a resident of Petaluma and the daughter of 
John Howard. It was the ambition of William Evart and his wife to give their 
children the best educational advantages within their means. No sacrifice was 
counted too great that enhanced the welfare of those dear to them. The sons 
were given grammar-school educations at Penn Grove. Two daughters, Ida 
and Alice, completed a course of study in a business college during the year 
1910, graduating with honors. A younger daughter, Irene, is a college student 
at the present time. The sons are especially fond of baseball, while the father 
found his greatest pleasure in hunting during his younger years. Two sons, 
William P. and Earl P.. are enthusiastic members of the Benevolent Protective 
Order of Elks, besides which four of the sons are Native Sons of the Golden 
West, belonging to the local organization at Petaluma. In politics all are in- 
dependent. The family holdings include a ranch comprising one hundred and 
forty-seven acres and one-half interest in a stock ranch in Napa county consist- 
ing of twenty-five hundred acres and affording pasturage for one hundred and 
twenty-five head of live-stock. In the village of Penn Grove, where the family 
reside, William Evart owns a meat market, general store and warehouse, also 
handles as much as a carload of feed daily and buys and sells eggs and chickens 
in large quantities, the entire business aggregating $300,000 in the course of the 
year. Frank R. Evart has charge of the warehouse, grain, feed and poultry, 
while another son has charge of the store and market. All of the buildings in 
which the varied interests are housed were put up by William Evart, and in- 
clude a warehouse of two stories 40x60 feet, blacksmith shop, oil house, stable. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 499 

barns, and three dwellings. Mr. Evart has also put on the market what is 
known as Evart's addition to Penn Grove, consisting of twenty-seven lots. An 
enterprise so large as that of which Mr. Evart is the manager proves the energy 
of its founder and is a credit to the village in which it is located. 



COULSON POULTRY AND STOCK FOOD CO. 

Past masters in their line of commercial activity are the president and the 
secretary of the Coulson Poultry and Stock Food Company, an organization 
identified with the business development of Petaluma and transacting a large 
trade that extends throughout the entire state and even into Nevada, Washington 
and Oregon. The factory affords ample facilities for the manufacture and handling 
of poultry food and supplies, which is a specialty of the firm. The ingredients 
used in the work are bought in immense quantities and at the lowest possible 
prices, which gives the company an advantage in disposing of the product at 
reasonable rates. The company acts as Pacific coast agents for Armour's poul- 
try meat and blood meals, also as agent for Conkey's celebrated poultry and stock 
remedies and the Jubilee incubators and brooders. The advantages of the Jubi- 
lee incubators are described to include a correct underlying principle, a faultless 
construction, a superior finish and an unapproached record. The Jubilee sec- 
tional hot-water in-door brooders are constructed in two, three and four sections, 
to accommodate fifty chicks to each section, and are made for indoor use in 
brooder houses. The colony outdoor brooders are constructed in one size only, 
for outdoor use. The Coulson Company have also a fireless brooder involving 
a new principle, that of heat accumulators under which the chicks are hovered 
and in which they are free from the danger of smothering, no lamps being used 
nor any other kind of artificial heat. 

The present company was organized in February of 1905, with H. C. Scrut- 
ton as president and manager, and S. C. Leonard as secretary, and with a capital 
stock of $100,000, all paid in. From fifteen to twenty men are employed, four 
of them being traveling salesmen. Shipments are made in large quantities over the 
railroad, while the excellent shipping facilities offered by water make it possible 
to successfully compete with dealers in other western cities. The superiority of 
their poultry foods is recognized by customers, and in consequence the demand 
is constantly increasing. The people of Petaluma are justly proud of the fac- 
tory, and its growing trade is appreciated by residents of the home town. The 
large brick building used as a factory is owned by the company, together with 
the expensive equipment of machinery necessary for mixing. The product is 
rich in protein, correctly mixed, accurately proportioned, and contains nothing 
that is not absolutely wholesome and the best of its kind. In poultry feeds the 
owners of the factory believe that the "best is the cheapest," and that many of 
the heavy iosses sustained by chicken-raisers are due to the purchase of cheap, 
impure feeds. The principal products are Coulson's improved egg food, Coul- 
son's egg food, Coulson's special dry chick feed, Coulson's growing chick feed, 
Coulson's scratching feed, Coulson's No. 5 condition powder for horses, Coul- 
son's No. 1 condition powder for little chicks and Coulson's No. 3 condition 
powder for laying hens. 



5 oo HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

The improved egg food is a highly concentrated food, containing a large 
percentage of protein and egg-producing material, due to the ingredients that 
make up its composition. The food being concentrated is fed in smaller quanti- 
ties than the old-fashioned feeds, while it is claimed that the flocks are kept in 
healthier condition, because their digestion is not overtaxed by having to eat 
a very large amount of food in order to produce the necessary eggs. A sack of 
ninety pounds makes a meal for twelve hundred and fifty hens. A little more 
than two pounds is sufficient for a hen for one month. The egg food is similar 
to the improved egg food, but contains less meat meal, blood meal and condition 
powders. The dry chick feed is adapted to young chicks and contains tender 
seeds, cracked grains, cut oat meal, dried meat, fine particles of fresh cut bone, 
charcoal and burnt bone. Every ingredient is selected with a view to its sound- 
ness and purity. 

The secretary of the company, S. C. Leonard, was born in Bradford county, 
Pa., in 1865, and at the age of five years accompanied the family to New York 
state, where he was given the advantages of the excellent grammar-schools and 
the free academy at Elmira. At the age of fifteen years he moved to Big Flats, 
Chemung county, N. Y., and for three years helped with the work on the home 
farm, after which he studied telegraphy on the Delaware, Lackawanna & West- 
ern Railroad. At the age of twenty-one he was appointed station agent at 
Big Flats, and for fifteen years he remained in the same position, re- 
signing in 1901. In 1904 he removed to California, where he has since been a 
resident of Petaluma and an associate in the business with which he is now con- 
nected. 

The president of the company, Ft. C. Scrutton, was born in London, Eng- 
land, in 1872. In 1902 he came to California, settling in Sonoma county, where 
he bought and conducted a chicken ranch. In the year 1909 he sold the ranch 
in order to devote his entire attention to the rapidly growing business at Peta- 
luma. With his partner he is giving the closest attention to the details of the 
business, and its rapid development is due to their indefatigable energy and 
sagacious judgment. 



ERNEST EUGENE TROSPER. 

The gratifying degree of success that has attended the persevering ef- 
forts of Mr. Trosper shows what may be accomplished by patient industry, 
honorable dealings and unswerving application to such duties as the day may 
bring. When he began for himself he had no moneyed capital, but he pos- 
sessed a sturdy constitution, willing hands and true moral principles and with 
these as a foundation he has laid the superstructure of personal success, while 
still a young man. He has already attained a fair competency and is sur- 
rounded by comforts that enhance the pleasure of existence, being in a position 
now by good management to reap still greater success and accomplish greater 
results. 

Ernest E. Trosper was born five miles above Cazadero, on West Austin 
creek, July 15, 1868, and was the youngest child born to Thomas G. W. and 
Cornelia (McGuire) Trosper, pioneers of Sonoma county, whose sketch ap- 





\^vicau) <e , 42^&e 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 503 

pears elsewhere in this volume. He was brought up in the stock business, 
learning it from the time he was a boy, and receiving a good education in the 
public schools. Remaining home helping his parents until he was twenty-one 
years of age, he then started for himself, beginning at the bottom without any 
means. Renting land, he began raising cattle, met with much success and later 
on was enabled to purchase a ranch of six hundred and forty acres on Bear 
Trap creek. It is well improved with a comfortable residence and other build- 
ings necessary to the stock business, for which the ranch is used. It is well 
wooded with redwood, pine and other native trees, besides a family orchard, 
and watered by the above-named creek as well as numerous springs and is well 
named, being known as the Bear Pen Creek Ranch, devoted to the raising of 
high grade cattle and hogs. 

In Two Rock occurred the marriage of Mr. Trosper and Eunice Jackson, 
who was born in Penn Grove, a daughter of Lorenzo and Eunice Jackson, who 
were early settlers of Sonoma county, crossing the plains in 1852. Mrs. Trosper 
is a very amiable woman of much culture and refinement and has been an able 
assistant to her husband's success. He is affiliated with the Independent Order 
of Odd Fellows at Guerneville and politically is a Democrat, being one of the 
leaders of his party in Ocean township. He has served a.s school trustee of 
the Austin district, where his father built the first schoolhouse. For ten years 
he has been a deputy sheriff and constable for Ocean township since 1889. 
He has gained for himself an enviable place in his community and is much 
esteemed for his strong personality, never swerving from what he considers 
right. Public spirited and enterprising, he assists all worthy measures for 
the upbuilding of the county. Kind and generous, many have been the recipients 
of his bountv. 



LYMAN C. BYCE. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Canada in 1852. His earlier years 
were spent amid the rigors of severe winters and toil incident to farm life, 
where he grew up into young manhood. Schooling was obtained by walking 
three miles to a little old log school house, the attendance being confined to the 
winter months, as the farming operations required the labor of old and young 
throughout the spring and summer months. Being raised in a country where 
the timber had to be cleared away to secure a patch of ground for a home and 
land for farming, his early days were naturally fraught with plenty of hard 
work and little opportunity for play. Naturally precocious and apt at learning, 
he greedily absorbed everything in the reading line that the home and its en- 
vironment could afford, which, coupled with his natural mechanical propensity, 
found him at an early age working out problems in the realm of invention that 
would do credit to those of more mature years. A workshop in the then un- 
developed section of country meant an improvised bench hewn from a stick of 
timber and erected in the shade of a tree or some rudely constructed outbuilding, 
but it is out of such surroundings that boys and men have arisen that have pro- 
duced some of the most marvelous mechanical devices and advanced ideas, 
astonishing to those whose lives have been cast in more pleasant places. So 
this boy, having but the poorest tools and few at that, principally a pocket knife 

27 



504 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

to work with, his own initiative and originality became so strongly developed 
that we find him while yet very young the inventor of a potato digger, which 
has been successfully used throughout the United States and otiier countries, 
an improvement in fanning mills, a mold board for plows, a sewing machine, 
a conveyor for sawdust for mills, a gauge lathe for turning long slim handles 
for rakes and similar purposes, a log carriage for saw mills, a lumber tallying 
device for saw carriages, a kiln for drying starch, an acoustic telephone, a sur- 
geon's spring lancet, and other articles. 

Throughout the varied experiences of a young inventor, working on the 
farm, going to school a few months in the year, there was still prominent above 
all other things — all other ideas and thoughts — the one thing he has so success- 
fully worked out and which has made his name known almost throughout the 
world. While not yet twelve years of age he became interested in his father's 
operations in hatching chickens by means of heat generated from decomposing 
horse manure and at once improvised a hatching machine, using dry goods boxes 
and a tin tank to contain water from which chickens were hatched. Although 
leaving the farm to take higher branches in school work and later taking up 
the study of medicine, there was still present the ever dominant thought of a 
perfected hatching machine, and hence every opportunity was used to experi- 
ment, oftentimes not under the most favorable circumstances, but with a deter- 
mination that knows no defeat he followed it up to a successful culmination, 
and when the history of future years is written, the name of L. C. Byce will 
appear among the benefactors of the race, as the man who gave to the world the 
method of modern successful artificial incubation of eggs. 

In 1878 Mr. Byce established in Petalum'a, Cal, a factory for building in- 
cubators and brooders and these successful hatching machines are known and 
used in all parts of the world. He is also known and acknowledged to be the 
founder of the great poultry industry of the Pacific coast. 

It is the busy men who usually have the time to do things, so Mr. Byce 
has found time out of the vast fund of his knowledge to contribute articles to 
medical, scientific and mechanical journals, as well as articles of literary merit 
to popular magazines, and stories to boys' papers, and he is also a voluminous 
writer on the subject of artificial incubation and practical poultry raising, which 
have been eagerly sought by the journals of this class in various parts of the 
world. 

In 1888 Mr. Byce was married to Miss Lily C. Gray, a native of London, 
England, from which union two sons grace a home known far and wide as a 
model American home, richly endowed with kindness and hospitality. 

Mr. Byce is a man of retiring disposition, though aggressive and brave in 
any cause which he believes to be right. Though often sought and urged to fill 
public positions he has always shrank from the notoriety which would naturally 
follow, preferring to do for his fellowmen and community what he can in the 
more modest way which is characteristic of the man. Not a few know what it 
is to receive encouragement and advice from him freighted with wisdom, as well 
as aid in a very substantial manner to assist them in attaining the object sought. 

He is liberal to a fault, charitable, ever ready to help in time of need, and 
a great friend of boys many of whose careers he has helped to shape, temperate 
in all things, a close observer of the needs of the community, and a hearty par- 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 5°5 

ticipator in public and private enterprises. Mr. Byce is a member of the Con- 
gregational Church, and occupies a prominent piace in social and fraternal 
circles. 

In "California, Her Industries, Attractions and Builders," is the following— 
"In the great rustle and bustle of life there arc modest, unassuming men who 
guide and control great enterprises, give tone and character to our leading in- 
dustries and fraternal organizations and become the leaders of society by com- 
mon consent. Their tact and ability are recognized and their counsel is sought 
in pushing and promoting business interests in all the commercial, mechanical, 
and educational projects of our country. 

"Mr. Byce has already filled a station in life to entitle him to rank with the 
leading business men of the country, and as one of the big hearted, level headed, 
and efficient members of the community, has done more to promote and advance 
the great poultry industry of the Pacific Coast than any other person. 

"He has a fine physical organization, a quiet impressive manner, genial, 
frank, firm in his convictions of right and duty, and a magnetism that gives him 
a popularity and the highest respect and esteem among his fellow citizens. 

"He is a Past Master of Petaluma Lodge No. 180, F. & A. M., Past High 
Priest of Petaluma Royal Arch Chapter No. 22, Past Commander of Mt. Olivet 
Commandery of Knights Templar No. 20, Past Patron of Morning Star Chapter 
No. 61, O. E. S., Past Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter O. E. S. of Cali- 
fornia, Member of Petaluma Lodge No. 30, I. O. O. F., and of Relief. En- 
campment No. 29, I. O. O. F., of Petaluma." 



JAMES WILLIAM GRAY. 

The history of the early American colonization of Sonoma county contains, 
among the names of dauntless pioneers, that of Isaac Gray, a hardy frontiersman 
and resourceful farmer, who was born in Indiana in 1840 of southern lineage 
and during boyhood immigrated with other members of the parental family to 
California in 1852, making a brief sojourn in Stockton and thence coming to 
this county as early as 1854, when he was a lad of fourteen years. Settlers 
were few, ranches widely scattered and schools conspicuous by their absence, 
hence he had few opportunities to acquire an education. In spite of this handi- 
cap he became a man of keen observation and broad intelligence. Conditions 
were such that he could not accumulate wealth, but he reared his children in 
comparative comfort and gave them the advantages denied to his own early years. 
By his marriage to Clarissa Palmer, who was born in Indiana in 1848, he became 
the father of five children, namely : Edward A., who married Flora Coots and 
has three children, Walter, Clarence and Alvina; Franklin H. ; James W., who 
was born in Sonoma county in 1871 and has spent his entire life within the boun- 
daries of his native township ; Ella L., Mrs. C. O. Swanson, who has one son, 
Jesse; and Rilla L., who married George Coster and has one son, Melvin. 

The public schools of this county gave James William Gray an opportunity 
to acquire a knowledge of the elementary branches. Through all of his life he 
has remained in the same locality. Its gradual but steady development he has 



506 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

witnessed with deep interest. By personal efforts he has contributed to local 
advancement. Upon completing his schooling he took up agricultural activities 
and on November 20, 1902, he was united in marriage with Miss Lillian Goode, 
who was born in Manchester, England, in 1878, and by whom he has two chil- 
dren living, William L., a bright boy of five years, and Muriel, who is two years 
old. Virgil F. died when two years old. Mrs. Gray is a daughter of George 
Goode, a native of England, who became a farmer in North Dakota. He died in 
1885, at the age of forty-eight years. His wife, who in maidenhood was Susan 
Help, was also a native of England, and now resides near Healdsburg. There 
were twelve children -in the Goode family, namely: Thomas; George, who is 
married and lives in Washington; Alfred; Walter; Charles; Joseph; Frederick; 
John; Clara, the wife of John Borden, of Idaho, and the mother of one child, 
Susanna ; Frances, who married R. D. Patterson, residing on Mill Creek, and 
has two children ; and Susan, who died at fourteen years of age. Mrs. Gray came 
to the United States with her parents in 1880, when she was two years of age, 
and was reared in North Dakota until 1894, when she came to Healdsburg. 

Upon acquiring property of his own James William Gray secured for 
$3,000 cash the title to two hundred acres of land in Mendocino township near 
the city of Healdsburg. Almost all of this large ranch is still in native timber 
and there are also ten acres of bottom land. Along the side-hills the land is 
well adapted to horticulture and some has been planted to prunes and apples. 
A splendid start has been made in the fruit business, besides which the owner 
received an income of about $1,500 during the year 1910 for wood and tan-bark. 
So encouraging is the fruit business that he has planned to plant all the available 
land on the ranch to fruit in the near future, putting in the trees as rapidly 
as the work can be done, with due regard to careful planting and superior 
quality. Should the future continue to bring encouraging results he will in a 
few years be the owner of one of the best fruit farms in the township and his 
efforts in this direction have greatly enhanced the value of the tract. So great 
has been his interest in the development of the property that he has not found 
leisure for participation in public affairs and aside from voting the Republican 
ticket he has taken no part in local elections, yet he is a citizen of progressive 
spirit and especially loyal to all movements for the material upbuilding of the 
township and county. In religion he has been liberal, conceding to all the same 
freedom of opinion which he claims as his own right, but willing to aid church, 
missionary and charitable projects to such extent as his means permit. 



FRANK H. DENMAN. 
No more liberal, enterprising or public-spirited citizen has promoted the 
prestige of Petaluma and Sonoma county than Frank H. Denman, who is a 
native of the locality, born in Two Rock the son of that well-known pioneer 
settler, Hon. Ezekiel Denman, of whom a sketch will be found elsewhere. 
Frank H. Denman was educated in the public schools of Petaluma. a training 
which was followed by a course in the Oakland Military Academy, from which 
he graduated, after which he entered and graduated from the University of 
California in 1877 with the degree of Ph. B. 






<e^ 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 509 

With the close of his school and university training Mr. Denman returned 
to the homestead ranch in Two Rock valley and assisted his father in his 
varied interests until his appointment in 1881 as county surveyor to fill a 
vacancy. So satisfactory were his services that in .1884 he was elected to fill 
the same office for another term, and as before, proved himself eminently 
qualified for the responsible duties which the office involved. His identification 
with financial affairs began in 1886, at which time he was elected cashier of 
the Bank of Sonoma County, and has filled this position continuously ever 
since. In January, 1911, the bank was converted from a state to a national 
bank, after forty-five years of usefulness under state supervision. The Sonoma 
County National Bank, as it is now known, increased its capital stock by $100,- 
000, which was distributed to the stockholders of the Petaluma Savings Bank 
in lieu of their stock, and now all of the stock in the Petaluma Savings Bank 
is held in trust for the stockholders of the Sonoma County National Bank. 
In 1908, with George P. McNear and others, Mr. Denman took over the con- 
trol of the Petaluma Savings Bank and was elected its president, a position 
which he has since held with great efficiency. His financial ability and efforts 
are not confined to his home town, but extend to Santa Rosa, the Savings 
Bank of Santa Rosa profiting by his experience and knowledge as director. 

Varied and responsible as are Mr. Denman's financial obligations, they 
do not iimit his capacity, for he is no less interested in horticultural affairs 
throughout the county and state. While his home ranch near Petaluma is 
devoted entirely to dairying, he is extensively interested in fruit-raising in the 
Sebastopol district and also in the Placentia Fruit Company, the latter having 
one hundred and ten acres at Placentia, Orange county, set to oranges. This is 
one of the finest orange orchards in the Fullerton district, than which it would 
be difficult to speak more favorably, as this is known to be the finest late 
Valencia orange growing section in the state. 

In his marriage, which occurred in Santa Rosa, Mr. Denman was united 
with Miss Charlotte Edwards, who was born in New Jersey but has passed 
the greater part of her life in California, and is a graduate of the San Fran- 
cisco high school. Fraternally Mr. Denman is identified with the Elks and is a 
Mason of the Roval Arch degree. 



A. E. BOURKE. 
Synonymous with the name of A. E. Bourke is the Must Hatch Incubator 
Company, of which he is the president and general manager. Mr. Bourke be- 
gan experimenting with artificial incubation and artificial brooding about eigh- 
teen years ago, at which time he was a resident of Los Angeles, Cal. After ex- 
perimenting for about six years in Los Angeles, with an unusually large ex- 
penditure of money and sleepless nights and other disagreeable features that 
go hand in hand with such undertakings, he finally perfected an incubator and 
brooder and many other poultry appliances that have become famous the world 
over and in a great measure have made Petaluma the greatest poultry center in 
the world. 



5 io HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

In 1898 Mr. Bourke arrived in Petaluma with a cash capital of $10; a good 
wife, one of those wives that is willing to help, and four boys, babies, and 
started the manufacture of incubators, brooders and other poultry supplies, and 
also the hatching and raising of poultry. His plant, in the short space of four 
years, became one of the largest manufacturing and poultry plants in the 
world. In the spring of 191 1 he concluded to discontinue the manufacturing 
end of his business, to enable him to devote his entire time and attention to 
the poultry end of his plant. Today, we find a poultry plant that covers four 
acres in the city of Petaluma, equipped with buildings and labor-saving devices 
that are a revelation to visitors. On this place are kept from nine to ten thou- 
sand laying hens ; a hatching capacity of a million and a quarter chicks per year 
and a brooding capacity of two hundred thousand chicks per year. 

Mr. Bourke was the first man to ship day-old chicks by express to distant 
points ; he devising the proper method to ship them with the least danger of loss, 
and today the hatching industry is one of utmost importance in Petaluma. One 
may ask, "How can so many chickens be kept on such a small place and be 
healthy?" It will be easily understood by anyone visiting the place, for every- 
thing is built and arranged in the most scientific and sanitary manner, so that 
disease is almost impossible and should disease get among the fowls, it could 
and would be soon cured. One man can attend to eight times as man)- hens on 
this place as he could attend to on the ordinary poultry ranch. The work is 
always under cover, making it pleasant at all times of the year. There is no 
feed or water to be carried, as that is done automatically or by machinery. No 
man works more than nine hours a day at this plant. All the green food for 
the hens and growing chicks is raised on the place, and also alfalfa and veg- 
etables for several cows. The milk is used for the poultry. All the hauling 
is done by modern motor trucks, so no horses are necessary. The family 
garden is most complete, for in that garden is found every vegetable that one 
may desire, as well as all kinds of fruits and berries. This plant is the pride 
of Petaluma; visitors to Petaluma are always directed to this wonderful poultry 
plant and are at all times welcome. 

A. E. Bourke is a native of the south, his birth occurring in Louisiana in 
1861. He came to California in 1872 and made his home in a number of places 
before finally locating in Petaluma in 1898. His marriage in 1890 united him 
with Miss H. DuChenneau, a native of Massachusetts, and four sons have been 
born to them, Leo, Alonzo, Ivan and Russell, all at home. The children are 
being educated at home under a private tutor, and they are receiving special in- 
struction in music and languages. 

Fraternally Mr. Bourke is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of 
Elks, belonging to Petaluma Lodge No. 901, and he is also a member of the 
Independent Order of Foresters and Yeomen. That Mr. Bourke does not 
despise the days of small beginnings, is amply proven by a picture which he 
has in his possession, showing him as he made the journey from Los Angeles 
to Petaluma in a "prairie schooner" drawn by two horses. With a cash capital 
of Sio and a good knowledge of the chicken business he began the business 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 511 

which has made his name famous through the success of the Must Hatch 
products. Mr. Bourke is a genius in his line and much credit is due him for the 
present standing of Petaluma as the greatest chicken center in the world. 



MANVILLE DOYLE. 

As one of those courageous pioneers who unflinchingly took up the burden 
of life in the early days of California and profited by the crude conditions, none 
is more deserving of the esteem and grateful regard of later generations than 
Manville Doyle, who while working and delving in the creation of his own for- 
tune, had ever in mind the larger benefits which would accrue to those who were 
to follow, and in the evening of his well-spent life he is cheered by the thought 
that all that he has has been honestly accumulated, without cost or hindrance 
to any fellow-creature. 

The records of the Doyle family show that it is of southern origin, coming 
of ^ood old Virginia stock, and in that commonwealth the great-grandfather of 
Manville Doyle was born, reared and passed his later life. The grandfather, also 
a native of Virginia, in 1785 removed to Kentucky, rendered valiant service in 
the war of 1812, and rounded out his long and useful career in Lexington, Ky. 
It was in the last-named city that his son, Edward Doyle, was born in 1798. In 
young manhood, in 1824, he removed to the frontier of Illinois, settling in Ver- 
milion county, and four years later went to Sangamon county, in the same state. 
Another four years found him in Rushville, Schuyler county, 111., where he made 
his home for fourteen years, after which he purchased a farm in the vicinity, 
and thereafter engaged in farming with very satisfactory results. On the break- 
ing out of the Black Hawk war. while he was residing in Sangamon county, he 
took an active part in the conflict. In his political leanings he was a Democrat, 
and for many years served as justice of the peace. In young manhood, before 
leaving the south, he had married Jane Dixon, who, like himself, was a native 
of Lexington, Ky., and who died on the Illinois farm in 1854, having been an 
active and life-long member of the Christian Church. 

It was while the family home was in Sangamon county, 111., that Manville 
Doyle was born January 19, 1831. The year after his birth removal was made 
to Rushville, Schuyler county, and there his early education was acquired. When 
he was thirteen years old his parents removed from town to the nearby farm on 
which their remaining years were passed, the mother dying in 1854, and the 
father in 1856. Manville Doyle was comparatively content with the prospects 
of an agricultural career in Illinois, and for a number of years worked side by 
side with his father in the management of the home place. In 1849, however, 
when the gold fever became prevalent over the entire country, two of his brothers 
fell victims and came to California in 1849. Manville was extremely anxious 
to bear them company, but his father persuaded him to wait a year, when he 
could go with his full consent. On March 10, 1850, with four companions, 
William Ewing, Zach Spriggs, Robert Smith and Isaac Snowden, he started 
across the plains with ox-teams, bound for California. When about half the dis- 
tance had been covered Mr. Doyle, annoyed by the slow progress that was being 
made, started ahead alone on a saddle horse, after purchasing a mule on which 



5 i2 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

he packed his supplies. His course was by way of Sublette's cut-off, and he 
arrived in Sacramento August 8, 1850, having traveled practically alone after 
parting with his companions. After a short stay in Sacramento he started for 
Feather river, and became interested in mining claims in Butte and Plumas coun- 
ties. In November, 1852, Mr. Doyle returned to Illinois by way of Nicaragua 
and New York, and the following spring set out to cross the plains with a herd 
of cattle and horses. To assist him in this undertaking he had nine young men, 
Edward R. Wright, William Hyatt, Enos Hyatt, George B. Rogers, Elisha 
Moore, L. N. Breed, Andrew Lee, Henry Gammon and John Huff, and Mr. 
Doyle asserts that these young men were among the best that ever came to the 
west. Coming by way of Salt Lake and Truckee route, he arrived in Butte 
county about September 1, 1853, and for about four months pastured his cattle 
on Feather river. In January of the following year he removed his stock to 
the ranch of Gen. M. G. Vallejo, near Petaluma, Sonoma county, and for several 
months lived in the historic old adobe house. He then went to Clear Lake, Lake 
count}', where he became one of the four original bachelors that gave the name 
to Bachelor valley, and remained there until December 14, 1855. 

Coming to Petaluma on the above-mentioned date, Mr. Doyle established a 
livery business with C. I. Robinson, the partnership continuing about one year, 
when Mr. Doyle purchased the interest of his partner and extended the business 
by the addition of a stage outfit. Besides the livery and stage business which he 
conducted he was also interested in mining in Washoe, to which he made two 
trips. Owing to ill-health, in 1864 he disposed of his livery business and went 
to Nicaragua, passing the winter there. Afterward he made his home in Peta- 
luma until January, 1869, when he went to Los Angeles on the steamer Senator, 
thence by way of Fort Taj on to Kern county, where some time and money was 
spent in unsuccessful mining ventures. June, 1870, found him in Illinois, besides 
which he traveled through several southern and western states, finally returning 
to California, and in the spring of 1871, associated with the late Judge A. P. 
Overton, he purchased a tract of land known as the Brush place, in Cloverdale, 
Sonoma county, upon which he made his home until May, 1874, when he settled 
in Santa Rosa. In recognition of his ability in financial matters, the year after 
locating here Mr. Doyle was elected a director of the Santa Rosa Savings Bank, 
retaining this position until 1889, when he disposed of his interest in the insti- 
tution. For about ten years, from March, 1876, until July, 1886, he made his 
home in Petaluma, and during that time gave his best efforts to forwarding 
many important enterprises. Among these may be mentioned the Petaluma 
water works, which in 1882 he purchased in company with William Hill and 
others, inaugurating a new service, installing a new plant and supervising the 
laying of about twenty miles of pipe. Without question this plant is one of the 
best in the state, and the reservoir, with a capacity of about three million gal- 
lons, is bricked, cemented and covered. Mr. Doyle is a one-fourth owner of the 
stock and is a director and vice-president of the company. In 1885, in company 
with Judge Overton, he erected a large brick block in the business section of 
Santa Rosa, which was destroyed in the earthquake in the spring of 1906. Mr. 
Doyle replaced this building by the Exchange Bank building, 58x80 feet, rein- 
forced steel construction, class A building, three stories, the first floor occupied 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 515 

by the Exchange Bank. The vault is constructed of railroad iron and steel, 
and is practically indestructible. Besides the bank building Mr. Doyle has con- 
structed two large concrete buildings, both two stories, one on the old Atheneum 
corner, 80x200 feet, and the other on Fourth street, opposite the court house. 
In April, 1877, he was elected one of the city councilmen of Petaluma for a term 
of two 3'ears, and in 1878 was made chairman of the board. 

In the summer of 1886 Mr. Doyle returned to Santa Rosa, and this has been 
his home ever since. In 1889, with the late Hollis Hitchcock, he established the 
Exchange Bank with a capital of $120,000, and has since been president of the 
institution. In 1909 the capital stock was increased to $300,000. Mr. Doyle 
is a man far above the average in energy and enterprise, and the possession of 
these qualities has made it possible for him to accumulate large holdings of real 
estate. In addition to the interests enumerated he owns other valuable property 
in Petaluma and Santa Rosa, and until recently owned a valuable cattle ranch of 
three thousand acres, which he maintained successfully with the assistance of 
his son, Fred Ross. This property was sold in 191 1. Since coming to Santa 
Rosa Mr. Doyle has served one term as city councilman and also for one year 
was president of the board. 

The marriage of Manville Doyle, Ma)' 22, 1859, united him with Mary E. 
Conley, who was born in Carthage, 111., May 22, 1843, tne daughter of William 
and Carolina Conley, natives of Maine and Indiana respectively. In 1852 the 
Conleys removed from Illinois to California across the plains and made settle- 
ment in Petaluma. Ten children were born of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. 
Doyle, but of the number only three are now living, as follows: Frank P., 
who is cashier of the Exchange Bank, Santa Rosa; Nellie J., at homeland Fred 
Ross, who is now interested in horticulture at Fulton. Politically Mr. Doyle is 
a stanch Democrat, and while he has no desire to hold office, he is nevertheless 
keenlv interested in matters of national and local concern, and for forty-five 
years has been an interested participant in affairs that came before the state 
committee. 



CHARLES WADSWORTH LEWIS. 
The only child of the late John Bacon Lewis, one of the hardy '49ers and 
subsequently a prosperous rancher of Lakeville, Charles Wadsworth Lewis has 
made the best of his inheritance and advantages. He was born on Telegraph 
Hill in San Francisco, November 29, 1853, anc * spent his boyhood days on the 
old Lewis farm near Lakeville, Sonoma county, receiving his early education 
in the public schools of that district. In 1868 he went to Connecticut, where he 
spent two years at the Stamford Military Academy and afterwards completed 
his education at Farmington, Conn. He was impelled by ambition and a deter- 
mination to make the most of his advantages, as well as to satisfy his father's 
desire, who having been deprived of higher education in his youth and early 
manhood, was anxious that his son should at least have all that the local schools 
could afford. He then learned the machinist's trade in Unionville, Conn., which 
he followed for a period of five years. Having spent his early life on the farm 
his tastes naturally reverted to agriculture and in 1875 nc returned to California 



516 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

and embarked in the dairy business on the old home place at Lakeville, which 
occupation he followed for fifteen years. In 1890 he moved to Petaluma and 
engaged in the bicycle and repair business, having the agency of the Rambler, 
Racycle and Tribune bicycles, together with a splendid equipment for repair 
work. He erected a two-story building on his own property on Washington 
street, between the business portion of the city and the railway depots. 

As one of the heirs to the old Lewis ranch of five hundred acres near 
Lakeville, which he manages and has fitted up as a dairy, with a good herd of 
cows as well as horses and machinery for operating the same, Mr. Lewis is 
meeting with the deserved success that has followed him in all his undertakings. 
At No. 5 English street he erected a modern residence and in the rear he built 
a shop which is equipped with modern wood working machinery. 

In September, 1874, Mr. Lewis was united in marriage with Miss Julia 
A. Davis, at Unionville, Conn., and of this union four children, three daughters 
and one son, were born, viz. : John D., whose death occurred when he was ten 
years of age; Mabel, Mrs. Osmon, of Cloverdale; Elizabeth, Mrs. Leon Wallace, 
of Petaluma; and Julia B., Mrs. Charles Cox, of Fruitvale. His second mar- 
riage took place in Petaluma March 24, 1904, when Miss Mary Elizabeth Good- 
win became his wife. She was the adopted daughter of William Mock, who 
was a graduate of West Point and whose sketch appears in another part of this 
work. Mrs. Lewis is a lady of much culture and refinement and her love of the 
beautiful is shown in a marked degree in her home and its surroundings. Mr. 
Lewis is a member of the Fraternal Brotherhood and in politics is a Republican. 
It may well be said of him that he is one of Petaluma's first citizens, liberal 
minded and progressive, a champion of every worthy cause, his charities being 
numerous, his kindheartedness and generosity being his leading characteristics. 



GEORGE SUMNER WILLIAMS. 
Indicative of the superior advantages of Sonoma county for making a com- 
fortable living as tillers of her soil, and at the same time enjoying congenial sur- 
roundings for rearing their families, is the fact that so many of her native-born 
sons and daughters make this their permanent home. Among this number may 
be mentioned George S. Williams, a well-known rancher in the vicinity of 
Forestville. Born in Santa Rosa May 18, 1865, he was one of a family of six 
children, four sons and two daughters, born to his parents, James M. and Rachel 
A. (Crowfoot) Williams, natives of Michigan and New York respectively. The 
father had covered the distance between Michigan and California a number of 
times before he came here for the last time in 1852, in which year he took up min- 
ing. Later years found him engaged in pursuits in which there were more de- 
pendable returns, and at the time of the birth of his son George S. was living in 
Santa Rosa. With his brothers and sisters George S. Williams was educated in 
the schools of Santa Rosa, after which he began his self-support by working as a 
cash-boy in a dry-goods store of that place, and later as clerk. Subsequently he 
engaged in the candy business in the same city, but gave this up to engage in 
ranching, coming at that time to his present ranch in the vicinity of Forestville. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 517 

Here he has a fine ranch of forty acres, located one mile from town. One-half 
of his acreage is in grapes, while twelve acres are in peaches and apples, besides 
which he has an annual yield of about twelve tons of berries. 

Mr. Williams' marriage occurred in 1890 and united him with Miss Jennie 
Winkler, a native of Green valley, and the daughter of one of the pioneer settlers 
of this part of Sonoma county. Seven children were born of this marriage, but 
the eldest, Rachel M., born in 1890, died at the age of two years and three months. 
Clayton Sumner was born in 1893 and is now attending college at Santa Rosa; 
Howard O., born in 1896, is at home with his parents, as are also the other chil- 
dren; Arthur L., born in 1898, Alice and Alta (twins) born in 1901, and Georgia, 
born in 1907. None of the grandparents of these children are living, Mr. and 
Mrs. Williams having passed away in 1903 and 1887 respectively, and Mr. and 
Mrs. Clayton Winkler in 1901 and 1905 respectively. The elder Mr. Williams 
was a well-known figure in Masonic circles in Sonoma county, being the oldest 
member of that body in the county, and his son is no less interested in fraternal 
matters, being a member of Forestville Lodge No. 320, I. O. O. F., and also a 
member of the Modern Woodmen of America. While he is deeply interested ill 
political affairs he is not a partisan, and always casts his vote for the man 
whose qualifications best fit him for the position in question. 



EDWIN M. PROSCHOLD. 

Nature has liberally endowed Sonoma county with picturesque scenery and 
in no portion of the county is the environment more attractive than in the vicinity 
of Cazadero, where mountain and stream combine to lend beauty to the landscape 
and leave an impression of artistic charm in the mind of the observer. An ideal 
location for a summer resort has been utilized by Mr. Proschold at his home- 
stead on East Austin creek, where he has inaugurated a plan for accommodating 
resorters to the place, these plans including enlarged facilities for boating, 
bathing, fishing and hunting. The isolation of the spot rests the nerves weary 
of the city's hum of busy toil ; the dense woods appeal to the sportsman and 
lover of game, and the waters with their abundance of fish form an attraction for 
the ambitious fisherman. It will be possible hereafter to entertain four hundred 
resorters and without doubt the spot will become increasingly popular as its 
attractions become more widely known and appreciated. 

Born in San Francisco May 10, 1866, Mr. Proschold is proud of the fact that 
he is a native son of California. The ancestry is German, his parents, Charles 
and Maria (Tallmangrosse) Proschold, having been born in the Fatherland in 
the year 1819, but immigrating to the new world at an early age they spent their 
adult lives principally in the west. In the family were ten children, three of whom 
died in infancy, and those living are as follows : Edwin M., whose name intro- 
duces this article ; George W., who married Tillie Mullen and has a son, Raymond 
G. ; H. J., a physician by profession and the father of one son by his marriage : 
Julia, Mrs. Charles Muhlbach, who has one daughter; Cora, Emily and Clara. 
Educated in the excellent schools of San Francisco, Edwin M. Proschold re- 
mained in that city until 1906, the year of his removal to Sonoma county. Dur- 



5i8 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

ing boyhood he served an apprenticeship to the printer's trade and eventually 
by promotions he rose to be foreman of the press-room in a large publishing 
house, where he continued in the same capacity for fourteen years, resigning in 
order to remove to a. farm. 

The country home of Mr. Proschold is presided over by his capable wife, 
who was Miss Christina Lawson, a native of San Francisco, born in 1870. They 
are the parents of the following-named sons and daughters : Carlton G.. who 
married Miss Margaret Cole, the daughter of Dr. William Cole; Edwin C, 
Mervin J., Ralph W., Ernest M., Cora K, Hazel M., Myrtle L., Olive A., Lillian 
C, Louise R., and Rosalie R. ; the last two being twins. The children have all had 
musical training and have a brass band of six pieces in the family. They have 
played and entertained in the various resorts, and in the several towns and cities 
in the county, and as a musical organization are well and favorably known all 
over the county. Mrs. Proschold is the daughter of Henry Lewis and Louisa 
V. (Van Ecovan) Lawson, the former born in Germany during the year 1815, 
and the latter born in Antwerp, Belgium, in 1850. After the death of the wife 
and mother Mr. Lawson was again married, being united with Mrs. G. W. Hitch- 
cock, and by that union a son, George R., was born. Of the first marriage there 
were six children, namely : Joseph H., Henry, Mary, Christina, Louisa and 
Martha. Louisa, who is Mrs. Henry Jacob Murr, resides in Napa county, this 
state, and has four sons, Russell, Henry, Christopher and Volney. Martha was 
first married to M. J. Kelley, of San Francisco, and is now the wife of John 
Martin of Gilroy. To her first union one daughter was born, Jennie V. Kelley. 

Since coming to Sonoma county in 1906 Mr. Proschold has given his atten- 
tion to the cultivation of his ranch of one hundred and twenty-three acres, on 
which he has planted a small vineyard and an orchard of three acres of choice 
varieties of fruit. A few head of stock are kept on the farm, but the chief sources 
of income are the fruits and the summer resort. The Democratic party has 
an earnest supporter in Mr. Proschold, who gives its men and measures his 
ballot at all elections and favors its principles as being those in his opinion best 
adapted to permanent national prosperity. Movements for the local upbuilding 
have his sympathy and aid, especially those directly appertaining to educational 
and agricultural activities. 



JOHN KINDER SMITH. 
The sheriff of Sonoma county. John K. Smith inherits qualities of heart and 
mind from ancestors who can trace their lineage back to the father of our 
country, Gen. George Washington, a record of which the family is justly proud. 
The immediate progenitor of our subject was John K. Smith, Sr., a well-known 
figure in the commercial and financial life of Illinois. His outlook in the middle- 
west for continued prosperity was bright indeed, but nevertheless when the 
news of the gold find in California was scattered broadcast over the country it 
found him ready to sacrifice the efforts of years to come to the far west and 
begin life anew in the midst of new conditions. With others of the family he 
crossed the plains in 1849 an d settled in Sonoma county, Cal, where he was a 
pioneer in the lumber business, and from that time until the present the name has 




<(M<iAd£wL, tX&fiy^j 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 521 

been held in high repute in business, political, social and fraternal circles through- 
out this part of the state. 

At the time of the birth of John K. Smith, Jr., his parents were living in 
Colman valley, Sonoma count)-, his birth occurring February 17, 1868. The free, 
outdoor life which ranch life made possible was the means of intensifying a 
natural love of nature and freedom, giving him a robust, healthy constitution of 
which he has always been proud. The schools of Santa Rosa furnished his edu- 
cational training, which continued until he was seventeen years old, when the 
restraints of school life could be endured no longer. Railroad life held an attrac- 
tion and fascination for him and though scarcely more than a boy he obtained a 
position with the Northwestern Pacific Railroad, where, when he was only seven- 
teen years old, he had risen to the position of conductor, a record quite unprece- 
dented in the annals of railroading. As soon as he was eligible to membership 
in the National Guard, at the age of eighteen, he joined its ranks, becoming a 
member of Company E, where his love of activity and adventure found a further 
enjoyable outlet. 

Mr. Smith's marriage, October 15, 1893, united him with Miss Nellie E. 
Either, the daughter of old California pioneers. Two children, both daughters, 
have been born of this marriage, Olivia E. and Janet T. Politically Mr. Smith is 
an advocate of Republican principles, and it was on the ticket of this party that 
he was elected to the office of sheriff of Sonoma county in 1906, a position which 
he has since filled to the entire satisfaction of those who placed him in office. 
It need scarcely be mentioned that Mr. Smith belongs to the Native Sons of 
the Golden West, an organization to which he is proud to be eligible, and in which 
he is an active member. Other organizations to which he belongs are the Free 
and Accepted Masons, in which he has attained the Knights Templar degree; 
Eastern Star; Odd Fellows, being identified with ail its branches, including the 
Rebekahs; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Eagles; and the Order of 
Railway Conductors. Personally Mr. Smith is high-minded and generous, loyal 
to friends, to his work and to the community in which he makes his home. The 
love of outdoor life which he learned as a boy has never departed from him, and 
nine months out of the twelve find him an interested and active participant in 
some of the wholesome open-air sports. 



CHRISTIAN STENGEL. 

Because he has directed his energies into wise and remunerative channels 
Christian Stengel has been enabled to retire from active business life, leaving 
to others the management of the large and varied agricultural interests which 
he gathered about him in Sonoma county. Caution and conservatism have 
played important parts in the career of Mr. Stengel, and he has therefore built 
substantially and well, inclining always to the practical and reliable in business 
and general affairs. 

A native of the east, Christian Stengel was born in Baltimore City, Md., 



522 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

March 15, 1840, and was a lad of seventeen years when, in 1857, he came to 
California by the Panama route. The vessel on which he made the voyage 
on the Pacific side landed at San Francisco, and from that metropolis he made 
his way to Sonoma county by sail boat and landed at Embarcadero. From there 
he made his way on foot to the Whetchic rancho. owned b) his uncle, William 
Bihler, who was one of the pioneers of 1849. He made his home there for the 
following two years. A later experience was on the Gualla ranch, twenty miles 
north of Fort Ross, also in this county. Mr. Stengel clearly recalls the frontier 
conditions with which the settlers in that locality had to contend. As yet no 
wagon roads had been broken to guide the traveler from one settlement to an- 
other, and transportation of goods of all kinds was made over the mountains 
on the backs of mules and horses. They considered themselves fortunate to 
receive mail once a week, and to call upon a neighbor socially or otherwise meant 
a drive of at least six miles. Mr. Stengel has lived to see the railroad super- 
sede the mule and horse in transportation, mere settlements grow to thriving 
villages and cities, and the telephone and Rural Free Delivery to so transform 
agricultural life that it bears no shadow of resemblance to what it was half a 
century ago. 

One of Mr. Stengel's first employers was his uncle, William Bihler, who 
owned many thousand acres of land in Sonoma county upon which he raised 
cattle and horses on a large scale. Naturally industrious and thrifty, Mr. 
Stengel laid by from his earnings whatever was not needed for the necessities 
of life, his object in so doing being to purchase land of his own. He had the 
satisfaction of making his first purchase of land in 1865, when with a partner, 
Adam Kniff, with whom he had been engaged in ranching and stock-raising, 
he bought nine hundred acres of land from his uncle. This proved the begin- 
ning of a series of purchases, and eventually they were the owners of four thou- 
sand acres of valuable land,, besides two thousand acres of timber land in the 
mountains. On this land the partners engaged in the cattle and dairy business, 
maintaining one of the largest stock and dairy ranches in this part of the coun- 
try. They did their own butchering and supplied the lumber and mill camps 
with fresh meat throughout the season. Their dairy consisted of one hundred 
cows of the finest breed, and they always had as high as five hundred cattle at 
pasture. The cattle and dairy industry was a valuable one and probably formed 
the chief source of income to the owners, but nevertheless the timber interests 
were large and valuable, much of the land being heavily covered with valuable 
redwood. 

After a business partnership which lasted over forty years, during which 
time both Mr. Stengel and Mr. Kniff amassed goodly fortunes, the ranch was 
sold in February, 1903, to the Bender brothers, since which time Mr. Stengel 
has lived retired from active business cares, during the summer months making 
his home in Santa Rosa at No. 418 B street, and spending his winters in his 
native city of Baltimore. The lesson of perseverance and strict attention to de- 
tails which has been the foundation of Mr. Stengel's success might well be 
copied by the rising generation and made to count in their behalf as notably 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 523 

as it did in his. If the cattle industry of Sonoma county is ever written up in 
detail Mr. Stengel's name will receive prominent mention as one of the first to 
inaugurate and make a success of that special branch of agriculture in the north- 
western part of the county. 



ANTHONY McPEAK. 

The name of McPeak needs no introduction to the residents of Sonoma 
county, for the strong and admirable characteristics of the family are rooted 
in the pioneer upbuilding of the state, and are now finding expression through 
the medium of the second and third generation of workers, equally reliant, force- 
ful and public-spirited. A native of Missouri, Anthony McPeak was born in 
Callaway county, in 1836, the son of Mathew and Mary A. (Powell) McPeak, 
both of whom were born in the south, the father in North Carolina and the 
mother in Virginia, and both rounded out their long and useful lives in Sonoma 
count}, Cal., the father dying in 1872 and the mother in 1877. Much of the 
earlier married life of this venerable couple was passed in Callaway county, Mo., 
and it was from there that they set out with ox-teams in 1852 for California with 
their family of eight children. Anthony was then sixteen years old, at an age 
when the novelty and excitement of such a journey appealed to him strongly, 
and he was also of an age to be of great assistance to his father in driving the 
teams and performing other duties that such an undertaking as an overland 
journey involves. After they reached their destination one of the first duties 
was the erection of a house for the accommodation of the family five miles north- 
west of Santa Rosa, and in this, too, Anthony assisted by hauling the redwood 
timbers of which it was constructed. 

Altogether father and son worked together in the maintenance of the home 
until Anthony McPeak attained his majority in 1857, September 27 of that year 
marking the beginning of his independent ventures by locating on one hundred 
and sixty acres of government land, near Guerneville, where the Korbells 
now reside, and for which he paid the usual price of $1.25 an acre. The land 
was in its native wildness, but he industriously set to work to put the land in 
condition for cultivation, and during the fourteen years that he made it his home 
he worked a transformation that was truly wonderful. In 1871 he disposed of 
the land to Korbell Brothers and with the proceeds purchased the property upon 
which he now lives, near Hilton. The purchase originally consisted of six hun- 
dred and ninety-four acres, but in the meantime he has disposed of portions of 
it by gifts to his children, until he now has two hundred and forty acres. During 
his early years on this property conditions were propitious for following sheep- 
raising, and he engaged in this business on quite a large scale for a number of 
years, having about eight hundred head, he being not only the largest sheep- 
raiser in this section of the country, but also the first to engage in the business. 
Of late years, however, he has developed his property into a summer resort 
known as the Cosmos farm, where woodland and cultivated fields combine to 
form an ideal spot in which to pass a term of quiet and rest. This is one of the 
largest and best-known places of the kind in the state, and all who are able to 
secure accommodations at Cosmos farm with its genial and hospitable proprietor 



5 2 4 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

are fortunate indeed. Much of the tract is in its native wildness, covered with 
large redwood trees, and the remainder of the land is in orchard, all of the small 
fruits grown in this part of the state being cultivated on a large and prosperous 
scale. Mr. McPeak has been an extensive traveler, having visited Oregon, Utah, 
Nebraska, Texas, Colorado and Arizona, but in none of these states has he found 
any location that equals his own in Sonoma county, and every visit to other 
sections of the country finds him returning to his garden-spot in this county, 
contented widi his lot and happy in the thought that he was able to recognize 
its possibilities and persevere in working them out. 

Mr. McPeak's marriage occurred April 18, 1864, and united him with Miss 
Melissa E. Bell, a native of the Empire state, born in Lewis county August 25, 
1848. Her father, Henry Bell, was a native of Massachusetts, and her mother, 
in maidenhood Catherine Kiser, was born in Germany. Both parents are now 
deceased. Of the nine children born to Mr. and Mrs. McPeak four are deceased. 
Named in the order of their birth the children are as follows : Leonora, deceased ; 
Harmon P.; Presley P.; Henry Martin; Minnie; Mathew Lawrence; Wiley, 
Redman and Philip, the three latter deceased. Mr. McPeak finds his time fully 
and pleasantly .occupied in the maintenance of his ranch and summer resort com- 
bined, besides which he raises stock and keeps enough cows to supply the needs 
of his table. His son, Harmon P., is interested with him in the care of the ranch 
and the resort, besides which he is interested on his own account in raising chick- 
ens on a large scale. Politically Mr. McPeak is a stanch Republican, his first 
vote having been cast for the martyred President Lincoln, and his last one for 
that no less loyal defender of right and principle, Theodore Roosevelt. Although 
deeply interested in public affairs Mr. McPeak has never cared for public office 
for himself, and has constantly turned a deaf ear to the importunities of his 
fellow-citizens to represent them in some position, any one of which his qualifi- 
cations would justify him in accepting. It would be hard to find anyone more 
intensely interested in the welfare of Sonoma county than is Mr. McPeak, who 
though seventy-four years old is vigorous and hearty, with many useful years 
before him. 



HUGH STOUGHTON McCARGAR 

Proficiency in any calling is rarely without its compensation when its pos- 
sessor is willing to make the initial effort in bringing his knowledge and ability 
before the public. H. S. McCargar, a well-known contractor and builder of 
Petaluma, has proven the truth of this statement, and among the many fine 
buildings which stand as monuments to his splendid ability is his own fine resi- 
dence at No. 319 Walnut street. 

Mr. McCargar is a native of Canada, his birth occurring near Kemptville, 
Ontario, in February, 1859. His boyhood, youth and early manhood were passed 
in his native birthplace, but as soon as he reached his majority, in 1881, he left 
family and friends in the east and started for the Pacific coast country. Fresno, 
Cal., was his first stopping place, six months being passed in that city, going from 
there to San Francisco, where he remained for one and a half years. It was about 
this time that the possibilities of the mines in New Mexico and Arizona were 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 527 

attracting ambitious seekers after wealth, and among those who made their way 
to the mines in these localities was Mr. McCargar. Two and a half years were 
there passed in an earnest endeavor to secure the coveted prize, but he finally 
gave up the effort and returned to San Francisco. He continued in the metrop- 
olis about one year when, in 1885, he came to Petaluma and has made his 
home here ever since. His knowledge of contracting and building which had 
been put to good account in other places before coming to Petaluma, here found 
opportunity for expression also, and he was fortunate in securing the position 
of foreman in the employ of James Kill, a pioneer contractor of high standing. 
During the seven years while in Mr. Kill's employ he erected many fine resi- 
dences in Petaluma, among them the Fairbanks and McBrown residences on D 
street, which without exception are the finest residences in Petaluma. 

Leaving the employ of Mr. Kill at the end of seven years of faithful serv- 
ice, Mr. McCargar began contracting and building on his own account and a 
goodly share of the best work done in the meantime in Petaluma has been done 
in his name and under his supervision. The erection of fine residences may be 
said to be his specialty, among those which he is responsible for being the Will- 
iam Keig, A. J. McPhail, Mrs. John Ward, Miss Blackburn, Scott Bowles and 
other residences in Petaluma, besides residences in the country and a number of 
large barns. 

A marriage ceremony performed in October, 1894, united the lives of H. 
S. McCargar and Miss Minnie E. Warner. She was born in Turlock, Cal., the 
daughter of John and Jane (Van Buskirk) Warner, both natives of New York 
state. John Warner crossed the plains to California in the '50s, during the gold 
excitement, and subsequently returned east for his family. The voyage to Cali- 
fornia was made by way of the Isthmus. On the way the vessel was grounded 
and the passengers were taken off in boats ; finally, however, they reached San 
Francisco. Mr. Warner was a tiller of the soil in Stanislaus county until he 
retired in Petaluma, where he died, as did also his wife. Three children blessed 
the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. McCargar, Gladys (who died at the age of four 
years), Ruth and Doris. Fraternally Mr. McCargar is identified with the Knights 
of Pythias, Elks and Woodmen of the World. He is a man of sterling integrity, 
an excellent workman, and is held in the highest esteem by all who are brought 
in contact with him, either in a business or social way. 



CAPT. GREENVILLE WATSON. 
As an honored pioneer of Sonoma county and as a veteran of the Civil 
war, Captain Watson stands high in the regard of acquaintances, while he also 
is entitled to consideration as a large land owner and as the head of a large 
family whose members even to the third generation occupy positions of trust 
and prominence in their various communities. Born in Greene county, Ind., 
April 2, 1829, he is a son of Alexander and Susannah (Jessup) Watson and a 
grandson of Caleb Jessup of North Carolina, in which commonwealth his 
parents were likewise born and reared. The parental family comprised nine 
sons and two daughters, viz. : Nathan B., Caleb, James, Thomas, Nimrod, 
Elizabeth, Greenville, Nancy, Willis, Ambrose and Verlin. Two of the family, 
2S 



528 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Elizabeth and Nimrod, died while young, but all of the others married and 
reared families. 

Captain Watson was brought up on the farm in Greene county, Ind. There 
were no free schools in those days and his educational advantages were very 
limited, his entire schooling amounting to about six months. He was married 
in 1849 to Sarah Theresa Snyder, a native of Orange county, Ind. In 1854 he 
removed to Mercer county, Mo., where he resided until 1856, when he crossed 
the state line into Decatur county, Iowa, locating at Pleasant Plaine, where he 
built a store and engaged in the general merchandise business, also as a stock 
dealer and speculator in lands. 

At the opening of the Civil war, when President Lincoln called for three 
hundred thousand volunteers, Greenville Watson, who was engaged in business, 
at once responded by organizing a company for the Third Iowa Infantry, but 
the regiment was full before his company was ready, so they went into the 
Fifth Kansas Cavalry as Company F, of which he was commissioned captain 
August 12, 1861. However, they were not mounted in the Fifth Kansas, and 
shortly afterward the regiment was disbanded and Captain Watson's company 
became Company K of the Tenth Kansas Infantry. He remained at the front, 
taking part in the various engagements of the regiment in guerilla warfare with 
Price, Van Dorn and Quantrell on the border, until he was obliged to resign, 
March 18, 1863, owing to trouble with his eyes. A surgeon's certificate of dis- 
ability (he leaving the army in a state of blindness) brought him the relinquish- 
ment of his military duties and he returned home to recuperate his health, which 
had been overtaxed by the vicissitudes of the war. Shortly afterward he and 
his family crossed the plains with wagons and ox-teams, landing at Virginia 
City, Nev., in September of 1863 and arriving at Petaluma, Sonoma county, 
in October of 1864. Since then he has resided in Sonoma and Marin counties 
and from 1871 to 1873 ne served as sheriff and tax collector of Marin county, 
after which he gave his attention to dairying and cattle-raising. 

The father of Mrs. Watson was John Snyder, who was born in Grayson 
county, Va., in 1782, and who married Mary Dickey, a native of the Old Do- 
minion, born in 1775. They were the parents of eleven children, as follows: 
Reed, who married Asenath Deems and had six children ; Hugh, who married 
Jane Watson and had three children, James W., Mary and Elizabeth; Wiley; 
William Simon, who chose as his wife Miss Sarah Perkins and had one daughter, 
Jemima; Rebecca; Jane, who married and became the mother of ten children; 
Matilda, Mrs. Samuel Moore, whose daughter, Ellen, Mrs. William Glover, had 
one child, Sarah S. ; Nancy, who married William Cowen and had three chil- 
dren ; Elizabeth, Mrs. Caleb Watson, whose children were Nimrod, Mary, Maude 
and Theresa; Lucinda and Sarah T., Mrs. Greenville Watson. Lucinda was 
first married to James Fuller, and after his demise became the wife of James 
Watson, her children being Susanna Matilda, Alvina and James Reed, and 
David by the second marriage. 

Seven sons and one daughter were born to the marriage of Captain and 
Mrs. Watson, namely : John Alexander, Nimrod Vernon, James William, 
Henry Hugh, Greenville Franklin, Charles Nathan, Cynthia Ellen and Harry 
Elmer. Five sons are now living and all are married. John Alexander in 1869 
married Rhoda Ann Barnes, a native of Illinois ; they have five children, Marvin 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 529 

Albert, Louis, Alexander, Henry and Zoe, the eldest of whom, Marvin Albert, 
has two children. James William is married and has two children, William and 
Lena. The latter is married to Walter Roberts and has one child, Zoe. Henry 
Hugh married Bessie Atterbury and has three children, Eveline, Helen and 
Franklin. The older daughter, Eveline, is the wife of George Kerr. Green- 
ville Franklin chose Armittie Reed for his wife and they have four children, 
Hugh R., Lucia, Elizabeth and Armittie. Charles, who was born in Iowa and 
is now a teacher in the public schools, married Jessie M. Moore, a native of 
Missouri, and they have two children, Charles Bruce and May Theresa. Harry- 
Elmer married Helen Atterbury- and of the union six children were born, viz.: 
Margaret, Cynthia, Lillie, Harriet, Alice and Elizabeth. 

Moving to a ranch near Cazadero in 1875 Captain Watson has since de- 
voted his attention to the development of the land, which comprises five hundred 
acres well adapted for grazing purposes and admirably adapted to dairying or 
cattle-raising. Forty head of stock are carried on the ranch, including a number 
of valuable registered Jerseys. The owner has planted and developed an 
orchard and a vineyard, has erected a neat residence, and built other structures 
necessary to the work of the ranch. The Watson ranch is located at the junction 
of the East and West Austin creeks, adjoining Cazadero, and here for fifteen 
years Captain and Mrs. Watson ran a summer resort and were so successful 
that at times they could not accommodate all the people. On account of their 
advanced years they gave it up four years ago to enjoy the rest and quiet they 
so well merit. The scenery on the ranch is most beautiful ; it is studded with 
native trees, the redwood predominating, some being eight feet in diameter. It 
is well watered by numerous springs and the owner is now devoting his atten- 
tion to the raising of beef cattle. He has erected a telephone line so that he can 
be in quick communication with adjacent ranches and towns, and in every re- 
spect has proved himself a progressive citizen, with a large faith in the pros- 
perous future of this section of the country. Much of his laud is in timber, 
the value of which constantly increases, both as to the output of lumber and 
of cordwood. Farming has been his life work, hunting and fishing his sole 
forms of diversion and recreation, politics one of his favorite subjects of argu- 
ment as an upholder of the Republican party, and the Grand Army of the Re- 
public one of his favorite organizations, Ellsworth Post No. 20, at Santa Rosa, 
for years having received the benefit of his active membership and generous 
assistance. 



PERRY KUHNLE. 
The agricultural community in and around Petaluma is made up largely of 
men of steady-going, persevering traits, those who are ambitious but neverthe- 
less do not over-reach their ability. Such men form the bone and sinew of any 
community, for they are dependable and without exception may be counted upon 
to uphold and forward the best interests of their immediate locality, as well as 
those of state and nation. This in a word is a description of Perry Kuhnle, a 
well-known rancher of Sonoma county. On the paternal side he is of German 
descent, his father, Jacob Kuhnle, having been born in the Fatherland in 1836. 
During young manhood he set out from his native land alone and came to the 



530 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

United States, destiny directing his footsteps to Illinois, where he made his 
home until he came to California in 1875. In the meantime he had formed 
domestic ties by his marriage with Miss Almira Grimes, who was born in 
Michigan. Two children were born of this marriage, Perry and Agnes, but the 
latter is deceased. Mr. Kuhnle gave his services to the cause of the Union 
during the Civil war, enlisting in the First Michigan Volunteer Infantry in 
August, 1861. During his three years service he participated in the following 
battles : Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Culpepper Court House, Gettysburg, Antie- 
tam (where he was wounded), second battle of Bull Run, Winchester and 
Cedar Mountain. 

Perry Kuhnle was born on the parental homestead in Champaign county, 
111., December 20, 1870, but as he was only five years old when removal was made 
to California his personal knowledge of his birthplace is limited, and Sonoma 
county has practically been his life-time home. Here he attended school and 
here too he was made familiar with ranching through contact with its duties 
and obligations on his father's ranch. The work appealed to him, and when 
the time came for him to choose a vocation in life he did not despise the calling 
in which his father had labored so long and faithfully. Not far from Petaluma 
he leases a ranch of one hundred acres, half of which is under cultivation, the 
remainder being used as pasture land for five cows, four horses and also raising 
chickens, of which he has at the present time one hundred and fifty. 

Mr. Kuhnle's home is presided over by his wife, who before her marriage 
was Miss Nellie E. Eades, a native daughter of California, born in Sonoma 
county in 1871. Her father, George H. Eades, was born in England in 1834, 
and was therefore a young man of sixteen years when, in 1850, he landed as 
an immigrant on our shores. From the point of landing he came direct to Cali- 
fornia and located in Sonoma county, where ranching has formed his chief occu- 
pation. He had a congenial and faithful companion in his wife, who before 
her marriage was Miss Alary Casey, a native of Boston, Mass. The only child 
born of this marriage was Nellie E., the wife of Mr. Kuhnle. Three children 
have come to bless their home, Marie C, Irene and Alice, and every advantage 
within the power of their devoted parents to bestow is given them to make them 
the better able to cope with life and its duties. While Mr. Kuhnle is not con- 
nected with any church organization, he is still a Christian in the best sense, for 
he takes for his daily guide the Golden Rule, allowing this to decide any question 
in which he may be in doubt. Politically he casts his vote in favor of Republican 
candidates. 



JOHN H. FOWLER. 
In the death of John H. Fowler, August 31, 1909, Santa Rosa lost an 
honored citizen and early settler, and one who, by his upright and blameless 
life, added much to the moral tone of the community in which he had made his 
home for so many years. Fie was born in Long Island, X. Y., September 14, 
1839, the son of parents who had endowed him with a fine mentality. It is 
related that he began to attend school at the age of three years ; at all events, 
he had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and it goes without saying that every 
opportunity that came his way for the gratification of this desire was eagerly 
grasped and turned to good account. All through his life he was an inveterate 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 533 

student and reader, to the end that he was well informed on all subjects and a 
brilliant conversationalist to whom it was a delight to listen. 

Among the quiet homes whose routine was broken in upon by the news 
of the finding of gold in California in 1849 was tnat °f which John H. Fowler 
was a member in Long Island, New York. That year, two of his brothers, 
Stephen and James E. Fowler, set out for the eldorado by way of the Horn in 
the ship Brooklyn. Three years later, in 1852, they were joined by the rest of 
the family, the father and mother and their remaining children, three sons and 
one daughter (John H. Benjamin, Nathaniel and Sarah A), making the voy- 
age by way of the Horn also. 

John H. Fowler settled in Valley Ford, Sonoma county, where with his 
brother, James E., he engaged in the mercantile business under the firm name 
of Fowler Brothers. As pioneer settlers in the town they erected the first 
building and conducted the first store, and also established the first lumber 
yard and erected the first church edifice. The mercantile business thus estab- 
lished was carried on by the brothers for many years, but it was finally sold 
to Captain Loper, after which John H. Fowler became interested in Crescent 
City, through the purchase of land and the maintenance of a dairy business in 
which he was very successful. From there he went to Guerneville, where in 
1875 he purchased two hundred acres of land at a low figure, and after making 
his home upon it for ten years, sold it in 1885 for $15,000, making a large 
profit in so doing. He also had large interests in timber lands, owning thir- 
teen hundred acres in Mendocino county which he purchased in 1886. After 
disposing of his ranch property he came to Santa Rosa and engaged in the 
real-estate business in partnership with T. J. Ludwig, an association that lasted 
as long as Mr. Fowler remained in business. Ten years before his death he 
had lived retired from business, having accumulated sufficient means in former 
years to make this deserved rest possible. 

In 1864 Mr. Fowler had formed domestic ties by his marriage with Miss 
Sarah Ann Frisbie, a native of Vermont, who came to California by way of 
the Isthmus in 1863 and has made this state her home ever since. Five chil- 
dren came to bless the home life of Mr. and Mrs. Fowler, as follows : Irene, 
the wife of C. W. Bradford, of Utah, California; Cornelia, the wife of A. S. 
Gibbens, of Mark West; Rebecca L. ; Stephen C, who died in 1903; and Ruth, 
the wife of J. H. Moore, of Chicago. Wherever circumstances placed him Mr. 
Fowler entered heartily into the activities of his community, doing whatever 
lay in his power to upbuild and improve ^conditions. While a resident of Val- 
ley Ford and Guerneville he served efficiently in the capacity of justice of the 
peace. He was a member of and active worker in the Presbyterian church, 
having been identified with the membership in Santa Rosa for many years. 



THOMAS ALEXANDER. 
While the pioneers of early days did a work which was indispensable in 
bringing order out of the chaos of primeval conditions, the work of those who 
followed them was no less necessary to carrying on the great work of evolution 
which has culminated in the civilization which we of the present day enjoy. 
One of the noble forerunners of this civilization and indefatigable workers in 
its behalf was Cyrus Alexander, now long since laid to rest, but still remem- 



534 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

bered for the good that he accomplished in Sonoma county, particularly in 
Alexander valley, which was so named in his honor. No less well known and 
highlv esteemed in this community is the son of this pioneer, Thomas Alexander, 
who was born on the old Alexander homestead in Sonoma county, near Healds- 
burg, March 3, 1864. (For particulars concerning the family history the reader 
is referred to the sketch of Cyrus Alexander, elsewhere in this volume.) 

Thomas Alexander was early in life made familiar with the duties of ranch- 
ing, for when he was a small boy he had his share of the home obligations to 
perform, discharging these faithfully, and at the same time attending the public 
school in the locality of his home. By the time he was seventeen years of age 
he had not only completed his schooling, but he had also gained a sufficient un- 
derstanding of ranching to feel competent to undertake the management of a 
ranch on his own account. His father encouraged him in the undertaking in a 
substantial way, by deeding to him a portion of the home place in Alexander 
valley. He now owns one half of the old homestead, consisting of five hundred 
acres of fine land, devoted principally to dairy farming and maintaining one 
hundred cows. Large quantities of hay are also grown, the annual yield from 
which averages one hundred and fifty tons, while grapes and alfalfa also add 
considerably to the income of the owner. This was the home of Mr. Alexander 
for a number of years, but since 1906 he has resided upon his present ranch, 
also in the valley and not far from the old homestead. Here he has a fine ranch 
of seventy-five acres, of which twenty acres are in vineyard, eighteen acres in 
prunes, ten acres in alfalfa, and the remainder of the land in grain. When 
he purchased the land it was in its primitive condition, all of the trees and vines 
being selected and planted by himself, and all that it is today is the result of his 
own individual effort and he takes a commendable pride in his accomplishments. 

In 1897 Mr. Alexander was united in marriage with a native daughter of 
California in Miss Anna Patrick, the daughter of James Patrick. Ambitious, 
industrious and resourceful, Mr. Alexander has the confidence of the com- 
munity in which he lives, and of which he is one of the most reliable and sub- 
stantial citizens. 



CHARLES AUGUSTUS POOL. 
The auditor of Sonoma county since 1902, Charles Augustus Pool is a native 
of the county, born near Windsor, in the Russian River valley, December 2, 
1868, a son of Henry Jackson and Mary Elizabeth (Wolfe) Pool. The former 
was born in Hopkinsville, Ky., May 8, 1829, and died in California January 
10, 1897, and the latter, a native of Missouri, died in Sonoma county in 1876, 
at the age of twenty-nine years. The father was a farmer all his life and 
came across the plains with an ox-team train in 1852, being a member of the same 
party as Henry Lawrence of Petaluma. On arriving in San Francisco he 
decided to go to old Sonoma county and look for employment and soon after 
arriving accepted a position as foreman of a ranch where a dairying business 
was conducted with success. After a two years' stay in California he returned, 
via the Isthmus, to the east and later in the same year travelled over the plains 
the second time with stock. The lady who became his wife came to California 
when but a child and remained at Woodland for a time, then went to Healdsburg. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 535 

where, at the age of sixteen, she married Henry Jackson Pool. Of this union 
there were born five sons and two daughters, as follows : Walter B., a resident 
of Berkeley, Cal. ; William H., searcher of records in Santa Rosa; Frank J., 
of Windsor ; C. A., of this review ; Arthur J., deceased ; Mary N., who became the 
wife of Ralph W. Herriott; and Florence, who died in childhood. The father 
of this family was a man well known in the district in which he lived for so 
many years and in which he had developed a fine fruit ranch, and also engaged in 
stock-raising and dairying. He was a prominent member of the board of super- 
visors and a Democrat in politics and his name is to be found on the charter 
membership list of Russian River Lodge, F. & A. M., of Windsor, Cal., of which 
he was master for a time. 

Charles Augustus Pool was born into a family that has established a good 
name and a fine record. His early years were spent on the home ranch on which 
he was born. He attended the public schools of the district and thus obtained 
the rudiments of his education. On graduating from the common schools he 
attended the Normal college at Santa Rosa in order to prepare himself for the 
vocation of teacher. He then taught school from 1890 to 1903 at different points 
in Sonoma county and during the years 1900-1-2 he was a member of the county 
board of education. His work as a teacher and as a member of the board of 
education had been watched by many and was received with admiration gener- 
ally. Consequently, when, in 1902, he announced himself as a candidate on the 
Democratic ticket for the position of county auditor, he was strongly supported 
and in the fall of the same year he was duly elected to the office. On his elec- 
tion he resigned his position as a member of the board of education and gave 
up teaching to accept that which called for greater exercise of wisdom and more 
keen judgment. So well has he filled his position that, in the years 1906 and 
1910, he was re-elected. 

In March, 1905, Mr. Pool was married to Miss Helen E. Schubert, a native 
of San Antonio, Tex., but at that time a resident of San Francisco, Cal., and 
ever since their marriage they have made their home in Santa Rosa. Mr. and 
Mrs. Pool have one child, a daughter, Rosalie. Mr. Pool is a Democrat in 
politics, but is not an active politician, preferring to wield his influence in a 
quiet and unassuming manner. He is a Scottish Rite Mason and a member and 
past master of Russian River Lodge No. 181, F. & A. M. He is also past presi- 
dent of the Santa Rosa Parlor of Native Sons of the Golden West. Since his 
election to his present office he has served the county with punctilious care and 
discharged his duties as county auditor in a commendable manner. Mr. and 
Mrs. Pool enjoy the honor and esteem of many friends and acquaintances, who 
have learned to love them for their geniality of disposition and sterling qualities. 



LEOPOLD MARTIN. 

One of the notable ranches in the vicinity of Petaluma is that owned by Mr. 

Martin, and which has practically been his life-long home. The first to establish 

the name in the United States was his father, Charles Martin, who was born in 

Switzerland in 1829 and came to the new world in 1852, at the age of twenty- 



536 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

two years. Upon landing at New York City he at once re-embarked for San 
Francisco, by way of the Isthmus of Panama, and reached his western destin- 
ation on June 15, 1852. Although he was a mason by trade, he did not follow 
that calling altogether after coming to the west, but on the other hand was vari- 
ously engaged in an endeavor to find the most remunerative occupation for his 
abilities. It was not until he located as an agriculturist in Marin county that 
he found his true sphere in life, and as a result of steady application and un- 
wearied effort be became one of the largest land-owners in this part of Marin 
county. To the nucleus of his original purchase in the Chelino valley, San An- 
tonio township, he added from time to time as his means and requirements 
made it necessary and possible, until he became the owner of five thousand acres 
of as valuable land as can be found anywhere in this section of the state. During 
the early years of his experience on the ranch he carried on general farming, 
gradually, however, concentrating his efforts upon dairying, this ultimately becom- 
ing his chief industry. In connection with this he also maintained a commission 
business in San Francisco, under the firm name of Martin & Feusier, the latter 
remaining in the city and looking after the interests of the commission business, 
while Mr. Martin devoted himself to the dairy business. This association was 
maintained profitably for thirty years, after which Mr. Martin closed out his 
mercantile interests and after that devoted himself to his dairy interests. By 
his marriage with Miss Catherine Traversi, which was solemnized September 
2, 1862, he became die father of several children, named in the order of their 
birth as follows : Delfina, Carmiglia, Anita, Charles G., Arnold J., Leopold and 
Ermelinda. Mr. Martin died April 15, 1905, his wife having passed away Sep- 
tember 17, 1897. Some years prior to his death Mr. Martin had incorporated 
all his interests under the name of Charles Martin Company, of which he 
was the president until his death. Since then the company has been continued 
with Charles G. Martin as president, Arnold J. Martin as vice-president, Leopold 
Martin as treasurer, and Delfino Patocchi as secretary. 

Next to the youngest of the children in the parental family, Leopold Martin 
was born on the Marin county homestead May 26, 1873, and received his edu- 
cation in local schools and at Santa Clara College and Heald's Business College, 
from which he was graduated in 1892. In the selection of a vocation in life he 
wisely chose the one with which he was familiar from childhood and the one 
in which his father had made such a notable success. He now resides on the 
old homestead and is engaged in the dairy business. Seventy-five cows con- 
tribute to the maintenance of the dairy, besides which he owns several head 
of young stock and seven high-grade horses, and also raises hogs to some ex- 
tent. Some idea of Mr. Martin's success as a dairyman may be gathered from the 
statement that each cow averages an annual income of $50. The dairy industry 
and its allied stock interests, however, do not represent the total of Mr. Martin's 
activities, for he is also an extensive chicken-raiser, having in his yard at die 
present time six hundred chickens of the Leghorn breed. 

Before her marriage Mrs. Martin was Marie Zanini, who was born in 
Maggia, Canton Ticino, Switzerland, in 1870, the daughter of Louis and Johanna 
(Quanchi) Zanini, who were also natives of that country, born in 1822 and 
1830 respectively. The father is now deceased, but the mother is still living 
at the age of eighty years. Mrs. Martin has been a resident of California since 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 539 

1891, and her marriage occurred September 15, 1897. Four children have 
blessed the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Martin, Elfo, Marie, Emeline and Estella, 
all of whom are receiving the best advantages for an education that it is in the 
power of their devoted parents to bestow. The family are communicants of the 
Roman Catholic Church at Petaluma, and in his political preferences Mr. Martin 
is a Republican. In 1906 Mr. and Mrs. Martin made a trip to Switzerland, be- 
sides that country also visiting Italy, France and Germany, and after a stay of 
two years returned to their home in California in 1908. 



CONRAD POEHLMANN. 

The honesty arid whole-heartedness of the predominating class of our early 
settlers is nowhere better exemplified than in Conrad Poehlman, a well-known 
retired citizen of Petaluma. Now in his seventy-eighth year, he is still vigorous 
and kindly, adhering firmly to the highest moral principles, and is a typical 
example of the noblemen of the west, whose efforts along all lines of activity 
have wrought such wonders in Sonoma county. As the name might suggest, 
Mr. Poehlmann comes of German antecedents, and he himself is a native of the 
fatherland, his birth occurring in Bavaria in 1833. The son of honest, God- 
fearing parents, he early in life had instilled into his mind the necessity for ad- 
hering to a high moral standard in all circumstances of life, and the training 
becoming a principle with him has undoubtedly been the keynote of the success 
which has followed him through life. 

When his school days were over Conrad Poehlmann entered his father's 
butcher shop and learned the trade thoroughly, and the knowledge of the 
butcher's trade was his chief asset when, in 1851, at the age of eighteen years, 
he came to the new world to begin his independent career. An uneventful 
voyage on the Atlantic ocean brought him to the port of New York in due time, 
and as his funds were about exhausted he soon sought work at his trade in the 
metropolis. Altogether he remained in New York for five years, in the mean- 
time familiarizing himself with the language and customs of his new home and 
laying aside from his earnings whatever was not needed for necessities. In 
1855 he set sail for Panama on the steamer John L. Stevens, and upon reach- 
ing the Pacific side of the Isthmus, re-embarked upon another vessel that fi- 
nally brought him to his destination, San Francisco. Here he found an oppor- 
tunity awaiting him in the establishment of a wholesale slaughter house, a busi- 
ness which he maintained with success for. two years, handling Spanish cattle 
almost exclusively. 

Coming to Petaluma at the close of his experience in the metropolis, Mr. 
Poehlmann readily perceived the need of a well-stocked butcher shop in the 
thriving town, and the one which he then established in partnership with his 
brother Martin is still in existence and doing a flourishing business, although 
both of the proprietors have retired from active business. The business was 
started on a modest scale, and was increased in size as the growth of trade de- 
manded, the quality of meats handled always giving it the first place among the 
markets of the town. The brothers were amicably and profitably associated for 
many years, when, in 1880, Martin retired from the firm, and although Conrad 



540 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 



Poehlmann has not been actively connected with the business since 1909, he is 
still financially interested in the business, which is now being conducted by his 
nephew, Henry J. Poehlmann. Personal affairs have not absorbed the entire 
attention of Mr. Poehlmann since he took up his citizenship in Petaluma, but 
on the other hand he has entered actively into the upbuilding of the community 
and not a little of its growth in various directions may be attributed to his 
leadership or co-operation. At the present time he is a director of the Petaluma 
Savings Bank, and at one time was a member of the board of trustees of the 
town, on which he served for two terms. 

Mr. Poehlmann's marriage in T902 united him with Miss Kate Schleicher, 
who like himself was born in the Fatherland. Fraternally he is well known in 
Masonic circles and also in the Odd Fellows order, being the oldest member of 
the latter organization in Petaluma. His first vote after becoming a citizen 
of the United States was for Abraham Lincoln, and every national election 
since that time has received the benefit of his Republican vote, although in local 
elections he has cast his vote for the man best fitted for the office in question, 
regardless of the party which he represented. Personally Mr. Poehlmann is 
known as a broad-minded, progressive and public-spirited citizen, with the best 
interests of his fellow-citizens at heart. He owns considerable choice real- 
estate in Petaluma, among which is his fine residence at No. 319 Third street. 



WILLIAM H. EARLY. 

Among the younger members of the bar of Sonoma county the name of 
William H. Early occupies a position of prominence. Not only has he been con- 
spicuous as a practitioner in the law, but he has been honored on more than one 
occasion by election or appointment to posts of honor and trust. The first of 
these was his appointment as city attorney of Petaluma in 1906, and following 
the completion of his first term he was elected to the office without opposition. 
Other honors came to him in 1910, when he was selected as the Republican can- 
didate for the office of district attorney, than whom it is generally conceded no 
one could have been chosen whose qualifications equalled those possessed by Mr. 
Early. 

A native of California, William H. Early was born in Yuba county February 
6, 1882, and spent his early life upon his father's ranch in that county. The free, 
outdoor life which was his during his boyhood gave him a good start in life 
physically and undoubtedly has been the secret of his great power of endur- 
ance. During his youth the family residence was transferred to San Francisco, 
and still later to Petaluma, and in both of these places he attended school, the 
greater part of his common school training, however, having been received 
in his home town of Petaluma. Naturally ambitious and eager to begin the 
practical work of life, as soon as his school days were over he secured a position 
as bank clerk in a bank at Petaluma, and during his incumbency of this posi- 
tion became an expert in accounting. It was while performing his duties as 
bank clerk that he determined to become a lawyer, and in taking up the study of 
law he made no mistake, as his career has unmistakably demonstrated. While 
still the incumbent of his position in the bank, he gave his evenings over entirely 
to the study of law, attending a night law school in San Francisco, and returning 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 541 

each morning to his work at the bank. After the completion of his law term and 
his admission to the bar of the state he resigned his position in the bank in order 
to go to New York city and finish his training in a law school of that eastern 
metropolis. This latter course was not essentially a part of his legal training, 
but was undertaken entirely on his own behalf and demonstrates the thorough- 
ness with which he handles every subject to which he gives his thought and at- 
tention. 

With this splendid training Mr. Early returned to Petaluma and opened 
law offices at No. 32 Washington street, and the splendid legal business that he 
has gathered about him in the meantime demonstrates beyond question his un- 
usual ability as a legal practitioner. Possessing the power to penetrate deeply 
into whatever matter is brought to his attention for solution or adjustment, he 
never forms an opinion or renders a decision until he has penetrated to the 
bottom of the case, and when this has been done his findings are presented in 
clear, concise form. This same care and penetration is noticeable in the argu- 
ment of a case, watching every turn, grappling with every point as it appears, and 
presenting his arguments in a manner that is convincing and emphatic. If one 
were allowed but one word in which to epitomize Mr. Early's qualities as a 
lawyer it would be the word thoroughness. Those who know him best declare 
that it is impossible to prepare and submit anything to him and expect him to 
approve it until he has read, re-read and analyzed it several times. In this day 
of rush and hurry and the slighting of essentials to the downfall of men and 
worthy enterprises, it is gratifying to make note of this exception in the case 
of Mr. Early, the keynote of whose success is directly traceable to this exception 
to the general rule. Fraternally he is prominently identified with a number of 
orders, besides which he is deputy grand president-at-large of the Native Sons 
of California. He is a young man of undoubted promise, and his career is 
being watched with interest by his contemporaries. 



ALBERT P. MARTIN. 
The honored title of California pioneer has been earned by Mr. Martin 
through his long identification with the state and particularly with the county 
of Sonoma, of which he has been a resident since the year 1852. Born in Ma- 
haska county, Iowa, November 2, 1848, he was not yet four years of age when 
the family started for the west with a large party of emigrants, leaving the old 
Iowa home April 26, 1852, and traveling in a wagon drawn by oxen. The 
train comprised fifty teams and presented a formidable appearance as ,the 
caravan wended its slow way across the plains. Not a few hardships fell to 
their lot and the trials encountered were not soon forgotten by the older mem- 
bers of the expedition. On one occasion, when the camp was left unguarded, 
Indians stole the stock and it was necessary to follow them to a distant valley, 
where in the afternoon of the next day the animals were recovered. While 
near Salt Lake City the cholera broke out in the party and several lives were 
lost before the disease was wiped out. Other misfortunes occurred to dampen 
the ardor of the Argonauts, but finally the majority of the original party arrived 
at their destination in safety. In the expedition there were several sons-in-law 



542 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

of John M. Cameron, at whose home on the Sangamon river in Menard county, 
111., some of the boyhood days of Abraham Lincoln had been happily passed. 

Among Mr. Cameron's sons-in-law in the party was Silas M. Martin, who 
was born in Green county, Ky., January 16, 1816, and who accompanied mem- 
bers of the family to Illinois at the age of four years. Early in youth he learned 
the trade of a harness-maker, which he followed in Jefferson and Mahaska coun- 
ties, Iowa, and in the latter county he also served as justice of the peace for 
several years. After he came to the west he was chosen as justice in his town- 
ship and continued in that office for many years. During 1867 he was elected 
a member of the state legislature, filling the position for one term of two years, 
and again in 1882 he was elected to the same office. On the organization of the 
Grange he became a charter member and for some time was honored with the 
office of master. In addition he was a charter member of the local lodge of Odd 
Fellows and received the merited honor of being chosen its first secretary. The 
doctrines of the Presbyterian Church had his warm support and he served his 
congregation as a deacon for many years prior to his demise. Politically he was 
a Democrat of the Breckenridge type, warm in his support of party principles 
and loyal to the men who were the leaders of the political organization. After 
a busy and honored existence, covering seventy-eight years, he passed into 
eternity in 1894, mourned by the large circle of friends who had been attracted 
to him by his stanch devotion to the cause of justice, his warm-hearted kind- 
ness to neighbors, his loyalty to the upbuilding of the community and his self- 
sacrificing contributions to movements for the general welfare. 

The marriage of Squire Martin united him with Nancy M. Cameron, a 
member of a family comprising twelve children and a native of Illinois, born 
January 26, 1818. They became the parents of six children, viz. ; Martha A., 
Mary E., Davis D., Letitia Jane, Zilla E. and Albert P. The first-named 
daughter. Mrs. Martha A. Collins, was the mother of six children, Frank, 
Charles, William, S. Martin, Benjamin W. and Mary. Mary E. Martin became 
the wife of Thomas J. Abies and the mother of three children, Horace F., Clara 
J. and Zilla L. Letitia Jane Martin married William A. Wright, by whom she 
had five children, Silas Roy, George, Harry, Carl and Flora. Zilla E., the 
youngest daughter of Squire Martin, married David H. Collins and had five 
children, Frederick, John, Nancy E., Gertrude and Grace. 

In reviewing the record of Squire Martin's grandchildren it may be men- 
tioned that Silas Martin Collins married Lissa Liddle and had two children, 
Elmer and Germain. Mary Collins, Mrs. Frederick Wood, is the mother of 
two children. Horace F. Albes married Violet Pedro ; his sister, Clara J., is the 
wife of Robert Coddingham, and Zilla L. is Mrs. Leon J. Dickinson, the mother 
of one son. A. B. Dickinson. Silas Roy Wright married Mattie Evans, and has 
two children, Ernest and Ora. Flora, Mrs. James Church, has two children, 
Frederick Collins is married and has one child. Nancy E. Collins married 
Charles Weigle and has a daughter, Nellie. Gertrude Collins, Mrs. Wil- 
liam Hewitt, has a daughter, Zilla. Grace is the wife of William Howell 
and has two children, Berwyl and Hazel. 

For three years Albert P. Martin attended the Old Sonoma College under 
the supervision of President Cunningham and later, after teaching for one year, 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 545 

he turned his attention to ranching, which he has since followed with gratifying 
success. The dairy which he operates was established by his father in 1853 and 
is the oldest in this part of the state, its present equipment including the first 
successful silo built in California. Forty-five cows of a fine milk strain 
form a dairy herd not excelled in the entire region. In addition to the cows 
and calves there are nine head of horses kept on the farm and the entire fam- 
ily have flocks of poultry aggregating ten thousand chickens. The ranch em- 
braces three hundred and twenty-six acres of fine land situated near Petaluma 
and improved with a neat set of buildings as well as a fine young orchard of 
eleven acres. At one time Mr. Martin was master of the Two Rock Grange 
and ever since 1873 he has been actively identified with that organization, be- 
sides which he is a charter member of Little Lake Grange No. 157 of Mendocino. 
For several years he has served as trustee of his school district. Politically he 
votes with the Democrats, but never has sought official honors nor has he been 
prominent in partisan matters. 

In Walker Valley. Mendocino county, January 1. 1873, occurred the mar- 
riage of Albert P. Martin and Elizabeth Miller, who was born in Illinois, August 
1, 1855. Three children blessed the union. The older son, Harold L, married 
Ellen Simmons and has two children, Russell P. and Zilla Mabel. Frederick 
Martin is at home with his parents, and Mabel is deceased. Mrs. Martin is a 
daughter of Isaac and Louisa Miller, the former, a farmer, having been born in 
Ohio, March 10, 1831, but. in early life removing to Illinois, whence in 1855 
he removed to Madison county, Iowa. For a few years he cultivated land near 
Winterset, but in 1864 he left Iowa for California and landed in this state at 
the expiration of six months. For a long period he resided either in Mendo- 
cino or Lake counties, and his death occurred in 1907 in the latter county. Of 
his four children, John A., Elizabeth R., Mary F. and Jennie M., the only son 
married Sarah Morrison, their children being Rodney, Maude and Emma E. 
Mary F. Miller married Richard Johnson and has four children, Roy, Luella. 
Emma and Wilhelmina. Jennie M. is the wife of Buchanan Montgomery and 
has two sons, Orie W. and Grover B., the former having married Ada Lesser, 
by whom he has a child. Ora, while the other son, Grover B., chose Miss Nellie 
Sullivan as his wife. Both the Martin and the Miller families have been honor- 
ably associated with the agricultural development of California since the period 
of pioneer history. 



HERMAN FREDERICK ARENBERG. 
Mention of the name of H. F. Arenberg at once suggests the patent brooder 
stove which bears the name of the patentee and manufacturer, whose product 
has simplified the chicken industry and been instrumental in no small way in 
making Sonoma county the largest chicken-raising center in the world. Mr. 
Arenberg makes no claim to being the originator of raising chicks with a stove, 
but he does claim the credit for bringing it into popular use among up-to-date 
poultry raisers. The Arenberg brooder house distillate burner and stove is the 
embodiment of simplicity. The burner is open feed, and the flame and flow of 
oil are regulated together by a needle valve "at the tank, there being no compli- 



546 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

cated parts to get out of order. The stove, which is made of a good quality of 
sheet iron, is cone shaped, seventeen inches in diameter at the base, and thirty 
inches high, taking a five-inch pipe, which goes straight up through the roof. 
The first joint is furnished with the stove, in which the burner is set and con- 
nected with the feed pipe. 

A house 14x20 feet would care for one thousand chicks, but with the same 
stove and a very little more oil, a house 20x20 feet would accommodate fifteen 
hundred chicks. It is suggested that the walls be five feet high to the eaves, 
with peaked roof and without ceiling, and that the building be battened and all 
openings under eaves and at ends closed up. The stove has a row of small 
holes at the bottom edge which throw out a steady light, so it is possible to 
see every chick by looking in the window. The light also helps to draw them 
around the stove when small, and later it gives them light to find a suitable 
roost. There are two heat deflectors or dampers in the Arenberg stove which 
keep the heat to the outer edge and down as low as possible, the hood also 
contributing in this respect, holding the heat down to the floor where it is wanted, 
a feature not found in any other brooder stove. If there is one feature more 
than another that commends the Arenberg brooder stove it is its provision for 
ventilation, a feature found in no other similar device. Mr. Arenberg has 
been a close observer of chickens raised in both the ventilated and the "sweat- 
box" brooder houses, and it is his unfailing report that those raised under the 
latter process are not strong boned or well-feathered birds. 

A native of Wisconsin, H. F. Arenberg was born in Hartford, Washington 
county, March 6, 1861, and in the vicinity of his birth grew to manhood years. 
With the close of his school days he at once set about preparing for the future 
by learning the cooper's trade, later also learning the shoe-maker and black- 
smith trades. All of this had been accomplished prior to the year 1883, for il 
was in that year that he came to California, with his recently acquired trade 
knowledge as his chief asset. He went direct to Edgewood, Siskiyou county, 
and established a blacksmith shop which he maintained for sixteen years, at the 
same time improving a tract of government land which he had taken up. Dis- 
posing of his interests in Siskiyou county, he came to Sonoma county and in 
1904 took up his residence in Petaluma. Near town he purchased seven acres 
of land well suited to the raising of chickens, following this business in the old- 
fashioned way until patenting the stove which now bears his name. As the 
merits of the Arenberg stove became known the demand increased accordingly, 
until it became necessary for Mr. Arenberg to discontinue the raising of chickens 
himself and devote his entire time to the manufacture of the stove. It is now 
known and in general use all over the Pacific coast, which speaks well for its 
popularity, as does also the large number of prizes which it has taken. At the 
state fair in Sacramento in 1910 it received the first cash prize and gold medal, 
received the first cash prize in Petaluma at the Fourth of July celebration in 
1910, and at the state fair previously mentioned received favorable comment as 
"the most meritorious invention at the fair." His manufacturing establish- 
ment is located at No. 201 Washington street, and as an evidence that the Aren- 
berg brooder stove is the most popular invention of the kind on the market, 
it may be said that Mr. Arenberg is enlarging his plant to accommodate the ever 
increasing output. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 547 

Mr. Arenberg's marriage, which occurred in 1886, united him with Miss 
Elizabeth Ross. Fraternally he is well known, belonging to all branches of the 
Odd Fellows order, and to the Elks and the Woodmen. 



JENS CHRISTIAN JENSEN. 

No more sturdy, honorable and progressive citizens have chosen Sonoma 
county as their adopted home when they come from foreign countries than the 
citizens from Germany. Among them we find Jens Christian Jensen, who was 
born on the island of Fohr, Sleswig, Germany, March 26, 1863, the son of An- 
dreas and Maria (Nickelsen) Jensen, farmers on that fertile island. He was edu- 
cated in the common schools of his native land until fifteen years of age when, 
in 1878, he came to California and at Haywards he found employment at farm- 
ing, continuing for a period of ten years, when he made a trip back to his old 
home, visiting his people for four months. 

On his return to the United States Mr. Jensen went to Nevada, following 
mining and milling, and became the amalgamator at a sixty-stamp mill on the 
Carson river. In 1891 he located in Petaluma and became an employe in the 
Pioneer laundry, three years later purchasing a half interest and still later the 
other half, since which time he has continued the business alone. From time to 
time he has added improvements and devices that go to the making of a suc- 
cessful and up-to-date laundry, his laundry being run by steam power. It is 
well named, as it is the oldest laundry in Petaluma. He is a member of the 
German Redmen, and politically is a Democrat. Mr. Jensen is a very active 
member of the German Evangelical church and is vice-president of the German 
branch of the Young People's Club. By his energy and perseverance and close 
application to business he has been successful and has the confidence and esteem 
of the community. 



PETER MAGGETTI. 

The land of William Tell has contributed many of the most substantial 
ranchers and business men of Sonoma county and among them we find Peter 
Maggetti, who was born in the village of Lacarno, Canton Ticino, Switzerland, 
in December, 1842, and was the son of Joseph and Maria Maggetti, who reared 
their family on the farm. Of the eight children born to them six are still living. 
The subject of this sketch had the advantages of the common schools of his 
native land and then followed the dairy business until 1866, when he married 
Mariana Fillippini, also a native of Ticino, and they immediately started for the 
United States, their destination being California. They came by way of London 
and Liverpool to New York and then by way of the Isthmus of Panama to San 
Francisco, landing there with but $5, the trip having cost $800. 

Mr. Maggetti rented a dairy ranch in Chelino Valley from L. W. Walker 
for one year, then a ranch from Dr. Burdell on San Antonio creek for two years. 
Continuing the dairy business, in which he had been successful, in 1877 he pur- 
chased a ranch of fifteen hundred and twenty-seven acres from C. D. Allen near 
Marshall, Marin county, and later bought one hundred and sixty-three acres 



54 8 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

adjoining, making a place of sixteen hundred and ninety acres, fifteen miles from 
Petaluma. Here he has made valuable improvements, having two sets of build- 
ings. His dairy is composed of two hundred cows, besides one hundred head 
of other stock. The ranch is watered by Salmon creek and numerous springs. 

In 1882 Mr. Maggetti leased his ranch and moved to Santa Clara to educate 
his sons at Santa Clara College and his daughters at Notre Dame Academy and 
after the completion of their education he returned to his ranch, remaining there 
until 1896. In that year he turned the ranch and dairy over to the charge of his 
son Enio and he located in San Francisco, residing there until 1906, since which 
time he has resided in Petaluma, owning his home on the corner of Sixth and 
B streets. 

Mr. and Mrs. Maggetti are the parents of four children, two sons and two 
daughters. The two sons, Enio and Sylvio, reside in Marin county, the former 
in charge of the home ranch, and the latter a merchant. Romilda, Mrs. Jel- 
morini, resides in Chelino valley; and the other daughter, Elvetia, died at the 
age of fifteen years. In 1893 Mr. Maggetti visited the World's Fair in Chicago 
on his trip to Switzerland, traveling through his native land as well as Italy, 
France, Germany and England. Mr. Maggetti looks back over his career in 
California with much satisfaction, in that he saw an opportunity to make a suc- 
cess and grasped it, acquiring a competence from which he is now enjoying the 
retirement and rest he so well deserves. 



PETER MATZEN. 

Not the least noticeable among the farms of Sonoma county is the Adobe 
Knoll Ranch upon which Peter Matzen is engaged in the breeding of Belgian 
and English shire horses, a business which he has successfully prosecuted during 
the entire period of his residence in the region. Throughout the county and 
even in localities beyond the limits of the county his name is known by reason of 
his identification with the raising of pure-bred animals. No better judge of 
horses than he can be found in the locality. At a glance he decides as to the 
value of an animal. A very brief inspection enables him to ascertain all the 
good points and to determine in what respect, if any, the animal errs from the 
ideal standard of perfection. His judgment concerning horses is regarded as 
final by people cognizant of his ability. 

Descended from a long line of German ancestry, Peter Matzen was born in 
Fohr, Schleswig, Germany, in 1858, and received a thorough education in the 
excellent schools of his native country. His father, Martin P. Matzen, was a 
farmer, and as a boy he too learned all the details of farming, but a special liking 
for horses became apparent and be determined to give this subject particular 
study and attention. This occupied his time until he came to the United States, 
when, during October, 1887, he landed at San Francisco. From there he went 
to Haywards, Alameda county, and immediately took up ranch pursuits. After 
a residence of seven years on the Meeks ranch, in 1894, he came to Sonoma 
county and settled near Stony Point. There he engaged in farming, and two 
years later began breeding horses, and from that beginning he has worked his 
way up to the prominence which is his today. 




0<Ccsfd^6C^ 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 551 

In 1900 Mr. Matzen located on the Bliss ranch, and as the old Adobe house 
is still standing and now owned and kept up by the Native Sons, he gave his 
piace the name of the Adobe Knoll Ranch. Here he enlarged his breeding sta- 
bles and has now the largest stables of full-blooded and graded Belgians and 
English shire horses in the county. He leases five hundred and thirty-five acres 
of the Bliss ranch for farming and stock, besides which he owns fifty-one acres 
one and a half miles north of Petaluma, well improved with buildings and other 
appurtenances necessary to -the poultry business, to which the latter property is 
devoted. Here he has a large flock of white leghorns. 

The marriage of Mr. Matzen was solemnized in 1880 and united him with 
Miss Theresa Duer, who was born in Fohr, Germany, in 1854, and died in Octo- 
ber, 1881. One son, Martin, was born of this marriage; he married Miss Sallie 
Hendrickson and has two children. Politically Mr. Matzen has been indepen- 
dent, voting for the man rather than the party and always supporting those 
whom he considers best calculated to represent the people. To some extent he 
has made a specialty of dairying and on his ranch he now has ten head of 
blooded Jersey cows. An enormous flock of chickens, aggregating a total of 
about eight thousand, brings in an annual income of gratifying proportions, 
while the ranch receipts are further increased by the sagacious supervision of 
the stock. The Berkshire hogs are of the finest strain of full-bloods and the 
output of pork is large. There are also forty-five head of horses on the ranch 
and among these are twenty-five head of blooded mares of the very best types. 
Being an expert judge of horse-flesh, Mr. Matzen has kept only the best and 
has built up a drove unsurpassed in color and individuality. At the head of the 
herd is an imported registered Belgian stallion, Pastule No! 21042, which for the 
past four seasons has been kept on the ranch, a service fee of $20 being charged. 
In securing this splendid animal the owner obtained the best breeding possible 
in the foreign breeding districts and a draft type representing the best blood- 
lines. Quality and style are unsurpassed, and the animal has become deservedly 
popular owing to the possession of these attributes, as well as such other points 
as are demanded of our finest importations. He also owns the full-blooded Eng- 
lish sire horse Redoak, a dark brown animal which has all the fine marks of 
breeding that are required in a horse. 



WILLIAM CHARLES STRADLING. 

Bristol, England, was the birthplace and early home of W. C. Stradling, 
a well-known mason and builder of Petaluma, where his competent services are 
in constant demand. He was born August 27, 1861, was given a good educa- 
tion in the schools of Bristol, and after the close of his school training he 
apprenticed himself to learn the trade of his father, who was a mason and 
builder in that English city. Inheriting a taste for the calling from his father, 
he proved an apt pupil and soon had a complete knowledge of the business and 
was able to be of great assistance to his father in the execution of contracts. 

With the confidence born of experience and successful work accomplished 
in the line of his trade in England, W. C. Stradling set sail for the United 
States in 1883, coming directly to California, where his home has been ever 

29 



552 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

since. Between the year mentioned and 1900 he worked at his trade in various 
parts of the state, coming to Petal uma in the year last mentioned, and since 
then the recognition of his ability as a first-class mason and builder has left 
nothing to be desired on his part. It is not too sweeping an assertion to say 
that nearly all of the business blocks erected in town in the past ten years 
(which covers the period of his residence here) were put up by him. and 
are a credit to him as well as to the town. In the list of buildings which he 
has erected in Petaluma the following are representative : the Gossage build- 
ing, D. J. Healey building, Van Marten building, Prince block, public library, 
Washington school, Lachman & Jacobi winery, the Petaluma incubator factory, 
McClay building and the McXear building. His reputation as an expert in 
his calling has made his services in demand in other parts of the county, and 
in Santa Rosa two excellent specimens of his ability may be seen in the new 
postoffice building and the Masonic temple. In Sonoma he built the Masonic 
temple and the Odd Fellows building, and in Winehaven he built for the Cali- 
fornia Wine Association, the building which houses their plant, this being the 
largest winery building to be found in the world. Following the earthquake 
and fire in San Francisco Mr. Stradling erected ten buildings in the reconstruc- 
tion of the business section of that city. Individually he has built and owns 
five residences on Third and Twenty-second streets. 

In Oakland, Cal., in 1893, Mr. Stradling was married to Miss Annie Bar- 
rett, and four children have been born of this marriage, Julia, Nora, William 
and Elizabeth. Mr. Stradling is a member of the Masons and Builders Asso- 
ciation of San Francisco. He was made a Mason in Petaluma Lodge No. 180, 
F. & A. M., has attained the Royal Arch degree, and is also a member of 
the Elks, Odd Fellows and Petaluma Commandery No. 20, K. T. Though he 
is a busy man and has little time for outside matters, Mr. Stradling is a faith- 
ful and devoted citizen and as a member of the body of free-holders of Peta- 
luma, assisted in the drafting of the new charter for the city that was adopted 
by the people in the fall of 1910, and by the state legislature at the session of 
191 1. In April, 191 1, he was elected a member of the city council and is 
chairman of the buildings and grounds committee and is also a member of the 
street committee. 



HENRY HAMMELL. 
Among the leading citizens of Sonoma county no one holds a higher place 
in agricultural circles than Henry Hammell, who is known as the cherry king 
in this section of country, and without any exception is the largest grower of 
this luscious fruit in the state north of San Francisco. Sixty-five acres are de- 
voted to this fruit, principally the Royal Anns, from which he averages a crop of 
one hundred tons, and realizes a profit of from $7,000 to $10,000 annually. The 
life of this well-known citizen and successful fruit-grower began in Harrison 
county, Ohio, where he was born December 23, 1839, a son °f Charles and Sarah 
(Rolen) Hammell, who were also natives of that state. The other children in 
the parental family besides Henry were William, who also lives in Sonoma 
county ; James, who is engaged in the real-estate business in Los Angeles ; Levy, 
a carpenter and miner in this state ; Jennie, a resident of Indiana and the wife of 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 553 

\Y. 11. Carr; Cyrus, also a resident of Indiana; and John, deceased. The chil- 
dren were reared and educated in the locality of their birthplace in Ohio, and all 
grew up to an appreciation of the dignity of labor. 

Henry Hammell remained on the home farm with his parents until he was 
seventeen years of age, and in the meantime he had made up his mind to come 
to California, earning the money necessary for this expedition by cutting wood 
in the lumber camps. In the spring of 1855 he went to New York and secured 
passage on a vessel bound for Panama, re-embarking there for San Francisco, 
which he reached twenty-two days later. At that time he was offered $10 a 
day and could have bought lots on Market street for a trifle, but he ignored the 
offers to accomplish the desire of his heart, which was to search for the gold 
which he had heard abounded in the rivers and creeks of the Sierra Nevadas. 
From San Francisco he went immediately to Sacramento to try his luck as a 
miner, but his success was far from satisfactory and from there he went to 
Placer county to continue his efforts. There, on the middle fork of the Ameri- 
can river, he strove persistently to realize his dream of sudden wealth, but after 
a struggle of several years he was forced to abandon his efforts. Although this 
experience showed no financial results, it nevertheless strengthened the deter- 
mination of the young man, and made him more persistent than ever to wrest 
success from his western venture. An evidence of this determination was dem- 
onstrated by the fact that he walked the entire distance from Sacramento to 
Petaluma, Sonoma county, one hundred miles, arriving at his journey's end 
with just twenty-five cents in his pocket. He accepted the first work that of- 
fered, which happened to be on the ranch of Range Moffett, on Petaluma 
creek, but after working for a month and a half his employer disappeared with- 
out paying his help and thus he had nothing for his hard work, and this at a 
time too when he was in desperate straits. Other ranchers with whom he- 
found work proved better employers and as a farm hand he was enabled to 
save sufficient means to purchase land and start an enterprise of his own. First, 
however, he rented a tract of three hundred acres at Turlock which he con- 
ducted as a cattle ranch, also raising sheep and hogs. His first purchase con- 
sisted of one hundred acres of this land, for which he paid the owner, Harri- 
son Mecham, $3,000. and this continued to be the scene of his efforts until 
1876. Still retaining possession of the ranch, he then went to Los Angeles 
count} and bought two thousand acres of the Canojo ranch, which he devoted 
to the raising of wheat, and in addition carried on a stock and dairy business. 
The first year's crop proved a failure, but he continued his efforts in Southern 
California until he had realized $4,000, and after selling out his interests there, 
returned to his Sonoma county ranch and has since made his home here. Soon 
after his return he enlarged his possessions by the purchase of one hundred and 
eighty acre? in Petaluma township, for which he paid $9,000, and subsequent 
purchases have made him the owner of three hundred and seventy-five acres 
of fine land. Dairying and general farming at first occupied his attention, but 
this finally gave place to horticulture, a specialty being made of cherries, of 
which he has sixty-five acres, besides forty acres in apples, peaches, plums, 
lemons and oranges. The raising of cherries, however, is his specialty, and it 
is as a grower of this fruit that he has attained such remarkable success as a 
horticulturist, being known as the largest cherry grower north of San Fran- 



554 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COL'XTY 



cisco. All of the trees in his orchard were selected and planted by himself, 
and his success as a horticulturist is undoubtedly due to his close study of the 
subject and personal supervision of his ranch. 

At Turlock, California, in 1866, Mr. Hammell was united in marriage 
with Lurana Gist, a native of Missouri, and six children have been born of their 
marriage, as follows : Walter, who is married and the father of five children ; 
Charles, a resident of Petaluma ; Fred, who with his wife and three children, 
makes his home on a ranch near Petaluma ; Etta May, the wife of D. R. Muller ; 
Cora, the wife of William Raines and the mother of one child ; and Luma B\, 
a resident of Petaluma. Since 1900 Mr. Hammell has made his home in town, 
occupying a pleasant and commodious residence at No. 505 Main street. Here 
with his devoted wife he is enjoying the comforts and luxuries which their life 
of toil and hardship together for many years has made possible. 



LEWIS HERBERT. 

While the distinction of being a pioneer of Sonoma county is not claimed 
by Mr. Herbert, he has resided here for a period sufficiently long to enable him 
to acquire a thorough knowledge of the soil, climate and people, and his testi- 
mony, based upon experience and observation, adds valuable information to the 
concensus of opinion regarding the attractions of the region. In the vicinity of 
Penn Grove he owns and occupies a small tract which he has converted into a 
poultry ranch. While he has been variously engaged during different eras of 
his active life, his preference is for agriculture in any of its branches, while in 
the department of recreation he is especially fond of fishing and many a fine 
catch has borne silent but effective testimony as to his skill with the line. At 
this writing he has on his place two thousand hens of the leghorn breed, from 
which he derived a net income, over and above all expenses, of $1,400 in 1909, 
and in the preceding yea r he netted $1,600 from the flock of chickens. 

The Herbert family is of French extraction and was founded in America 
by Francois and Marie (Anglies) Herbert, natives of France, the former torn 
in 1805, the latter in 1810. After their marriage they crossed the ocean to Can- 
ada and later became farmers of Vermont, where they reared three children, 
having besides their son two daughters, Marie and Fanna. The elder daughter 
married Alexander Gadona and has five children, Frank, Moses, Emma, Julia 
and Caroline. Fanna became Mrs. Elmer Lincoln and has a son, Elmer, Jr. 
Born in Vermont in 1852, Lewis Herbert was given a common-school educa- 
tion in that state and there learned the principles of agriculture as conducted 
in that region. Upon starting out for himself he went to Nebraska in 1876 and 
took up a tree claim and a homestead in Greeley county, acquiring the title to 
three hundred and twenty acres of land in one body. During the twelve years 
of his residence there he became prominent in agricultural activities and also 
in public affairs. 

Appreciating the value of his citizenship the neighbors of Mr. Herbert 
repeatedly called him to fill offices of trust and responsibility. For six months 
he acted as constable and for two years he served as township assessor, after 
which he held office as county commissioner for three vears. Among the other 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 557 

important offices that he held were those of county clerk and clerk of the dis- 
trict court of Greeley county, in which capacities he labored for two years. In 
addition he held a position as deputy county treasurer for two years and later 
was commissioned postmaster of Scotia, Greeley county. At the expiration of 
three years he resigned the office of postmaster and in 1891 he removed to Col- 
orado Springs, Colorado, whence two years later he came to California. The 
first employment he secured in the west was as conductor on a street-car line 
in San Francisco. At the expiration of a year he came to Sonoma county in 
(894 and settled at Cotati, later buying twelve acres near Perm Grove, where 
now he makes his home. For four years he served as deputy postmaster at 
Penn Grove and for seven years he filled the office of school trustee with char- 
acteristic efficiency. Since coming to this county he has joined the Fraternal 
Brotherhood at Petaluma and formerly he held membership with Crystal Lodge 
No. 180, F. & A. M., in Nebraska. 

The marriage of Mr. Herbert united him with Olive Williams, who was 
born in Ohio in 1864 and by whom he has seven children, namely: Paul L. ; 
Lewis, Jr.; Walter E. ; Reulah, a trained nurse and a graduate from St. Wini- 
fred hospital in San Francisco; Mildred L., Ruth A. and Florence J. Mrs. 
Herbert is a daughter of Lewis Williams, who was born in Ohio in 1828. The 
family of which she was a member comprised seven children besides herself, 
namely : Grant. Ross, Lavina, Celia, Rose, Flora and Belle. Grant is married 
and has three children, Charles, Florence and Lucille. Ross married Amelia 
Brueur and they have a daughter. Dorothy. Lavina, Mrs. James Winninger, 
has three children, Rillis, Charles and Blanche. Celia, Mrs. John Fleming, is 
the mother of two children, Rupert and Grace. Rose married Marion Stell and 
has five children, John, Homer, Etha, Bessie and Ruth. Flora is the wife of 
Tillman Jones and the mother of a daughter, Lillian, while the remaining mem- 
ber of the family, Belle Williams, is now the wife of Charles Fowler. 



AZEL S. PATTERSON. 
The patient, persistent pioneer labor that pushed the limits of civilization 
further toward the setting sun typifies the westward emigration of frontiers- 
men and the gradual removal of the center of population from the shores of the 
Atlantic to the valley of the Mississippi. In the western migration the Patter- 
son family bore a part. Numerous descendants of the original colonial stock 
contributed their quota to the task of transforming the virgin soil into fertile 
farms. Established in New England at a very early day, from the state of 
Vermont the parents of Azel S. Patterson removed to New York and settled 
at Potsdam near the St. Lawrence river in the county of that name, where 
he was born March 14, 1824. The next removal took the family still further 
toward the west and into a region then giving no evidence of future worldwide 
greatness. As early as 1834 they settled in what is now Chicago, then known 
as Fort Dearborn, near which place he remained for ten years, going from 
there to Milwaukee to make his home with a sister. It was not possible for 
him to enjoy educational advantages such as are common to the present gen- 
eration. Indeed, his entire schooling through all the period of his childhood and 



558 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

youth did not total an aggregate of one year, but through indomitable perse- 
verance he acquired a fund of information equalling that possessed by many 
a college-bred man. 

Various occupations filled the early maturity of Mr. Patterson, his first 
employment having been that of clerk in a grocery, from which work he passed 
on to kindred pursuits. After he left his sister's home in Milwaukee he re- 
turned to Chicago and there was united in marriage, October 4, 1848, with 
Miss Mary Elizabeth Wilson, a native of Ohio and a woman of true-hearted 
worth, wise in counsel, affectionate in disposition and patient in the heavy be- 
reavement occasioned by the death of many of their children. Out of their 
family of fifteen only three are now living, namely: William W., born in 1853 
and now employed on the railroad, with headquarters in Sonoma county ; James 
Henry, born in 1855, now married and living in Sonoma county ; and Martha, 
born in 1862, now the wife of William H. Bones, of Sonoma county. The 
wife and mother was taken from the home by death in 1889, and Mr. Patter- 
son died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Bones, March 18, 191 1, aged eighty- 
seven years and four days. His remains were interred in Bloomfield cemetery. 

When the discovery of gold attracted thousands of Argonauts to the west 
Mr. Patterson was among the number who determined to try his fortune in 
California. Young, ambitious and brave, the hardships of the journey did not 
daunt him and the possibility of disastrous results did not quench his enthusi- 
asm. During the spring of 1 850 he joined a party of emigrants who crossed 
the plains in wagons and completed a tedious but uneventful journey by arriv- 
ing at Georgetown in the early autumn. Mining for gold did not prove profit- 
able and soon he turned his attention to other means of earning a livelihood. 
The year 1853 found him a pioneer of Sonoma county, where the remainder 
of his life was passed. Destitute of means, it was not possible for him to 
purchase land even at the low prices then prevailing, but he took up a leasehold 
and began ranch pursuits. For a long period he continued as a renter, but in 
1880 he invested his savings in forty-five acres of land, which he held until 
1910. In that year he retired from agricultural cares and placed his money 
on interest. It was his privilege to witness the gradual development of So- 
noma county from a wild region, inhabited principally by Indians, into a beau- 
tiful and prosperous country, the abode of a progressive people and the center 
of broad agricultural activities. 



FIERMANN SCHIECK. 
Localities beyond the immediate vicinity of Professor Schieck's home have 
been brought into an admiring knowledge of his abilities as a musician through 
the prominence he has achieved in the art. His name is worthy of perpetuation 
in the annals of local musical history, which owes much to his talented devotion 
and unusual attainments in his chosen profession. One of his aims has been to 
implant in the affections of the people of the county and state a love of violin, 
cornet and orchestral music, which in the opinion of many offers the highest form 
of artistic enjoyment possible to the human race. His admirable performance^ 
display technical brilliancy as well as taste and variety and leave no doubt as to 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 559 

the player's ability, which, to the larger honor of Sonoma county, is recognized 
in other counties and states than in that which he calls his home. 

In taking up the history of the Schieck family we find its origin traced to the 
ancient Teutons. The first representative in America was John G., a native of 
Erfurt, Germany, and an immigrant to New York in September of 1852, coming 
via the Isthmus of Panama and landing at San Francisco in 1858. The follow- 
ing year he became the first florist in that city, where for a time he remained in 
active business pursuits. November 20, 1859, he married a lady of German birth, 
who had left her home in Hamburg, Germany, in 1855, and had crossed the ocean 
to New York, thence coming via the isthmus to San Francisco in 1859 immediate- 
ly prior to her marriage. In her native land she had received a thorough edu- 
cation and had acquired a local reputation for skill in nursing. For forty-six 
years she lived in Sonoma county, first Glen Ellen at the place known as 
Wagner's villa. Later the family purchased and removed to a large ranch at 
the foot of the Sonoma mountain. After coming to Sonoma county she never 
refused to answer a call of sickness or distress, often fording streams during 
stormy weather and walking when unable to ride. Among the pioneers she was 
greatly beloved for her self-sacrificing labors in sickness and her remarkable skill 
in nursing. She survived her husband many years, and her own death occurred 
at the old homestead near the mountain. 

There are four members of the Schieck family now living. Frederick, who 
is unmarried, owns valuable mining interests in Placer county and also has large 
landed tracts now leased to tenants. David married Jessie Williams, a native of 
the state of New York ; they have two sons, Ralph and David. As a raiser of 
grapes and manufacturer of wine he has been particularly successful. The 
youngest brother, Hermann, is also interested as a partner in the wine industry, 
but makes his home at Penn Grove and has devoted his time largely to the art 
of music. The onlv daughter in the parental family is Agnes, Mrs. Henry 
Brockmann, wife of a prosperous farmer and wine-maker. The three children 
in the Brockmann family are Henry M., Agnes and Wilhelmina. The older 
daughter, Agnes, inherits her grandmother's skill in nursing and has graduated 
in the profession, which she now follows. The younger daughter, Wilhelmina, 
has engaged in teaching school since her graduation from the San Francisco 
Normal School in 1910. 

Upon establishing domestic ties Professor Schieck was united in marriage 
with Miss Alice Eva Severance, their wedding occurring in the First Congre- 
gational Church of San Francisco on Sunday, September 21, 1905. Two chil- 
dren, Eva Josephine and Donald, bless the union. Mrs. Schieck is a pianist and 
orchestral leader of recognized ability and has filled many engagements through- 
out the state, in concerts and assemblies where the finest of talent was demanded. 
For some time she has been the organist of Harmony Chapter, Order of Eastern 
Star No. 124, at San Francisco, with which she holds membership. Professor 
and Mrs. Schieck are interested in the same art and their happiest hours are 
passed in its study. While specializing in the profession, they have not limited 
their activities to its pursuit, but have proved broad-minded citizens, liberal con- 
tributors to educational and religious enterprises, and the possessors of a culture 
both rare and resourceful. 



560 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

The history of the Severance family indicates that they have been identified 
with America for a number of generations. William Wallace Severance, who 
was born in Maine, March 4, 1835, came to California in 1858 and settled at 
Mokelumne Hill, Calaveras county, where he was an honored pioneer. Later 
he removed to Penryn, Placer county, where his daughter, Alice Eva, was 
born and where he long held a position of prominence as a business man and 
progressive citizen. The blue lodge of Masonry in that town numbered him 
among its leading members and he also was associated with the Royal Arch 
Chapter in the same order. His wife, Matilda Ordell, was born at Chicago, 
III, in 1846, and removed to California in girlhood, settling at Rich Gulch, 
Calaveras county, in i860, at which time she was married. Four children were 
born of the union, of whom Frederick Ellsworth and Mrs. Schieck are living. 
The son, a resident of San Diego, is prominent socially and fraternally and was 
a charter member of Red Star Lodge, K. of P., of San Diego, also actively asso- 
ciated with other organizations. In politics Professor Schieck adheres to Repub- 
lican principles, in this respect following the example of his father, who after 
becoming an American citizen always voted the Republican ticket. Much of 
his time is devoted to instruction on the violin and cornet and in the general 
principles of music, and his wife also is a successful teacher of the art, besides 
which they fill engagements for orchestral work in other parts of the state. By 
their devotion to music, their close study of its principles and their recognized 
talent they have risen to a high rank in the state and are known to music-lovers 
throughout much of the west. 

The Schieck homestead comprises seventy acres owned by the Professor and 
his brother David and all of the tracts excepting thirty acres are in grapes, thus 
forming a vineyard from which grapes are harvested and manufactured into 
wine. The products of other vineyards also are purchased and brought to the 
winery for manufacture into wine. Concerning the old family homestead we 
quote the following description: "Graham Canon contains many charming- 
homes. The scenery is wild, grand and romantic ; a restful quiet pervades the 
whole landscape. But nowhere are the skies more blue, the hills more purple, the 
sunshine brighter and nowhere do the perfumed breezes blow more softly than 
over the home of the Schieck brothers in this charming valley. Born and bred 
in this beautiful spot, presided over by a warm-hearted, practical, busy mother, 
who, with the long years of residence in this glorious country, had forgotten 
none of her sturdy German training in early life, kept the home shining and 
bright, a welcome that awaited all guests with a cordial, open-handed kindness 
and wide-open door. Hermann Schieck is a fine musician, with cultivated tastes 
and skilful hand (how could it be otherwise — drawing inspiration from such 
sources and surroundings), the sunshine and warmth and beauty, where every- 
thing is blooming, also the grand symphony concert of countless wild birds of 
many varieties which swell the heart and make one feel that they must take 
part in this harmony of praise. 

"One must be born with music in the soul, but to bring it to its highest 
state of perfection requires culture, application and practice. Mr. Schieck real- 
izes this. He has given long hours of study and thought, with constant train- 
ing from skilled musicians who have made a life study and success of music, 




~i££a>-r?-*^ct-^» / /& , 










T. B. JOY. 


T. B. 


Joy 


is well 


known in western Sonoma county 


dairying. 









HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 563 

until now he leads in this divine science of music and harmony. David, the 
elder brother, gives more time to the raising of grapes. The willing yield of the 
soil shows in the heavily laden fruit trees and the big clusters of purple grapes 
ripening in the full flood of tempered sunshine which later is crushed into mellow 
wine and shipped all over the world. Both brothers are interested in this in- 
dustry and each year the shipments grow larger. During the season of harvest- 
ing and crushing the grapes the little hamlet of cottages scattered through the 
grounds are occupied by busy, contented, happy workmen, until their product 
of California's bottled sunshine goes out to the outside world to cheer, sustain 
and heal. Both brothers are men of capacity, presence, integrity and persever- 
ance, cheerful and social, typical native sons of this land of heaven's peculiar 



in lumbering; and 



ER1CK P. NISSON. 

The ocean-girt kingdom of Denmark was the childhood home of Erick P. 
Nisson, who there became familiar with a language and customs widely differ- 
ent from those with which he has become more accustomed in his later years. 
Born April 3, 1850, he is the son of Erick and Magdelina (Nickolson) Nisson, 
both natives of Denmark, born respectively in 1810 and 1818. In the old coun- 
try the father followed his trade of dyer, and thereby secured a fairly good 
income with which to maintain his family. However, the attractions of the new 
world found him an immigrant on these shores in 1866, and from that time until 
labor was no longer possible he followed ranching in Sonoma county, Cal. A 
large family blessed the marriage of this worthy couple, but of the number 
only six are now living. The eldest son, Nicholas, was at one time a midship- 
man on the battleship Pensacola ; he was married and made his home in Peta- 
luma until death. 

Erick P. Nisson was the youngest son born to his parents, and with the 
other children received his education in the schools near the family home in 
Denmark. Although the father had come to the United States in 1866, it was 
not until three years later that Erick P. followed the father and other members 
of the family hither. He was then nineteen years of age, a strong, robust youth, 
ready to undertake anything that would give him a start in the new land that 
was henceforth to be his home. Joining his father in Sonoma county, he too 
became interested in ranching, settling on a ranch which lies on the line dividing 
Sonoma and Marin counties. Here he has built up a splendid dairy and ranch 
enterprise, in addition to raising chickens on a large scale, and taken all in all, 
he has one of the most thrifty ranches, both in appearance and in reality, that 
one will see in the country round about. The ranch is on Rural Route No. 4 
from Petaluma, and comprises two hundred and ninety-two acres, well located 
for the purposes to which the land is devoted. Besides carrying on general 



564 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

farming, the owner is also interested in dairying, and each year finds him increas- 
ing the size of his herd. At present he has forty head of fine Durham cattle, 
and also a bull of the same breed, besides eight head of horses. A no less im- 
portant feature of the ranch is the raising of chickens, of which he has two 
thousand of the Leghorn breed. A small orchard supplies the family with a 
variety of fruit, and the land not otherwise in use is used as pasture and hay 
land. Everything about the ranch indicates that Mr. Nisson understands thor- 
oughly the work that he has undertaken, and his associates and neighbors are 
watching his progress with interest. 

In Santa Rosa Erick P. Nisson was united in marriage with Miss Claudina 
Moltzan, who was born in Denmark in 1857, the daughter of Claus Moltzan. 
a cooper by trade, who in 1878 immigrated to this country with his wife and 
family. Coming direct to California, he settled on a ranch located on the divid- 
ing line between Sonoma and Marin counties. Six children were born of the 
marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Moltzan (the latter of whom was before her mar- 
riage Miss Catherine Jessen) three sons and three daughters, Christ. Charles. 
Axel. Loretta, Claudina and Hannah. Eight children have been born to Mr. 
Nissor and his wife, as follows: Christian, Henry, Lena, Mary, Clara, Anna. 
Loretta and Elinor. Two of the daughters are married and established in homes 
of their own. Lena, the wife of Theodore Anderson and the mother of two 
children, Erick and Clyde; and Anna, who married William Linebaugh, of 
Marin county, and has two children, Willma Rose and Ross A. 



W. A. T. STRATTON. 

In these days of specialization it is to the man who has the ability to step 
out of the beaten paths and take advantage of the opportunities not yet appro- 
priated by others to whom success is most promising. Probably no one appre- 
ciates this truism more fully than does Mr. Stratton. who as a nurseryman in 
this state for over forty years has had ample opportunity to test its validity. 
Tn the early days of his association with the industry he dealt in a variety of 
shrubs and trees which thrive in this section of country, but experience taught 
him the advisability of concentrating his efforts and investigation along special 
lines, and today he is known as the best authority in the state upon the eucalyp- 
tus tree. 

A native of New York state. Mr. Stratton was born in Sullivan county 
October 15, 1836. In April. 1853, when he was seventeen years old. he came to 
the Pacific coast country by the Panama route, and not far from the metropolis 
in which he landed a stranger in a strange land, he succeeded in finding em- 
ployment. This was in the nursery of Flint & Haile, of Alameda, under whom 
he learned the business thoroughly, and he was finally competent to undertake 
a similar business on his own account. This he did in the fall of i860, when 
he went to Stockton, and established a large general nursery. He maintained 
this with success for a number of years, when he disposed of it and came to 
Petahima, his association with the town dating from August, 1864. Six years 
later, in 1870, he established the nucleus of the large nursery of which he is 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 565 

today the proprietor, this being the first undertaking of the kind in the county, 
and he is therefore the pioneer nurseryman of the county and the country round 
about, as well as the oldest living' nurseryman in California. As a state Cali- 
fornia has but recently awakened to the fact of the great value of the eucalyptus 
tree which grows to such perfection upon her soil, and which is taking its place 
among the prime commercial factors of the state. As a close student of condi- 
tions and progress Mr. Stratton long since recognized the possibilities of this 
special tree and for many years has made it the subject of special study and 
investigation. His nursery is composed entirely of this specie of tree of the best 
varieties, with which he is constantly experimenting, both as to the varieties 
themselves, in his endeavor to find those best suited to requirements and condi- 
tions, as well as the fertilizer best suited to their propagation. As the knowl- 
edge of the value of the eucalyptus tree has become more general among citizens 
of the state Mr. Stratton's business has grown in a like ratio, for he is recog- 
nized as an authority on the subject all over the state and shipments of young 
trees from his nursery are made to all points of the state. 

Mr. Stratton has been twice married, his first wife, who prior to her mar- 
riage was Miss Hannah M. Stiles, having died January 21, 1907. His present 
wife to whom he was married September 11. 1909, was formerly Mrs. Eliz- 
abeth S. B. Williams. Politically Mr. Stratton is a Democrat, and on the ticket 
of this party he was elected a member of the board of trustees of Petaluma, of 
which he has served as president. Mr. Stratton takes commendable pride in 
the military achievements of his father, Jonathan Stratton, who rendered valiant 
service to this country in the war of 181 2 and the Florida war, among other en- 
gagements taking part in the battle of Lake Erie. 



HON. JASPER O'FARRELL. 

Mention of the name of Jasper O'Farrell takes one back in the history of 
California to the time when it was still under Mexican control, and between the 
date of his arrival in this territory, October 20, 1843, and the date of his 
death, November 16. 1875, his accomplishments seem incredible. His earth 
life came to a close in the city which he had loved as one of his children, San 
Francisco, and of which it may be truly said he was the founder. His name is 
perpetuated in O'Farrell street in that city. 

A native of Ireland, Jasper O'Farrell was born in County Wexford in the 
year 1817. His education was acquired in Dublin, where he received special 
instruction in civil engineering, and it was upon the completion of his studies 
he set out from his native land, going to London, where to took a vessel bound 
for Chili, South America. For a time he was engaged in surveying there, but 
finally embarked on a vessel that brought him to California, reaching San Fran- 
cisco October 20, 1843. Coming to Sonoma county a few years afterward, he 
located on a grant of land which he called Analy, thus perpetuating the name 
of the hereditary seat of the O'Farrells in County Longford, Ireland. The 
ability of the young man as an expert surveyor and engineer was not allowed to 
lie idle long, and in the maps and measurements which he made for the Mexican 



566 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

authorities the most implicit confidence was placed. As early as 1839 a survey 
of the city of San Francisco was begun by Juan Voiget, and nine years later, 
in 1848, Jasper O'Farrell, W. M. Eddy and J. J. Hoff continued the work of 
this pioneer by extending the survey of the city. Before the work was begun it 
was arranged that as payment Mr. O'Farrell and his co-laborers were to receive 
one ounce of gold, equal to $16, for every fifty varas surveyed. However, Air. 
O'Farrell and his colleagues never received pay for their work, for when it was 
completed it was discovered that there was not money enough in the treasury 
to pay for it, and enough town lots could not be sold to cancel the debt. Not 
only did Mr. O'Farrell gain renown in the line of his profession, being made the 
first surveyor and engineer of San Francisco, but he also took an active part in 
politics. In 1858 he was elected to the state senate to represent Sonoma county, 
making a splendid record as a legislator, and in 1862 he received the Democratic 
nomination for lieutenant-governor of California, but was defeated by a small 
majority. At the hands of Gov. Henry H. Haight he received the appointment 
as a member of the state board of harbor commissioners, an office in which he 
gave commendable service. 

In surveying and laying out the business streets of San Francisco Mr. 
O'Farrell met with considerable opposition on the part of some of the citizens 
in regard to the width of the streets, this being especially true of Market street, 
and but for his persistency this would not be known as it is today, as the ideal 
business street of America. Besides his accomplishments as a surveyor in San 
Francisco, he also laid out the towns of Vallejo, Benicia and Martinez, and also 
surveyed . around Petaluma and San Rafael, and laid out many of the large 
ranches in Sonoma county. The mining excitement of the year 1849 was not to 
pass Mr. O'Farrell without leaving its impression, and his experiences in Oro- 
ville are recorded with such early pioneers as the Floods, O'Briens and Rol- 
sons. 

Generous and kindly to a fault, had Mr. O'Farrell been cast in a different 
mold he might have been one of the wealthiest men in the state of California. 
The ground on which the famous Palace Hotel in San Francisco now stands 
was at one time owned by him in company with John Sullivan and D. T. Mur- 
phy, and donated by them to the Sisters of Charity to be used as a site for an 
orphan asylum. The property was finally sold by the sisters to the Palace 
Hotel Company. Mr. O'Farrell was a close friend of the Catholic priests 
throughout the surrounding country, and in the early days his home in Free- 
stone, Sonoma county, was the gathering place for the church fathers. The 
Catholic Church at Bodega stands as a gift from Mr. O'Farrell, he donating 
the land and also the lumber for its construction. Having a quick, receptive 
mind, Mr. O'Farrell readily acquired a knowledge of the Spanish language, 
and he was frequently called upon to translate important documents into Eng- 
lish. One of the prized mementoes of the family is a letter from Gen. M. G. 
Vallejo, in which he asks Mr. O'Farrell to translate some important documents 
for him, thus showing the high opinion in which his work of this character was 
held. 

In Somona county, Cal., in 1849, Jasper O'Farrell was united in marriage 
with Miss Marv McChristian, and of the eight children born to them, five are 







a^^t 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 569 

now living, Cathal, Louis, Minnie L. (now Mrs. D. L. Leahy, of Sebastopol), 
Gerald and Eleanor. The eldest of the family, Cathal, is now in charge of the 
property at Freestone upon which his father settled in the latter '40s, at which 
time he obtained two grants of land containing about sixteen thousand acres, 
reaching from Valley Ford and Bodega to Freestone, on which wild animals 
roamed and Indians built their camp fires. He named it Analy. Changes have 
since taken place with this valuable piece of land, the ranch now including only 
six hundred and forty acres, and it is used for general agriculture and dairying. 
Thirty-five years have come and gone since Jasper O'Farrell was taken from the 
scenes of earth, and few if any of those associated with him in his pioneer efforts 
are now living, but the good that he accomplished lives after him and will con- 
tinue to endure until time is no more. 



MRS. FRANCES McG. MARTIN. 

A woman of superior ability and characteristics, Mrs. Martin has made a 
record in two professions, either one of which might have crowned with success 
the efforts of one less ambitious than she. -The history of her life and accom- 
plishments is interesting and instructive, showing to what heights one may 
attain who is inspired by right motives and endowed with a mentality broad 
and deep. 

Though a native of the east, her birth having occurred in Gettysburg, Pa., 
Mrs. Martin has no recollection of her birthplace, for soon after her birth her 
parents moved to Illinois and settled near Macomb, McDonough county. It 
was there that both parents passed away, leaving seven children, the youngest 
being but two years of age. Thrown suddenly upon her own resources, Frances 
Grier McGaughey (for she traces her ancestry to the Griers of Pennsylvania 
who were some of the sturdy pioneer settlers of that commonwealth and of 
national fame) planned her future course in life, which was to prepare herself 
for the teacher's profession. At the time she was a student in the Minnesota 
State Nbrmal, at St. Cloud, her application for a position as teacher during 
the summer vacation led to her appointment to teach a district school in a 
remote settlement in that state. Ninety miles by stage over the roughest of 
roads brought her to her destination ; there she found her boarding place was 
a small shanty protected with a sod roof, while the school house was a log 
cabin. The young teacher was not dismayed and completed the term with 
credit to herself and profit to the pupils. Resuming her studies at the State 
Normal when the next term opened, she was later graduated with honors and 
subsequently became a teacher in the schools of St. Cloud and Minneapolis. 

Miss McGaughey's identification with California dates from the year 1874. 
Stopping temporarily in Alameda, she made application for a position as teacher 
there, later in Healdsburg, and being accepted in the latter city as first assist- 
ant, she made a splendid record. The following year she was made principal 
of the Healdsburg schools, a position which she filled until her marriage to 
Edgar Martin in 1876. 

Left a widow in 1882 with two small children, when the youngest was 
four months old Mrs. Martin resumed her duties in the school room, accepting 



570 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

a position in a country school near Skaggs Springs. Sonoma county. This was 
the beginning of an important period in her career. From this position she 
became principal of the schools in Sonoma, which she held until her election 
on the Republican ticket in 1886 as superintendent of the schools of Sonoma 
county, which has more separate school districts than any county in the state. 
So successful had been her work that she was re-elected in 1890 by a majority 
of nearly four hundred votes, this too in consideration of the fact that the 
Democratic candidate for governor had received the largest number of votes 
in the county. She was the first woman elected to this position in Sonoma 
county and during her incumbency gave ample evidence of her ability. Gradu- 
ation from the grammar grades of the public schools of the county was first 
carried into practice by Airs. Martin. Formerly pupils were "turned back" 
by each new teacher, and. eventually left school in disgust at not being able 
to accomplish something definite. Airs. Martin worked the matter up person- 
ally, from school to school, urging the pupils to remain in school until they 
had at least completed the grammar course, assuring them that diplomas would 
be given all who completed the course. Questions were prepared by the county 
board of education ; examinations were held simultaneously all over the count) 
by the respective teachers : the papers were forwarded to the county super- 
intendent's office, were passed upon by the board of education and regular 
grammar-grade diplomas were issued to the successful pupils. Those diplomas 
were signed by the superintendent of schools and the president of the county 
board of education, and the holders were able. to enter high school without 
examination, and after graduation therefrom they could, and now can, from 
the accredited high schools, enter the State University without examination. 
Pupils from the most remote mountain districts have the right-of-way to and 
through the portals of the highest educational institution in the state. 

The first class of graduates from the country schools in 1888 numbered 
about half a dozen, but now scores and hundred are graduated each year. A (any 
favorable comments were made concerning Mrs. Martin's work, but of all of 
them none gave her more inspiration than that from Dr. David Starr Jordan, 
of Stanford University, under date of August 6, 1894: "No other superin- 
tendent in the state is doing better work than you. and none is working more 
intelligently and loyally." Tn 1893 sne was a member of the World's Congress 
of Educators which convened in Chicago and many noted educators from the 
east were much surprised to find the line was unbroken from the smallest 
country school in Sonoma county to the State University. Some said : "We 
have been trying to reach that point for more than twenty years, but have not 
yet attained its accomplishment." Tn January, 1895. Airs. Martin retired from 
the office in which she had accomplished so much for the benefit of the pupils 
of the schools. 

Mrs. Martin's object in giving up educational work was to fit herself 
for the legal profession, a field for which she has proven herself equally well 
fitted as in the educational field. Her studies were conducted in the office of 
A. B. Ware of Santa Rosa. She was admitted to the bar by the Supreme 
Court of the state December 2^. 1895, and in February of the following year 
she opened an office in Santa Rosa. Mrs. Martin prefers probate practice and 
has the reputation of looking closely after the interests of widows and orphans. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 571 

In civil cases her aim has ever been to effect a settlement between the parties 
without the expense, strain and enmities usually accompanying a suit at law. 
In the settlement of differences between the parties she has ever been success- 
ful, ever bearing in mind the advice given her by a man well known and eminent 
in the United States and elsewhere, while she was engaged in the study of 
law. He said: "Settle whenever you can. I consider that person the best 
lawyer who has the greatest number of cases, but who takes the fewest into 
court." Nbt a little of Mrs. Martin's success in both professions has been 
due to her pleasing personality, as well as broad humanitarian spirit which 
enables her to enter into the problems of those with whom she is brought in 
contact. 



REUBEN H1LEMAN SHAFFER. 

A man of unlimited enterprise, practical and progressive. Reuben H. Shaf- 
fer, of Santa Rosa, has led an active life, with numerous and varied interests. 
Not unlike a large majority of the best citizens of this community he came 
hither after a long and valuable experience in states to the east, and although 
comparatively a newcomer to this locality, the large business interests which he 
has gathered about him in a few short years is indicative of the push and per- 
severance which are among his most marked characteristics. 

Pennsylvania had been the home of the Shaffer family for a number or 
generations, and in Blair county, that state, Reuben FI. was born January 15, 
1850, his parents also being natives and life-time residents of that eastern state. 
Until he was fifteen years of age Reuben IT. Shaffer seemed comparatively con- 
tent with the surroundings of his birthplace, but a change of ideas at this time 
was destined to change the whole of his after life. Filled with the spirit of 
the west, he set out from Pittsburg, Pa., in 1865, going first to Chicago, and 
later to Davenport, Iowa, finally reaching the Mississippi river, where for two 
years he was employed as raftman on boats plying the river. Following this 
he worked as a farm hand for a short time, after which he went to Missouri, 
and for two years found employment in and around Kansas City, Mo. Every 
change of location found him a little further toward the west, his next move 
taking him across the state of Missouri, and just over the line, in southeastern 
Kansas, he took up a government claim of one hundred and sixty acres. After 
holding this property for six years he disposed of it and returned to Kansas 
City, where, having formed domestic ties in the meantime, he made his home 
for seven years, during which time he was variously employed. While there 
he also served his community as street commissioner two terms, and during this 
time the first street in the city was paved. His next westward move took him 
to Nebraska, where he took up a homestead claim one hundred miles west of 
Omaha, and for the following twenty-six years he continued to cultivate and 
improve the land. It was at the end of this time that he disposed of his in- 
terests in Nebraska and came to California, in 1903, and the following year 
he embarked in the business which engages his attention today, handling fuel 
and feed, and in connection with this he also conducts a grocery business. Much 
of the practical work connected with the maintenance of this undertaking is 
assumed by his son and namesake, who is associated in partnership with him. 



5/2 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

This makes it possible for Mr. Shaffer to give more time and attention to the 
care of his ranch, one of the fine properties in the vicinity of Santa Rosa, and 
formerlv the property of ex-Senatoi Barham. The ranch comprises fifteen 
acres of rich land, admirably located just outside the corporate limits of Santa 
Rosa, and here may be seen one of the representative ranches for which So- 
noma county is noted. Eleven acres are in prunes and pears, and as the ranch 
is equipped with a drier, it is possible to dry and pack the fruit for shipment 
under the immediate direction of Mr. Shaffer, and all the fruit that bears his 
trademark is known to be of the highest grade possible to obtain. During the 
season of 1909 he dried, packed and shipped twelve tons of prunes, which 
brought $700, and $50 for pears, and the season of 1910 produced $1,200 worth 
of fruit. He has refused an offer of $1,000 an acre for his property, thus prov- 
ing that he is satisfied with his choice of a home, and indeed it may safely be 
said that there is no one in the community who is more enthusiastic about its 
possibilities than is he. In retrospect he compares his present condition with 
the experiences which he passed through as a pioneer settler in Nebraska, where 
he lived in a dug-out until a better shelter could be provided. 

Reference has previously been made to Mr. Shaffer's marriage. This oc- 
curred in 1872 and united him with Miss Emily M. Davis, a native of Michigan. 
Eleven children were born to them, but at the present time only nine are liv- 
ing. One of these, William Shaffer, is engaged in the poultry business in Santa 
Rosa. His marriage united him with Miss Alice Harris, a native of New Hamp- 
shire, and two children have been born to them. Another son, Reuben H., 
Jr., is his father's partner in the feed and grocery business in Santa Rosa. As 
indicative of the character of man Mr. Shaffer is, it may be said that wherever 
he has made his home he has entered into the building of the community with 
zest, and there is no place in which he has lived that does not bear testimony 
to this. During the long period of his residence in Nebraska he served as a 
member of the school board, and at one time was a candidate for the office of 
sheriff, and after a tie vote he drew cuts with his opponent and lost. Fraternally 
Mr. Shaffer is identified with the Masonic order, the Modern Woodmen and 
the American Order of Protection. In the best sense of that well-worn phrase. 
he is a self-made man, and all who are brought in contact with him, either in 
a business or social way, admire him for his manv fine traits of character. 



JOHN THOMAS DIXON. 

It speaks well for a state or county when those who have visited other parts 
of the country, select a certain locality as the one of all others in which to live 
in contentment and quiet, and at the same time make a comfortable living. This 
has been Mr. Dixon's experience, and he has good reason to thank kind Fortune 
for leading his footsteps to this garden spot of the west, as he considers Sonoma 
county. 

The son of Michael and Martha (Hale) Dixon, natives of Tennessee and 
Missouri respectively, John T. Dixon was born in Dallas county, Mo., March 
30, 1855. During his boyhood the home of the family was transferred to Boone 
county, same state, and in both of these localities he attended school and made 




ps^vv^~A^ i: /iu*>/c* 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 575 

the best possible use of the advantages which they offered. With the experience 
and knowledge of twenty years as his chief asset he started out in the world to 
make his own way, coming at that time to California and settling in Napa county. 
Altogether he continued in that part of the state for about thirteen years, working 
as a farm hand on ranches until he felt competent to undertake responsibilities 
on his own account. It was with the knowledge and experience of several years 
as a rancher that he came to Sonoma county in 1888, after which he was em- 
ployed in vineyards for a number of years thus adding a knowledge of this 
special branch of agriculture to his other acquirements. In 1902 he purchased 
the ranch of thirty-seven acres near Fulton which has been his home ever since, 
and here in the meantime he has practically demonstrated his knowledge and 
understanding of the cultivation of the vine. From year to year his income has 
marked an increase in the volume of business transacted, and during the year 
1909 the sales from his vines amounted to $1,000. 

By his marriage in 1877 Mr. Dixon was united to a native daughter of 
California in Miss Ida Gardener, and three children were born to them. The 
eldest of these children is May, a resident of San Mateo county, and the wife 
of George Ross. Charles Wilton is engaged in the stock business in Washoe 
county, Nev. Jessie N. is a resident of Marin county, Cal. The mother of these 
children passed away in 1894, and three years later, in 1897, Mr. Dixon was 
united in marriage with his present wife, formerly Mrs. Lottie Crigler. The 
only child of this marriage is John Orton, who was born in 1898 and is now 
attending the public school at Fulton. Mrs. Dixon is a native daughter of Cali- 
fornia and has passed her entire life in the state. On national questions Mr. 
Dixon votes the Republican ticket, but in local matters he varies his vote accord- 
ing to the qualifications of the candidate. He has held a number of offices with- 
in the gift of his fellow-citizens, having held the office of school trustee for three 
years and for the past three years has been clerk of the school board. Progres- 
sive and public-spirited, Mr. Dixon is one whose residence in Sonoma county 
has been of distinct advantage to state and county, and no project that would 
advance the welfare of either has failed to receive his support and encouragement. 



SAMUEL HUTCFIINSON. 

For forty years and more Mr. Hutchinson was associated with business 
and agricultural enterprises in California, nearly a quarter of a century of this 
time being passed in Santa Rosa, and when death suddenly terminated his 
useful career there was a general expression of regret concerning the loss of 
one so loyal to city, county and state, so devoted to ■ their progress, and 
so interested in beneficial movements, as was this public-spirited citizen. Al- 
though he always cherished with affection the memory of his childhood home 
across the seas, he never regretted that destiny had led him to 'America, and 
especially was he interested in the growth of California, which he believed 
to be the garden-spot of the entire country, and on this subject he was a 
capable judge, for he had been an extensive traveler. 

The birth of Samuel Hutchinson occurred in County Armagh, Ireland, in 
September, 1827, and his education was received primarily in the grammar 
30 



576 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

schools of his native locality. During youth and early young manhood he was 
variously employed in the vicinity of his birth, but a growing dissatisfaction 
with the prospects, or rather lack of prospects, in his own country was the 
means of his immigration to America. From the metropolis in which he 
landed on these shores he made his way to the middle west soon afterward, 
going to Illinois and Wisconsin, in both of which states he remained for a time 
before coming to the far west. However, having come this near to the eldorado 
which was attracting so many thousands of men he was induced to complete 
the journey from ocean to ocean, and the year 1854 witnessed his removal to 
California with ox-teams. Instead of interesting himself in the mines, in 
which he had invested and lost a large amount of money, he engaged in the 
butcher business in the vicinity of the mines. The thought was well conceived 
and the business was maintained with profit i'or a time, proving a stepping- 
stone to the stock and farming business in which he later engaged and which 
he followed extensively throughout the remainder of his life. Purchasing 
a section of land in Sutter county, in the vicinity of the mines where he had 
engaged in the stock business, he stocked the land with cattle and engaged 
in cattle raising and farming with splendid success for many years, or until 
coming to Santa Rosa in 1871. This fine ranch in Sutter county, purchased 
over half a century ago, is still in the possession of the family and the source 
of a goodly income. Eight miles from Santa Rosa Mr. Hutchinson purchased 
one of the largest tracts of land in the possession of one individual in this 
section of the country and entered upon farming and the raising of stock on 
an extensive scale. Of the thirty-six hundred and fifty acres which he pur- 
chased, fifty acres were devoted to the raising of hops, and the balance used 
for fartning and stock and cattle raising. He also developed the Annadel 
quarry on this land. This quarry is one of the best in the state, producing 
large quantities of basalt blocks. During the lifetime of Mr. Hutchinson the 
farming and cattle-raising enterprise grew from year to year; and after his 
demise was ably carried on by his eldest son for many years. Recently, how- 
ever, the latter has leased the property to tenants. In later years the dairy 
business has grown to large proportions, and recently the manufacture of 
American-Swiss cheese has been made a large industry, a model, up-to-date 
factory having been installed on the ranch. During the winter of 1862 Mr. 
Hutchinson lost all of his cattle in the flood of the Feather river. In his 
endeavor to save his cattle he seriously impaired his health, being paralyzed 
in his right side at that time, and thereafter he had no use of his right limbs. 
After coming to California, in 1855, Mr. Hutchinson formed domestic ties 
by his marraige with Miss Elizabeth Johnson, one of his countrywomen, who 
was born in County Armagh and who came to America and crossed the plains 
to California in 1854, the same year in which he came to the west. All of the 
children born of this marriage are natives of Sutter county, and are named in 
the order of their birth as follows : Annie, the wife of Dr. O. F. Ottmer, of 
Eureka, Humboldt county ; Thomas J. ; Rachel : Mary ; Samuel ; and Charlotte, 
who became the wife of Robert Skinner, but is now deceased. Throughout his 
life Mr. Hutchinson was a member and communicant of the Episcopal Church 
and after coming to Santa Rosa identified himself with the church of this de- 
nomination in this citv, his wife also beine a member of this organization. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 577 

Fraternally he was a Mason, being an active and interested member of the 
organization. He died in Santa Rosa June I, 1894, and the funeral was con- 
ducted under the auspices of the lodge of which he was a member. If Mr. 
Hutchinson had a hobby it was for recreation in travel, and he indulged his 
taste in this direction quite frequently. On one occasion he went to Australia, 
twice returned for a visit to his native land, and made many trips to Illinois, 
his entire family accompanying him on one of the latter journeys. 

The eldest son of the family, Thomas J. Hutchinson, was born in Sutter 
county June 23, 1861. As soon as he became old enough he was an invaluable 
assistant to his father in the care of the ranch in Sutter county, besides which 
for two years he maintained a stock-raising enterprise of his own in Arizona. 
After the death of the father he took charge of the ranch in Sonoma county, 
following the policy which the latter had mapped out, and in so doing has met 
with splendid success. He has recently rented the ranch to tenants and re- 
tired from active business cares. Not unlike many other residents of Santa 
Rosa, Mr. Hutchinson suffered a loss in the visitation of the earthquake in 
the spring of 1906. He was a director and stockholder in the old Atheneum 
theatre on Fourth street that was then destroyed, this being one of the largest 
buildings in the town. He is proud of his citizenship in one of California's 
thriving business towns, and also proud to be eligible to the Native Sons of the 
Golden West, in which he is a welcome member, as he is also of the Masonic 
order, with which his name is identified. 



JOHN J. BONNIKSEN. 

The possibilities of the west have attracted hither young men from almost 
every part of the world. Among other countries. Germany has given up some 
of its best youths to aid in the making of the western empire, and in the list of 
young Germans who have found homes in California mention belongs to John 
J. Bonniksen, a well-known poultry raiser of Sonoma county and the builder-up 
of a comfortable fortune through his unwearied labors since coming to this lo- 
cality. 

Born in Schleswig, Germany, March 23, 1866, John J. Bonniksen is a son 
of- B. and Anna D. (Matthieson) Bonniksen. both of whom were natives of 
Denmark, born respectively in 1822 and 1825. The entire married life of the 
parents was passed in the Fatherland, where the father followed farming as a 
means of support for his family. A large family of thirteen children, six sons 
and seven daughters, constituted the family circle, named as follows : Peter, 
Hans, Amos, John J., Nicholi, Bonnik, Maria, Sicilia, Metta, Anna, Catherine. 
Ingeborg and Christina. With the exception of Hans, Amos, Nicholi and Inge- 
borg, who are residents of Humboldt county, and John J., the subject of this 
sketch, the children are all residents of the Fatherland. 

John J. Bonniksen had attained his twenty-third year. when, in 1889, he 
set sail for the United States, and having reached our shores in safety, came 
direct to California. He was attracted to Humboldt county owing to the fact 
that several of his brothers had preceded him to this country and were located 
in that part of the state. He therefore went direct to Ferndale, Humboldt county, 
where he followed the dairy business and also conducted a ci^ar store. All of 



578 HISTORY OF SOXOMA COUNTY 

this was destined to be short-lived, however, and but a stepping stone to the 
better opening which he found awaiting him in Sonoma county. His identi- 
fication with this part of the state dates from the year 1906. when he located 
upon the property which he now leases, which is adjacent to both Two Rock 
and Petaluma, the latter, however, being his postoffice. Here he has under lease 
four hundred acres of land devoted to dairying and the chicken industry. Sixty 
head of cows of high grade supply his dairy, besides which he has seven head of 
fine horses which he is raising for sale. While Mr. Bonniksen is very suc- 
cessful as a dairyman it is as a raiser of chickens that he is even more success- 
ful, and it is in this industry that he has become an authority throughout this 
section of Sonoma county. Here he has a flock of three thousand White Leg- 
horn chickens, from which, during the season of 1909, his income was $1.50 
each for the year. 

Mr. Bonniksen chose as his wife Miss Augusta Jeshonik, who was born in 
Germany in 1867, and one child, Bernard Bruce, has been born of their marriage. 
With his wife Mr. Bonniksen is a member of the Lutheran Church of Petaluma. 



GEORGE A. HALL. 

The initial period of American development witnessed the immigration of the 
Hall family to this country and their settlement along the rock-bound coast of 
Xew England, where several successive generations followed seafaring lives. 
Far from their native shores they sailed in their own crafts and at the end of 
the fishing seasons they returned with their vessels heavily laden with the re- 
sults of their toil in the midst of danger and hardship. Their lives of peril de- 
veloped within them traits of self-reliance. While they were out at sea far more 
than on land, they exhibited the most ardent loyalty to the country under whose 
flag they sailed and in the early wars they proved their patriotic spirit by their 
service in the army and the navy. 

Nowhere along the coast of Maine is the shore more deeply indented by 
bays or rendered more perilous for vessels by the presence of thousands of tiny 
islands, than along that portion occupied by the county of Knox and there it 
was that the Hall family made their home, their ocean-going ships returning 
from fishing expeditions and making their tortuous way through the narrow 
straits into the harbor of South Thomaston, the headquarters of the family and 
the anchoring-place of the ship. From that port Capt. Charles M. Hall sailed 
on many a long and dangerous expedition, beginning in 1842 when he was a lad 
of fourteen years and continuing for some time after he had risen, at the age 
of twenty years, to the command of his own vessel which sailed to the northern 
seas. While still in the prime of life he left South Thomaston and came via the 
Isthmus of Panama to the western coast, settling in Petaluma, where he died at 
the age of thirty-six years. 

Surviving Captain Hall were his wife and four children, of whom the only 
son, George A., resides in Sonoma county. The wife and mother bore the maiden 
name of Louisa Boyd and was born at Rockland, Me., in 1834. coming to the west 
while still a young woman and afterward residing- in this state. Her eldest 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 581 

daughter, Elizabeth S., is the wife of Charles J. Lipsky, of Seattle, Wash., and the 
mother of eight children, namely': Alfred, Arthur, Carl, Bailey, George. Nettie, 
Marie and Estella. The eldest son, Alfred Lipsky, married Anna Martin and 
they have five children, Charles, Alfred, Melvin, Ettie and Permelia. The 
second son, Arthur Lipsky, is married and the father of one child. The daughter, 
Marie Lipsky, now Mrs. Robertson, has one child, Elizabeth. The youngest 
of the daughters, Estella Lipsky, became the wife of Ralph Bender, and two 
children bless their union. Mary L. Hall, sister of George A., is the wife of 
Charles C. Walker and the mother of three children, Carl, Earl and Josephine, 
Mrs. Harrison, the last-named being the mother of two children. The youngest 
daughter in the Hall family, Nettie S., is now Mrs. A. G. Walker, of Minneapolis, 
Minn., and in her family there are two children, Hall and Evaline. 

The earl)- memories of George A. Hall cluster around the state of Califor- 
nia, for he was only an infant when the family left his birthplace in Maine and 
came to the far west, settling near Petaluma, where he attended the grammar- 
school. Later he was sent to the Pacific Business College at San Francisco and 
upon leaving school he secured employment in a drug-store, continuing in that 
business for five years. Leaving commercial affairs for agricultural activities 
he came to the ranch in Sonoma county where he now lives. Later he spent 
seven years in Mendocino county and one year in Santa Clara county, then re- 
turning to the ranch in Sonoma county near Penn Grove. Here he has five hun- 
dred acres under lease and devotes his attention to the dairy and poultry indus- 
tries. On the place there now are sixty head of fine milch cows and twelve 
hundred fine blooded white leghorn hens, also fifteen head of young cattle. By 
careful management the proprietor has been enabled to earn a neat annual income 
from the cows and the chickens. The care of the ranch and the stock leaves him 
little leisure for outside matters, but he occasionally indulges his fondness for 
hunting and he also finds time to participate in the activities of Petaluma Lodge 
No. 30, I. O. O. F., and Petaluma Lodge No. 127, Fraternal Brotherhood. Polit- 
ically he votes with the Republicans and in religion he favors the doctrines of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1889 occurred his marriage to Decia Morton, 
who was born in Sacramento, Cal.. in 1867. Their union has been blessed with 
four children, Fletcher, George, Gladys and Mabel. 



GIOVANNI GUGLIELMETTI. 

The life which this narrative depicts began in the canton of Ticino, Switz- 
erland, in February, 1838, and came to a close on his ranch near Petaluma 
January 12, 1909. Between these dates was enacted a life of useful and suc- 
cessful achievements, and in his death the community in which he made his 
home for so many years mourned the loss of one of her most stalwart citizens. 
The earlier part of his life was passed in his native country, during which 
time he profited by the educational advantages which the time and place offered. 
When a youth of sixteen he went to Australia, attracted by the gold mines. 
He followed mining for ten years and then engaged in the dairy business for 
five years, when he returned to his old home in Ticino, Switzerland. In Aus- 
tralia he had conversed with parties who had been in California, who told of 



582 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

the great possibilities here, and he determined to visit this country and so his 
stay in Switzerland soon terminated. 

The year 1869 was memorable to Mr. Guglielmetti as marking his advent 
in the United States, the vessel on which he made the voyage casting anchor 
in New York harbor. From there he came across the continent to San Fran- 
cisco, and thence came direct to Marin county, subsequently coming to Sonoma 
county and becoming the owner of the vast acreage known as the I. R. Jewell 
ranch. This comprises seventeen hundred acres of as fertile land as can be 
found in Sonoma or Marin counties (the ranch lying in both counties), and 
here during the remainder of his life he demonstrated his thorough under- 
standing of the various branches of agriculture, being an expert dairyman and 
orchardist, as well as vineyardist and wine manufacturer. All of the various 
industries which he inaugurated are being continued by his sons, who have 
inherited his love of agricultural pursuits and are emulating his worthy ex- 
ample. The dairy, which is known as the Pioneer dairy, consists of two hun- 
dred cows and is one of the largest in this section of country. There are 
four different places on the ranch which are improved with buildings, and each 
is used for dairy, vineyard and orchard purposes. The winery which is main- 
tained in connection with the vineyard has a capacity of twenty thousand gal- 
lons of wine per year, a brand which is well known and finds a ready sale in 
the markets of the state. An apple orchard of fifteen acres is also a source 
of income of no inconsiderable size. The most recent industry inaugurated 
upon the ranch is the raising of chickens, eight thousand being an average 
brood, besides which five hundred turkeys of the Bronze breed are being raised 
for market. 

Mr. Guglielmetti was united in marriage with Miss Domenica Dolcini, who 
like himself was a native of Switzerland, born in the canton of Ticino in 184.1. 
Seven children, five sons and two daughters, were born of their marriage, as 
follows: Alfred J., Henry L.. Leonard S., Robert P.. Julia M., Anita I. and 
William J. All were born in Sonoma county and all are proud of their right 
to be called native sons and daughters. Henry L. fitted himself for the prac- 
tice of law, first taking a course in Santa Clara College and later a course in 
Hastings Law College, and has received the diploma which will admit him to 
practice. With this exception the sons are united in their efforts in the mainte- 
nance of the homestead ranch, worthily carrying forward the plan of work 
laid out by their worthy father. In his political affiliations Mr. Guglielmetti 
was a Republican, but was never an aspirant for position of any kind. He 
died as he had lived, in the faith of the Catholic religion, and it is in this faith 
also that his wife and children find consolation. Although passed from the 
scenes of earth Mr. Guglielmetti is remembered affectionately by those who 
were permitted to know him, and it is but a just tribute to his memory to 
say that he was one of the most substantial upbuilders of agricultural conditions 
that Sonoma countv has ever known. 



JAMES L. ROSS. 
The history of the Ross family is interesting to the general reader, not 
alone from the point of accomplishments of the father and several sons in a 
particular sense, but a broader and more comprehensive lesson may be learned 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 583 

in the steadfastness of their purpose in whatever they undertook. The father, 
William Ross, was a native of Tennessee, but while he was a young child his 
parents removed to Indiana and it was in that state that his early active life 
was passed. Not only did he become proficient as an agriculturist, but he also 
learned the gun-maker's trade, blacksmithing and carriage-making, after which 
he opened a wagon shop in Harrison county, Ind., continuing there until 1849, 
when he followed his trade in Bonaparte, Iowa, for the following five years. 
In coining to California in 1855 he joined his two sons, Losson and James L., 
in Placerville, continuing with them there for two years, after which he located 
on a one-hundred-acre ranch in Analy township which his sons purchased and 
deeded to him. This was his home until his death in 1876, at the age of seventy- 
two years. His wife in maidenhood was Sarah Kay. She too came of southern 
parents, her birth occurring in Virginia. Of the large family of eleven children 
born to this worthy couple, nine grew to years of maturity and eight became 
residents of California. However, only two of the number are now living, James 
L., a rancher in Sonoma county; and Jesse, a retired rancher in San Benito 
county. 

James L. Ross was born on the old family homestead farm in Harrison 
county, Ind., November 22, 1830, and was therefore just twenty years of age 
when the gold excitement in California reached fever heat. Laying down the 
implements on the farm he and his brother Losson joined forces and capital 
and set out for California in 1850, their journey's end finding them with just 
$1 to their credit. They started from Bonaparte, Iowa, April 8, 1850, and the 
party remained intact until they reached the Missouri river, then numbering 
seventy-five wagons, but after that the party scattered and there were only 
four wagons in the party that arrived in Placerville, September 14. The brothers 
engaged in mining first at Placerville, continuing there during that fall, and 
the winter was passed in a cabin near Diamond springs. The following 
spring found them engaged in mining in Eldorado county, but in all of their 
efforts they were only fairly successful. Losson Ross came to Sonoma county 
in the spring of 1857, and in the fall of the same year James L. Ross joined 
him. Two years later Jesse Ross came to the vicinity of Forestville, and here 
the brothers jointly purchased three hundred and eight acres of land, and this 
has since been the home of James L. It is now fifty-three years since this prop- 
erty was purchased, and in the meantime wonderful changes have been brought 
about. Then a wilderness, it is now laden with luscious fruits, and it is a de- 
light to the eye, as well as a valuable source of income to the owner. Over 
forty-four years ago he planted the ranch to apples and grapes, and today- 
orchard and vineyard are both in splendid bearing condition. 

The marriage of James L. Ross occurred December 14, 1865. In maiden- 
hood his wife was Miss Sophronia Martin, who was born in Van Buren county, 
Iowa, October 17, 1839, the daughter of Samuel and Damaris (Rambo) Martin, 
natives respectively of Kentucky and Virginia. The wedding journey of Mr. 
and Mrs. Martin consisted of a journey from Virginia, where their marriage 
occurred, to Iowa, where they were pioneer settlers. There the death of Mrs. 
Martin occurred at the age of fifty-seven years. The year 1850 found Mr. 
Martin coming to California, where he worked in the mines for three years, 
after which he returned to Iowa, and a year later again set out for the west. 



584 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

This time, 1854, he brought his family with him and settled in Analy township. 
Sonoma county, on a ranch, which continued to be his home until his death 
at the age of eighty-one years. In the veins of this old pioneer flowed the 
blood of colonial ancestors, and his father, Aaron Martin, was a Revolutionary 
patriot. An interesting family of children was born to Mr. and Mrs. Ross. 
Alfred R. is living on a ranch near the homestead ; he is married, and his daugh- 
ter is the wife of Thomas Douglas, of Kenwood, and the mother of one child, 
a daughter ; Laura M. became the wife of Daniel Covey, they making their home 
in Lake county, while their daughter, the wife of Daniel Morrison, resides in 
Suisun, Solano county ; Lizzie R. became the wife of Isaac B. Frazier, formerly 
of Santa Rosa, but now a resident of Oakland ; Nellie became the wife of 
George W. Siler, and they now make their home in Lakeport, Lake county. 
P. C. Coon, a son by Mrs. Ross' first marriage, is a resident of Forestville. 
Mr. Ross takes great comfort in his eighteen grandchildren, renewing his own 
youth in their young lives, with their manifold interests and pleasures. Polit- 
ically he is a Republican, but is not active in the ranks of his party, neither 
has he ever allied himself with any secret orders, but he is a stanch member of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, as is also his wife, while his children are 
members of the Christian Church. 



SOLOMON Q. BARLOW. 

Generations of the Barlow family had lived useful lives in their native 
England before the name was transplanted to the soil of the new world, and 
the first member of the family of whom we have any record, is Warren Barlow, 
the grandfather of Solomon O. Barlow. From Connecticut Warren Barlow 
went to New York state and settled in Sullivan county, where his three sons and 
three daughters were born. The fifth child in this family was Thomas Barlow, 
born June 25, 1809, and who died April 22, 1882, his entire life having been 
passed in Sullivan county. His companion and helpmate in life. Rachel Ouimby. 
was also a native and life-time resident of Sullivan county, her death occurring 
there April 16, 1883. almost a year to a day following the death of her hus- 
band. In the family of his worthy couple were four sons and four daughters, 
one of whom was Solomon O. Barlow. He was born May 20. 1837, and was 
given such education as the times and place afforded, finishing his schooling in 
Ellenville high school, where he was fortunate to have as tutor Prof. S. A. 
Law, who was then the efficient principal of the school. 

During his boyhood Mr. Barlow had been a competent assistant to his 
father in his farming and lumbering interests, and after his graduation from 
high school he purchased the homestead farm and sawmill, his father thereafter 
removing to Napanoch, N. J. Solomon Barlow continued the business which he 
thus assumed until 1862, when he removed to Pompton, N. J., where for two years 
he was agent for James Horner & Co.. during the erection of their steel and 
file works. It was upon resigning his position with this firm that he came to 
California by the Isthmus route. Coming direct to Sonoma county, he made 
settlement in Two Rock valley, and on April 21, 1864, located on the ranch 
which was the home of the family for the following eight years. It was then. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 587 

in 1872, that he purchased and located upon the ranch of two hundred and 
twenty acres in the same valley, six miles west of Petaluma, which was his home 
until his death. Here he followed dairying, general farming, horticulture and 
poultry raising, and at his death, August 20, 1895, left a valuable property to his 
widow and children. 

The marriage of Solomon O. Barlow was solemnized February 8, i860, 
and united him with Elizabeth J. Denman, who was born in Sullivan count}', 
N. Y., March 14. 1837, tne daughter of William Denman. and who died December 
3, 1874. Five children were born of this marriage, as follows : Thomas E., 
deceased ; Anna D., also deceased ; Mrs. W. H. Darden, of Corning, Cal. ; Mrs. 
J. W. McNjeal, of Honolulu ; and Mrs. Eva Mordecai, of Petaluma. The second 
marriage of Mr. Barlow occurred in Point Arena, Mendocino county, October 
9, 1879, uniting him with Louise E. Brandon, who was born in Iowa City, 
Iowa, the daughter of John and Sarah (Robbins) Brandon, natives re- 
spectively of Carlisle, Pa., and New Carlisle, Clark county, Ohio. Mr. Brandon 
became a pioneer settler in Iowa City, where he was living at the time of the 
discovery of, gold in California. He crossed the plains with ox-teams and fol- 
lowed mining until 1854, when he returned east, settling in Dayton, Ohio, where 
he was a merchant until his death. Mrs. Barlow was reared in Dayton, Ohio, 
and attended the public schools of that city. She came to California in the 
spring of 1877 and up to the time of her marriage was a resident of Point 
Arena. After the death of her husband she assumed charge of the ranch and 
ran it until 1901, since which time she has leased it and made her home in 
Berkeley. Mrs. Barlow has one daughter, Grace, who is a graduate of the 
University of California, class of 1905. and now the wife of R. J. Brower, of 
Belmont. Mrs. Barlow is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Berke- 
ley and is an active worker in its varied charities. 



VICTOR DURAND. 

In this part of California where the grape is grown in such profusion it 
is possible to travel many miles and see little besides the purple hue of this 
luscious fruit. To a Frenchman this is a comforting sight, reminding him of 
his homeland and attracting him to the localitv as a consequence. Among the 
man) 1 who are engaged as vineyardists in Sonoma county is Victor Durand, 
who no doubt was attracted to this locality on account of its resemblance in 
climate as well as the possibility which it offered for the application of knowl- 
edge and experience gained in his own land. 

Born in Honfleur, France. December 24, 1835, Victor Durand was reared 
under native skies until he was a lad of seventeen years, under the guidance 
of parents who passed their entire lives in that country. By way of Cape Horn 
the young immigrant made his way to the United States, working his way as 
a cabin boy on a vessel that took one hundred and thirty-eight days to make 
the voyage from Havre, France, to San Francisco. At best, the problem that 
confronts the immigrant when he finds himself a stranger in a strange land 
is none too pleasant, but when to this is added lack of funds, the problem takes 
on a serious aspect. Mr. Durand's assets consisted of little besides the common- 



588 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

school education received in his native land and a determination to make his 
native ability count in his favor in his new surroundings. Gardening was 
familiar work to him, and he sought and obtained employment of this char- 
acter in San Francisco. The means thus earned defrayed the expenses of his 
immediate needs, and as soon as he became of age he passed an examination 
as master mariner and thereafter for fourteen years commanded coast and river 
boats. From the metropolis he finally came to Sonoma county in 1870, and from 
the first he was enamored of the locality and determined to make it his perma- 
nent home. He homesteaded one hundred and twenty acres in Salt Point town- 
ship, this county, which he improved and cultivated for twenty-nine years, 
when he traded the property for the ranch on which he now lives, in Piner 
district and known as the Dr. Williams ranch. This is not far from Fulton, 
on Rural Route No. 2. Here he has fifty acres of as fine land as can be found 
in Sonoma county, of which about forty-five acres are in grapes and the re- 
mainder in small fruits. In connection with his vineyard Mr. Durand has a 
winery, the proceeds from which in 1909 amounted to thirty thousand gallons 
of wine. Judging from present indications the output for the present year 
will run much higher than this record. 

In 1869 Mr. Durand was married to Miss Hannah O'Rourke, a native 
of Ireland, who at her death, January 13, 1908, left besides her husband three 
children to mourn her loss. They are, Mary A., George Victor and Katherine 
J., all natives of California. Politically Mr. Durand is a Democrat. While 
office-holding has had no attractions for him, his willingness to do his part 
as a good citizen was the means of his accepting the office of road overseer 
in Salt Point township, an office which he held for fourteen years. Personally 
he is a genial, companionable man, who has many friends and acquaintances in 
and around Fulton, and one whose life has been such as to win for him the 
confidence of all. 



FREDERICK DAHLMANN. 
Among the native sons of California who by their own unaided efforts have 
by close application shown their reliability until selected to hold responsible 
positions of trust, is the subject of this sketch, who was born in Marin county, 
on San Antone creek, March 15, 1868, a son of Henry and Wilhelmina (Starke) 
Dahlmann, mention of whom is made elsewhere in this volume, in the sketch 
of Henry Dahlmann. Frederick Dahlmann was left an orphan when about one 
year of age and was reared by his uncle Frederick Starke, on a farm about two 
and one-half miles west of Petaluma, where he was educated in the Wilson 
school. At the age of twenty-one years he went to work in Petaluma for a few 
years and then went to Chicago, where he remained for some time, later going 
to Texas and Arizona and finally returning to Petaluma, after an absence of 
six years. Fie then engaged in the dairy business in the Chelino valley, renting 
the Fred Kuhnle ranch for six years, and during the same time he served accept- 
ably as road master of the same district. On his return to Petaluma he engaged 
in the express business for two years, when he was appointed a member of the 
police force, serving under Chief F. M. Collins, and afterwards under Chief 
Ward, resigning his position in 1908 to accept an appointment with the Petaluma 



HIST( )RY ( >F SONOMA COUNTY 589 

and Santa Rosa Railway Company, and was soon afterwards placed in full 
charge of their warehouse in Petaluraa, having since filled the position to the 
entire satisfaction of his employers. 

In Chicago, 111., occurred the marriage cf Frederick Dahlmann and Miss 
Agnes Rainbow, who was born in Davenport, Iowa, and to this union there were 
born three children. The two oldest Clara and Fred, are attending the Peta- 
luma high school, and the youngest, Ruth, the grammar school. Mr. Dahlmann 
in national politics is a Republican, and fraternally he is a member of the Wood- 
men of the World. 



JUDGE RICHARD F. CRAWFORD. 

The lineage of the family represented by this influential attorney of Santa 
Rosa is traced to Pennsylvania, where tradition says his grandfather, John Craw- 
ford, was a soldier in both the Revolutionary war and the war of 181 2. He was 
of Scotch ancestry, and the sturdy and dependable qualities which come as a rich 
inheritance to the sons of Scotland were his in ample measure. He bequeathed 
these qualities in equal good measure to his son, Henry Crawford, who was 
born and reared to manhood on the ancestral farm in Columbia county, Pa. 
As a preparation for the business of life he learned the stone-mason's trade, and 
after mastering it he removed to what at that time, 1847, was considered the 
frontier, going to McHeury county. 111., where he purchased a large tract of 
land and undertook agricultural life on a large scale. Notwithstanding the fact 
that he had equipped himself in young manhood with a knowledge of the stone- 
mason's trade, he made little or no use of it, giving the strength of his active 
years to tilling the soil, and when advancing years and the accumulations of 
past efforts made labor no longer desirable or necessary, he went to Rockford, 
111., and there rounded out his long and useful life, passing away in that city 
November 14, 1879, at the age of eighty-one years. In his marriage he was 
peculiarly blessed, his wife being a woman of fine, noble qualities, one whose 
presence was a constant solace and benediction. In maidenhood she was Eliza 
Blaker, the daughter of Jesse Blaker. She died in Rockford, TIL, also, May 10, 
1881, when seventy-three years of age. A large family of thirteen children 
was- born to this worthy couple, and of those who attained mature years we men- 
tion the following: Mary Ann, now living in Sebastopol, Cal, the widow of C. 
Gould, formerly of Santa Rosa; Richard F., of this sketch; Peter S., who makes 
his home in Rockford, 111. ; Malinda B., the widow of C. B. Woodley of Sioux 
City, Iowa; Esther S., who became the wife of Peter Deits, and died August 
19, 1882; Sarah E., who died July 16, 1877; Jesse B., a merchant in Sebastopol, 
Cal.; Charlotte S., a resident of Chicago, 111.; Harriet, the widow of George 
Flanders, and also a resident of Chicago; Theresa, the wife of B. B. Brown, 
president of the Western National Bank of Pueblo, Colo. ; and Araminta, who died 
April 14, 1878. 

The second in the list of this large family, Richard F. Crawford was born 
September 20. 1833, in what at that time was Columbia county, but is now 
known as Montour count)-, Pa., in the town of Whitehall. The immigration of 
his parents to the middle west when he was a boy changed the course of his 
life materially, for instead of being reared in the surroundings of more or less 



5go HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

ease and culture in the east, he was brought face to face with the stern realities 
of frontier life at an early age, a circumstance which undoubtedly brought out 
latent qualities which otherwise might never have been brought into use. His 
earliest recollections are of assisting his father in opening up a new farm in 
McHenry county, 111., alternating work of this character with attendance at the 
district school when that temple of learning was in session, during the winter 
months. Not satisfied with the meagre opportunities which the schools of his 
home locality offered, in 1855 he returned to Pennsylvania and entered Lewisburg 
University, since known as Bucknell College, from which he graduated with 
honors and the degree of A- M. Following his graduation from college he re- 
turned to his home in McHenry county, I'll., where, instead of settling down to 
farm life, he indulged an ambitious leaning toward the legal profession by begin- 
ning the reading of law. Fortune favored him in that he secured an opening 
in the office of the well-known lawyers of Woodstock, Church & Kerr, with whom 
he remained until his admission to the bar, after passing his examination in 
Chicago. 

Instead of seeking his own private welfare after his admission to the bar 
Mr. Crawford responded to the call of his country for able-bodied men to come 
to the front in the effort to put down the Rebellion. Enlisting as a private 
he became a member of the Elgin, Illinois. Batter.v of Heavy Artillery at Camp 
Douglas, whence he went with his company to Glasgow, Ky.. and later he was 
detailed as clerk in the office of the mustering officer, Capt. J. H. Knight, of the 
staff of General Boyle, at Louisville, Ky. Promotion followed his service in 
this capacity, he being commissioned second lieutenant of Companv K, Thirtv- 
fifth Kentucky Mounted Infantry, with which he was connected until he was 
mustered out of the service at Louisville. Ky., December 29, 1864. 

Following the close of his war service Mr. Crawford returned to Rockford 
and began the practice of law, and during the quarter of a century that he con- 
tinued there built up a large and influential practice, besides which he served two 
years as city attorney and was a member of the legislature in 1873, 1874 and 
1875. His association with California dates from the year 1888, and since Julv 
6 of that year he has been a continuous and contented resident of Santa Rosa, 
and in the meantime he has become as well known in legal circles here as he 
was during his long residence in Illinois. Shortly after locating here, in No- 
vember 1890. his ability received recognition in his election to the superior judge- 
ship on the Republican ticket, a position in which he rendered efficient service 
for six years. 

Judge Crawford's marriage occurred in Lewisburg. Pa., August 10, 1858, 
and united him with Miss Maggie M. Kremer, who was born in Milton, Pa., 
August 30, 1838. Four children were born of this marriage, of whom only two 
are living, namely : Elbert K., now assistant manager of the western department 
of the Security Company of Connecticut at Rockford. 111., and Edwin Henrv 
(familiarly known as Dr. Ted), a well-known dentist of Santa Rosa. Both of 
the sons are happily married and were present with their families at the Golden 
wedding anniversary of the Judge and his wife August 10, 1908. In his early 
days Judge Crawford espoused Democratic principles, but he was led to change 
his views after the incident at Fort Sumter that brought the Civil war to a 
crisis, and from that time forward has been a stanch Republican. For a number 




K 





HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 593 

of years he has been a director and vice-president of the Santa Rosa National 
Bank. For thirty-five years he has been a member of the Masonic fraternity, 
joining the order in Illinois, and he is now identified with Santa Rosa Lodge, No. 
57, F. & A. M., Santa Rosa Chapter No. 45, R. A. M., Santa Rosa Commandery, 
K. T. and Scottish Rite Lodge of Perfection No. 11. His long and arduous 
service in the service of his country makes him especially interested in the wel- 
fare of his comrades of the days of long ago, and no one is more active or 
prominent in the work of the Grand Army that is he. He first joined that noble 
band of veterans in Illinois as a member of Nevins Post No. 1, G. A. R. of 
Rockford, now No. 1 of the United States, but in later years he has affiliated 
with Ellsworth Post No. 20, G. A. R., of Santa Rosa. While in Rockford he 
was judge advocate of the department of Illinois, and since coming to the west he 
has served in this capacity in the department of California. The Baptist Church 
has received the stanch allegiance of Judge Crawford and his wife for many 
years, and for a number of years past he has been chairman of the board of 
trustees of the church of that denomination in Santa Rosa. 



JEROME B. GOSSAGE. 

Nearly a quarter of a century has elapsed since the demise of Jerome B. 
Gossage, but nevertheless old settlers well remember the fine ranch one mile 
from Petaluma whereon he made his home for so many years and where death 
overtook him in November, 1887. A native of Ohio, he was born in the city 
of Columbus April 12, 1824, one of the sons born to his parents, Thomas and 
Nancy (Fisher) Gossage, of whom the former went to Ohio in early manhood 
and there passed the remainder of his life. 

In 1850, when he was twenty-six years of age, Jerome B. Gossage came 
to California for the first time, making the trip in company with three brothers, 
Joseph, William and Zephania. Their first experience in the mines was at 
Hangtown, from there going to the Kelsey diggings, where they passed the 
winter of 1850-51. Not content with their winter's work, the following spring 
they went to Placerville, where they hoped to find better prospects, but the fact 
that their stay was short makes it appear otherwise. In May, 1852, Jerome 
and Joseph Gossage came to Sonoma county, following the lead of their brother 
Zephania, who had located here the year previously. Seven miles from Peta- 
luma Jerome Gossage located on a ranch which he cultivated for about two 
years, when he returned east, and after remaining there about two years, again 
crossed the plains to California, this time coming with a party of twenty men 
and driving a band of cattle. For the time being he placed the cattle on his 
ranch near Petaluma, later driving them into the mountains, and as soon as they 
were in condition, selling them at a good profit. ■ After disposing of his cattle 
he went to Virginia City, Nev., and for two years conducted a hotel with good 
results. With the proceeds of the undertaking he invested in real estate in 
Nevada, property which remained in the possession of his widow for many 
years. UJpon his return to California Mr. Gossage purchased a ranch of one 
hundred and sixty acres one mile from Petaluma, which he improved and cul- 
tivated up to the time of his death, in November, 1887. After his death the 
property was subdivided into five and ten acre tracts and sold. 



594 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Before her marriage, which occurred in Iowa in 1S59, Mrs. Gossage was 
Miss Rachel A. Henry, a native of Pennsylvania and the daughter of John and 
Rebecca (Miner) Henry, who immigrated to Illinois in 1844 and later made 
their home in Iowa until iheir deaths. The mother passed away at 
the age of seventy-two, and the father died in 18S7, at the age of eighty-two. 
Mrs. Gossage is the sole survivor of a family of eight children born to her 
parents. She came to California with her husband on his second trip to the 
state. Six children were born of their marriage, and of them we make the 
following mention : Ada is the wife of E. R. Healey, of Berkelev ; Nellie is 
the widow of F. W. Stratton, of Petaluma, who died August 1, 1910; Emma is 
the wife of Emil E. Drees, also of Petaluma : Dr. H. S. Gossage is a resident 
of the same city; Jerome B. died in Seattle, Wash., in January. 1910, at the 
age of thirty-eight years ; Winfield Scott died at the age of twenty-six. in 
1901, in Honolulu, where he had gone in the hope of recovering his health. 
Politically Mr. Gossage espoused the principles of the Republican party, and 
fraternally he belonged to the Masonic order. Since disposing of the home- 
stead ranch Mrs. Gossage has made her home in Petaluma, at No. 2 Liberty 
street, where her many friends are received with a hearty welcome. 



CHARLES BROWN. 

The serene twilight of life's adventurous day finds Mr. Brown comfortably 
situated, with sufficient of this world's goods to render procurable every desired 
comfort and surrounded by a host of warm personal friends whose constant 
attentions delight the solitary age of one bereft of wife and unblessed by chil- 
dren. Were it possible for this venerable citizen to write an autobiography, 
stirring tales would be recounted connected with voyages to almost every port 
of the world ; reminiscences would be recorded bearing upon national affairs 
and much of historical value would be preserved for the benefit of future gen- 
erations. However. Mr. Brown has been a man of actions rather than of words 
and he kept no diary to fix upon his memory events associated with his travels, 
so that much has passed out of mind that would have formed interesting reading 
had it been preserved. 

The life whose salient features are here outlined began in Prussia November 
14, 1828, and exhibited in its initial period the substantial, solid traits character- 
istic of the men of that race the world over. Nothing of especial importance 
occurred to disrupt the even tenor of youthful years and it was not until nine- 
teen that the career of a sailor was entered upon, marking the first change from 
the uneventful era of boyhood. The first voyage began at the port of Rotter- 
dam and consumed a period of eighteen months, extending as far as the impor- 
tant ports of India, but eventually drawing to a close in Holland. The next sea 
voyage had its objective point in Southern Russia and it was the privilege of the 
young sailor to witness some important struggles marking the Crimean war, in 
which the Fifty-Ninth Regiment bore a part. A later trip to India was followed 
by a voyage on an English vessel to New Zealand. Next he was ordered to 
China and for five years he sailed before the mast in eastern waters, expecting 
to be ordered into battle should trouble arise between China and England. When 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 595 

finally all danger of war had been averted he sailed to Australia, landing at 
Adelaide and proceeding to Newcastle, where an attack of severe sickness ter- 
minated his connection with the English navy. 

On regaining his strength so as to resume work Mr. Brown secured em- 
ployment in a hotel at Newcastle and later worked as a longshoreman. While 
living in Australia he met and married Margaret Russell, an estimable young 
lady, who was born in Scotland. After a happy wedded life of four years death 
entered the home and removed the beloved wife, leaving Mr. Brown alone and 
without children to soften the keen edge of his deep bereavement. In 1870 he 
came to the United States and established his headquarters at San Francisco, 
from which city he engaged in expeditions along the coast as far south as Mexico. 
On giving up a sea-faring life he embarked in the express business in San Fran- 
cisco and for eighteen years he remained prominently identified with that line 
of activity. Eventually he disposed of his business and retired from commercial 
affairs, later spending several years quietly at a ranch owned by a friend. Al- 
though closely associated with Sonoma county ever since 1870, he did not locate 
here permanently until about 1899, when he came to Lakeville and leased the 
inn he still conducts. Notwithstanding his advanced years he enjoys a day spent 
in hunting game or in the more restful sport of fishing, and he remains now, 
as in younger days, companionable and genial, interested in politics as a stanch 
Democrat and well posted concerning all the national issues of the age. A few 
months ago, November 14, 1910, he celebrated the eighty-second anniversary 
of his birth and on that memorable occasion a number of his San Francisco 
friends joined him in a "turkey roast" with an abundance of fine California wine 
and all the dainties that add to the enjoyment of such a feast, the affair being 
rendered particularly enjoyable by reason of the splendid health and mental vigor 
of the host. 



AUSTIN J. ATCHINSON. 

The present efficient justice of the peace of Santa Rosa township, Sonoma 
county, Austin J. Atchinson was born near Rochester, N. Y., June 18, 1840, the 
son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Johnson) Atchinson, who were also natives of 
the Empire state. The father was a stone-mason throughout the active years 
of his life. Austin J. Atchinson received a good education in Lima, N. Y., and 
afterward taught one term near his home. 

Feeling circumscribed by his surroundings in the east and not wishing to 
take up agriculture as a life calling A. J. Atchinson struck out in the world for 
himself in 1863, coming to California by the Panama route and reaching his 
destination April 28 of that year. Aside from his early knowledge of farming 
he had little or no experience upon which to draw when cast upon his own re- 
sources but he had received a fairly good education and indeed this proved a 
valuable asset in the new life which he had undertaken. First in San Joaquin 
county, CaL, and later in the state of Nevada he followed schoolteaching for 
a livelihood, continuing this altogether for twelve years, when, in 1876, he turned 
his attention to commercial pursuits with equally good results. Going to Winters. 
Yolo county, he began buying and selling eggs and poultry, and as the venture 
proved a profitable one he continued it for a considerable period, giving this up 



59 6 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

later to take charge of a ranch in Yolo county, in the care of which he had a 
valuable assistant in his wife. Altogether they managed the ranch for five years, 
during which time Mr. Atchinson's popularity as a citizen and his ability to fill 
public office led to his election as recorder on the Republican ticket. As his 
fellow-citizens had anticipated, he proved the right man for the place, and at 
the expiration of his first term in office he was nominated and elected his own 
successor. 

It was after the expiration of his second term as recorder in Yolo county 
that Mr. Atchinson came to Petaluma, Sonoma county, and established himself 
in business by buying out the agency of all the San Francisco newspapers. This 
too proved a successful undertaking, but after carrying it on for five years his 
election to public office again made it necessary for him to dispose of his private 
interests. In 1894 he was elected county auditor and recorder of Sonoma county, 
a position which he filled acceptably, and subsequently he was elected to the 
office of justice of the peace, a position which he still holds, this being his third 
term. 

Mr. Atchinson has been twice married, his first union being celebrated in 
1869 and uniting him with Miss Emma C. Still. Two children were born of 
this union, Leila, who is deceased, and Fred R., a resident of Santa Rosa. The 
mother of these children died in 1899, and ten years later, on March 20, 1909, 
Mr. Atchinson married his present wife, formerly Mrs. Ora M. Humphrey, a 
native of Missouri, as was also the former Mrs. Atchinson. Politically Mr. 
Atchinson is a Republican, and fraternally he is an Elk and an Odd Fellow. 
Mr. Atchinson is regarded as one of the thoroughgoing, dependable citizens of 
Santa Rosa, and is liked by all who are brought in contact with him, whether in 
an official, business or social way. 



ELVEZIO B. BOLLA. 

The first representative of the Bolla family in the United States was the 
father of the gentleman whose name appears above, Peter Bolla, who keenly 
felt the limitations by which he was surrounded in his native Switzerland, where 
he was born in 1843, anc l at tne a S e °* twenty-four came to the United States and 
began life under new and untried conditions. In his native country he had 
learned the cooper's trade and had followed it for a number of years, and while 
this knowledge was perhaps his chief asset when he immigrated to this country, 
he made no use of it here, but rather adapted himself to the prevailing occu- 
pation of the locality in which he settled in Marin county. He had been 
reared on a farm, and while the manner of farming to which he was trained 
differed from that employed in this country he readily adjusted himself to the 
changed conditions, and with the larger field of opportunity which he here found 
at his command was enabled to achieve results far beyond his expectations. 

For his first wife Peter Bolla chose one of his country-women in Miss 
Isolina Fillippini, who was born in i860, and who at her death at the age of 
twenty-six years left three children, Olympio, Elvezio B. and Olivia. The second 
marriage of Mr. Bolla united him with Miss Ursula Fillippini, and the only child 
born of that union was a daughter, Edith. The only daughter of the first mar- 
riage, Olivia, became the wife of Joseph Beretta, who died in May, 191 1; he 





^4JlX&6 




>- 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 599 

was a native of Berne, Switzerland ; two children blessed their marriage, Joseph 
and Isolina. Olympio married Mrs. Soledad, and resides in Two Rock valley. 

The second child born of his father's first marriage, Elvezio B. Bolla was 
born on the family homestead in Marin county, Cal, in 1884. The public schools 
of the locality gave him a good educational foundation, and he has continued to 
add to this ever since by the reading of well-selected literature. Throughout 
his boyhood and youth he had imbibed a knowledge of ranching under the di- 
rection of his father that enabled him to undertake the work for himself at an 
early age, and though still a young man, he is now the lessee of one of the 
finest ranches in the vicinity of Petaluma, Sonoma county. Here he has two 
hundred acres of fine land, upon which he is making a specialty of the dairy 
business and the poultry industry. Forty head of cows of fine breed maintain 
his dairy, which in time will be increased by young stock which he is now rais- 
ing; two thousand chickens yield the owner a good yearly income, besides which 
he owns four horses, and the land not in use either as pasturage for his stock 
or occupied in his chicken industry, is devoted to raising hay, which is used 
for feeding his own stock and not for market. 

As a companion and helpmeet in life Mr. Bolla chose Miss Elvezia Garzoli, 
who was born in Marin county, Cal., in 1883, the daughter of William Garzoli. 
who was born in Switzerland in 1833. Mr. Garzoli's first marriage united him 
with Rosie Pirefaemi, who was born in Switzerland in 1866, and who at her 
death left five children, William, Arnold, Belardo, Elvezia and Carena. Mrs. 
Bolla's brother Arnold married Armenia Pellasso, and is the father of two 
daughters, Jesta and Frances. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Bolla was cele- 
brated in San Francisco, and they have three children, a son and two daughters, 
Elvus, Rosie and Vivian. Politically Mr. Bolla is a Republican, and with his 
wife and children he is a communicant of the Roman Catholic Church in Peta- 
luma. 



CHARLES KELLY. 

The scenes familiar to the boyhood of Charles Kelly were those of old 
Ireland, where he was born in i8t8, in County Donegal, and where from 
earliest recollections he was inured to poverty and hardship. Owing to the 
humble circumstances of the family it was not possible for him to secure a 
good education; in fact he learned more from observation than from text- 
books and in the school of Nature he was an apt pupil. Early in life his 
thoughts were directed toward America as the land of opportunity and he 
had resolved to immigrate as soon as the necessary means could be earned. 
This was not accomplished until he was about twenty-five years of age. 

Landing as a stranger in New York City, Mr. Kelly remained in the 
metropolis about two years, after which he took passage on a vessel bound for 
the Isthmus of Panama, and after crossing that body of land he again embarked 
on a vessel that finally landed him in San Francisco. At that time San Fran- 
cisco was the busiest center of activity on the coast and he saw a good oppor- 
tunity for work at his trade of blacksmith. Opening a shop, he gathered 
about him a good business during the five years that he maintained it, giving 
it up at the end of that time to try his hand as a miner. Although the records 

31 



600 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

do not so state, it is quite safe to believe that his efforts as a miner were 
satisfactory, for it is known that he followed the calling for about five years 
altogether. It was following these varied experiences that he came to Sonoma 
county, coming directly to Vallejo township, where he purchased the property 
which was his home up to the time of his death. This property consists of 
three hundred and twenty acres of fine land, six miles from Petaluma. The 
greater part of the land is in hay, from which a very satisfactory income is 
derived, and only such stock is kept as is necessary to conduct the ranch, besides 
one cow to supply the needs of the household. 

Before her marriage Mrs. Kelly was Miss Margaret Swaney, and she was 
born in Ireland in 1830. Two children were born of this marriage, Martha 
and Sarah. The elder daughter became the wife of Frank Fay, who was 
killed by the falling of a building in the San Francisco earthquake in April. 
1906. The other daughter, Sarah, was first married to James Kelly, by whom 
she had six children, as follows: "Charles, May, James, Sadie, Ethel (who 
died at the age of three years) and Dewey. Her second marriage united her 
with W. J. Gray. 

Mr. Kelly passed away December 18, 1910, and is buried in Calvary Cem- 
etery, Petaluma. After the death of her father Mrs. Gray was appointed ad- 
ministratrix of the estate. She now owns the homestead ranch and is devoting 
it to general farming and to the dairy and poultry business, in all of which 
lines she is meeting with success. The ranch is beautifully located on an ele- 
vation, from which one may obtain a splendid view of Petaluma valley and 
also the city, six miles away. Another attractive feature of the ranch is the 
lake upon it, which covers about three acres, surrounded by redwood trees, and 
here summer visitors in the valley enjoy bathing. Mrs. Gray is well known for 
her industry and honesty of purpose and is very charitable, always giving of 
her time and means to help any worthy person or public enterprise. The hill 
above her house on the ranch has been selected by the army for a government 
signal station. The family are communicants of the Catholic Church, attending 
the church at Petaluma. 

Charles Kelly was a famous horse doctor in Sonoma county. Many horses 
were saved bv his skill, from which, however, he derived little financial benefit. 



W. L. CLARK. 
The name of Clark is well known throughout Sonoma county, and especially 
in Forestvilie, where father and son in their several capacities have become 
familiar to every household, the former as postmaster of this town for many 
years, and the latter as a dispenser of meats throughout the town and surrounding 
country. Not only is W. L. Clark a native of the state, but he is also a native of 
Sonoma county, his birth occurring in Windsor May 8, 1865. the son of W. S. 
Clark and his wife, both natives of Illinois. During the period of the gold ex- 
citement W. S. Clark and two brothers came to the state, but the records do not 
state that they came for the purpose of mining ; indeed, the contrary might be 
inferred from the fact that W. S. Clark was engaged in business in Sonoma 
county in an early day, and in 1865, under Abraham Lincoln, was filling the of- 
fice of postmaster in Forestvilie. He continued in this office throughout the re- 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 60 1 

maincler of his life, and during the last twelve or eighteen years was also engaged 
in a mercantile business in addition to this. He passed away in 1896, at the age 
of sixty-nine. The wife and mother is still living in Forestville at a good old 
age. 

W. L. Clark enjoyed the freedom of country life during his boyhood, and 
with the other children of the family attended the public schools of Windsor. 
The first work of any character that he recalls was assisting his father in the 
postoffice, and when not doing this he clerked in the store of which his father 
was the proprietor. His first independent venture was as a stock-dealer, a busi- 
ness in which he has been engaged in Forestville since 1893. From the modest 
beginning of that year has developed the large stock and market business of 
which he is the proprietor today, his three wagons delivering meats to house- 
holds all over this part of the county. On an average he slaughters and delivers 
seven head of cattle a week, besides which he maintains a large meat-market 
in Forestville. 

In 1890 W. L. Clark formed domestic ties by his marriage with Miss Emma 
L. Jewett, a native of Sonoma county, and six children, five daughters and one 
son, have been born to them. Hazel Frances became the wife of A. L. Hicks, 
of Sebastopol, January 16, 1910, and they have a daughter, Bernice Clark Hicks, 
born May 31, 191 1. Mr. and Mrs. Hicks make their home in Forestville, Sonoma 
county. Eva May Clark, born in 1894, ' s a graduate of the school in Forestville 
and is receiving a musical education. The other children, Gladys Ann, Wilma 
Stratton, Edna May and Lloyd Smith, are pupils in the public schools of Forest- 
ville. 

As was his father before him, Mr. Clark is a stanch Republican, and al- 
though interested in the affairs of his chosen party, is not an office-seeker, in 
fact, he steadfastly refused to be a candidate for any office not connected with 
the school board, upon which he has served from time to time. Fraternally he 
is well known all over Sonoma county, being a member of the Odd Fellows 
Lodge and the Rebekahs at Forestville, the Camp at Santa Rosa, besides which 
he belongs to the Woodmen of America and the Artisans, and at one time was 
affiliated with the Foresters. Besides two sisters in Santa Rosa, Mr. Clark has 
three other sisters in other parts of the state, one in Occidental, one in Berkeley 
and another in San Francisco. 



MANLEY EDWIN CLOUGH. 
California has a charm for New England people, who seem to be in their 
element when they have their place of residence within easv reach of the Pacific 
coast. Among those from the Atlantic coast who are enthusiastic in their 
praise of California and charmed with its delightful climate and business op- 
portunities we find Manley Edwin Clough, who was born in Concord, N. H., 
March 27, 1849, the son of Manley and Lydia (Wheeler) Clough, both natives 
of Bow, the same state. The father learned the trade of marble and granite 
worker in Quincy, Mass., and during his residence there many a night (because 
it was cooler) with six yoke of oxen he would haul a large stone from Quincy 
to Charleston, where they were used in building the Bunker Hill Monument. 



602 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

He also worked on the building of the old State House in Boston. Later he 
was engaged in the lumber business in Bow, where both of the parents passed 
away, the father at ninety-one and the mother at sixty-four years of age. Of the 
eight children born of this union seven are living; a brother of our subject 
Monroe A., resides in Stockton, Cal. 

Mr. Clough completed his education at Hopkinton Academy at the age 
of eighteen, when he immediately began dealing in lumber and timber. Besides 
building mills, he also engaged in the manufacture of lumber in New Hamp- 
shire, Vermont and Maine and was also a large wholesale lumber dealer in 
Boston, shipping extensively from Canada into the United States, following thf 
business actively for over thirty years. 

After a very serious sickness in 1892 Mr. Clough first came to Los Angeles, 
Cal., where he spent twelve years off and on, and in 1904 he located in Petaluma 
where he built his sightly residence at the head of D street. He is now engaged 
in general contracting, heavy teaming and the grading of streets under the firm 
name of Giggey & Clough, doing the most extensive business of that kind in this 
vicinity. He is still largelv interested in valuable property in New Hampshire 
and Massachusetts. 

In the year 1880, in Manchester, N. H., occurred Mr. Clough's marriage 
to Mrs. Lucy A. (Currier) Farr, who was born in Walden. Yt, the daughter 
of Samuel and Lucy (Mayo) Currier, the former born at Walden and the latter 
at Moretown, Yt. The paternal grandfather, Stephen Currier, was born in the 
Highlands of Scotland, and on coming to the United States settled first in New- 
buryport, Mass., but soon removed to Walden, Yt., where he carved out a farm 
from the forest. Several of his sons served in the war of 1812. The maternal 
grandfather, Barnabas Mayo, was a pioneer of Moretown, Vt. Samuel and 
Lucy Currier died at Manchester, N. H., leaving two children, Lucy A., Mrs. 
Clough, and Mayo S. Currier, a horticulturist of Ventura. Mrs. Clough was 
educated at St. Johnsbury Academy and is a lady of culture and refinement, 
aiding her husband in all his enterprises by her encouragement and helpfulness. 
They have one daughter, Loula, now Mrs. E. L. Young, residing in Petaluma. 
Mr. Clough is a Republican, and with his wife attends and supports the Metho- 
dist church. He is a man of great force and a strong character of the grand old 
New England type, trying in every way to make his life a useful one, ever ready 
to lend a helping hand to those that are needy and worthy. 



JOHN S. BLACKBURN. 

The eldest son of that well-known pioneer settler in Petaluma, Charles 
Blackburn, John S. Blackburn was born in Oskaloosa. Iowa, in 1851, and was 
therefore only one year old when, in 1852, the family fortunes were removed 
to California. In Petaluma, where the parents settled, he attended the public 
school, and was given such other advantages as the circumstances of the family 
made possible. 

At the age of twenty-three years John S. Blackburn was taken into the 
undertaking business with his father, who had established the business in 1856 
and had practically maintained the large and constantly growing business alone 




AZx^^/^^ 



'j&Z^O^. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 605 

ever since its establishment until the son was taken into the firm. Father and 
son continued harmoniously in business together until the death of the founder 
on November 27, 1S96, when the management of the business fell upon the 
younger partner. Besides continuing the business in Petaluma he opened a branch 
office in Tomales, Marin county, a venture which justified the undertaking. 

In addition to carrying on the undertaking business which by this time had 
assumed such large proportions, Mr. Blackburn was equally active in civic mat- 
ters, and as a member of the board of health during a long period rendered an 
invaluable service to his home city through improved sanitation and municipal 
cleanliness. His judgment on public questions was held in great respect by his 
fellow-citizens, and as he did not shirk responsibility but rather assumed it if 
thereby he could help his fellowmen or better conditions, the influence which 
he exerted in his community was not inconsiderable, and his death, July 1, 1903, 
was indeed a public loss. His personal characteristics were such as to win not 
only admiration and approbation, but many friends and acquaintances. 



RUSSELL DENNER. 

The life here sketched began in Honiton, Devonshire, England, in 1836 
and came to a close in California in 1899, a life filled with accomplishments 
and good deeds performed. The Denner family is descended from the famous 
explorer, Sir Francis Drake, and one of Mr. Denner's brothers, a resident of 
England, bears the name of this illustrious ancestor. 

Russell Denner was reared and educated in his native country, and at the 
age of nineteen years set out for the new world, with the blessing of his 
parents and the good wishes of his many friends following him. He had 
received a good education in his native country, and after leaving school was 
connected in business with a large hardware firm in Southampton before com- 
ing to this country to engage in the same business with Messrs. Pratt & Co., 
Buffalo, N. Y. Among other experiences was a farming enterprise which he 
maintained in Illinois for a number of years. From there he came to Cali- 
fornia in 1869, going direct to Stockton and making his home in that part 
of the state for about fourteen years. During this time he took an interested 
part in the activities of the community in which he lived and was a charter 
member of the Stockton grange. Coming to Sonoma county in 1883, Mr. 
Denner subsequently purchased the ranch near Santa Rosa that is now the 
home of his family, comprising two hundred and five acres and used as a hop 
ranch for many years. In addition to this he also owned twenty-two acres 
near Olivet, and four hundred and eighty acres near Healdsburg, now the 
property of his two sons. The last-mentioned ranch is devoted to stock-raising, 
besides which they maintain a creamery, which is fully equipped with all of 
the latest devices, among which is a separator. Since the death of Mr. Denner 
his widow and children have maintained his various enterprises, following his 
methods, and in so doing are meeting with the same success that rewarded his 
efforts for so many years. 

In 1867 Mr. Denner was united in marriage with Miss Emily Breaks, a 
native of England, and seven children were born of their union. Charles 



6o6 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Alfred (born in 1870 ), Charlotte Isabel and Emily Rose are all at home with 
their mother: Bessie Kate, who is the wife of J. E. Clark, is a resident of 
Santa Rosa : Fulvia Mary became the wife of Frederick A. Mossier and they 
make their home in Vine Hill: Russell Linsey Alexander is the next in order 
of birth ; the voungest of the children. William Wheaton. died at the age of 
four years. 

Throughout the years of his residence in Sonoma county Mr. Denner was 
an active and unceasing friend of upbuilding measures, the promoter of sound 
local government and the upholder of high civic and private ideals, all of 
which was realized the more keenly when death removed him from the locality 
which had known and honored him for so manv vears. 



CHARLES BLACKBURN. 

The name of Blackburn needs no introduction to the citizens of Petaluma. 
for since the early '50s it has been represented here through the activities of 
three generations, each adding lustre to the name and accomplishments of his 
predecessor. The establisher of the name in this country was Charles Blackburn, 
who in 1820 was born in Sheffield. England, and there in youth he prepared him- 
self for his future by learning the carpenter's trade. An apprenticeship of seven 
years resulted in a complete understanding of his trade, besides which he became 
an expert builder and cabinet-maker. With this equipment as his chief stock in 
trade he immigrated to the United States in 1843. going direct to Iowa, where. 
in Oskaloosa. he found plenty of opportunity for the exercise of his knowledge 
of carpentry and building. 

Altogether Mr. Blackburn remained in Iowa about nine years, or until 
1852. In the meantime, on June 19. 1845. he formed domestic ties by his mar- 
riage with Miss Jemima Jane Richardson, w-ho was born in Springfield, 111., 
and now, at the age of eighty- four, is still in good health and in the enjoyment 
of all of her faculties. As has been stated. Mr. Blackburn remained in Iowa 
until 1852, that year marking his journey westward with his wife and three 
children. Mary E.. Martha and John S. Coming direct to Petaluma, Sonoma 
county, here as in Iowa he found work awaiting him, and from the first he had 
all that he could do. He assisted in the erection of the first church edifice in 
the town and also built many residences that have stood the test of the elements 
for over half a century. He also helped in the erection of the first house in what 
is now Santa Rosa. 

In 1856 Charles Blackburn established the undertaking business in Peta- 
luma which has made his name so well known in this part of Sonoma county. 
He began in business with a partner, but soon afterward purchased the latter"s 
interest and assumed control of the entire business. As the business enlarged 
he kept pace by the introduction of improvements, one of which was the intro- 
duction of the hearse in 1857, this being the first funeral carriage ever seen 
or used in this community. His reputation as an up-to-date funeral director was 
not confined to the immediate locality in which he lived, but spread to all parts 
of the county, and as a consequence he was soon in command of one of the 
largest enterprises of the kind outside of the metropolis. The heavy pressure of 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 607 

business responsibilities began to tell upon his health at last, and in 1890 he re- 
signed the management of the business to younger hands. Six years later, 
November 27, 1896, he passed away, at the age of seventy-six years. Although 
business cares occupied much of his time, he still had time to do his duty as a 
good citizen, and there was no department of the city's welfare with which his 
name was not associated. He was especially interested in Republican politics, 
but was never desirous of office or honor of any kind from his political friends. 
Fraternally he belonged to Petaluma Lodge No. 30, I. O. O. F. 

As has been mentioned elsewhere, three children were born to Charles 
Blackburn and his wife in Iowa (Mary E., Martha and John S.) and after com- 
ing to California, seven more children were added to their family group, viz. : 
Charles ; Allen H. ; Mary J., who became the wife of Samuel Rodd ; Hester C, 
the wife of J. Frank Elphick ; Emma H. ; Lilly, the wife of A. Harry Parsons ; 
and Frank L. After the death of the father the business was carried on by 
John S. Blackburn, the eldest son, and since his death, in 1903, Frank L. Black- 
burn has continued the business. 



HENRY DAHLMANN. 
At the foot of Red Hill, Marin county, Henry Dahlmann was born July 
18, 1863, the son of Henry and Wilhelmina (Starke) Dahlmann, the former 
born in Berlin and the latter in Bremen, Germany. The father came to Cali- 
fornia via Cape Horn in the early '50s, and after mining for awhile he settled 
on a farm of two hundred and fifty acres at the foot of Red Hill, Marin county, 
where he followed dairying until his decease, about the year 1869, his wife pass- 
ing away the following year leaving seven children, as follows : Mary, Mrs. 
John Perry ; Augusta, who became the wife of James King and died in Petaluma ; 
Clara, Mrs. Christian Lauritzen ; Minnie ; Martha, Mrs. Peter Schumacher ; 
Henry, of this review ; and Fred, all living in Petaluma. 

The brother of Mr. Dahlmann's mother, D. Frederick Starke, was one of 
the interesting pioneers of Sonoma county. He was born in Germany March 8, 
1819. In 1845 he- immigrated to California via the Sandwich Islands, arriving 
in San Francisco on August 26 of the same year on a whaler, and while at anchor 
in Sausalito he deserted the ship, and, crossing through Marin county, he and 
his three companions came to the residence of General Vallejo. The officers of 
the ship followed in close pursuit, and he and his friends were compelled to flee 
to the mountains. They were employed by S. and B. Kelsey in the construction 
of a flour mill on Sonoma creek, remaining about five weeks, until the ship sailed, 
when they returned. Mr. Starke then worked in the redwoods for two months, 
after which he went to Healdsburg, and was on the Captain Fitch ranch for 
six months. After a few months on Mark West Creek and a short time at Fort 
Ross, he returned to Sonoma county and, renting three hundred acres, followed 
farming. In 1848 Mr. Starke went to the mines, where he followed merchandising 
and placer mining for six months, when he again returned to this county, work- 
ing on a steam sawmill on the present site of Freestone. He then tried specu- 
lating in lumber and lost all the money he had made in the mines. After farm- 
ing in Bodega for one year he purchased one hundred and sixty acres two and 
one-half miles from Petaluma. where he resided until his death. He married 



6o8 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

on June 10, 1858, Miss Minna Hastier, born in Germany, January 23, 1822. 

Henry Dahlmann was left an orphan and was reared on the farm by his 
uncle, D. Frederick Starke, where he grew to manhood, having had the advan- 
tages of the public schools of the Wilson district. After his uncle's death he 
took charge of the place and was engaged in horticulture and the poultry busi- 
ness until 1899, when he located in Petaluma, at that time owning Cedar Grove 
Park, twenty four acres, in Petaluma. He resided there for some vears, when 
he sold it at a good profit. In the meantime he became foreman of the George 
P. McNear feed store, a position he has faithfully held ever since. There is 
probably no individual in Petaluma that has so large an acquaintance in Sonoma 
and Marin counties among the ranchers as he, and having a splendid memory, 
he as a fund of information. 

The marriage of Henry Dahlmann and Miss Georgia Ray took place in 
Wilmington, 111. Mrs. Dahlmann died June 25, 1903, leaving seven children : 
Henry Wadsworth ; Alba Flora, in the employ of the Western Pacific Railroad 
Company of San Francisco; Georgia Wilhelmina, with Hinz & Landt, wholesale 
milliners of San Francisco; Eugene, Eunice, Gladys and Miriam. 

Fraternally Mr. Dahlmann is a member of the Odd Fellows, and the En- 
campment, the Woodmen of the World and the Women of Woodcraft. He is 
truly a self made man, having made his own way and is now occupying a respon- 
sible position, which he is filling with credit and satisfaction. 



JOHN DAMBROGI. 

The little republic of Switzerland has given of its sturdy sons to aid in the 
development of this western hemisphere. Particularly has California been for- 
tunate in having added to her citizenship a large number of these Swiss, who 
have brought with them to the west the industry, economy and persevering 
traits characteristic of their forefathers. Numbered among the Swiss-American 
residents of Sonoma county is John Dambrogi, a native of Switzerland, born 
in 1848, but ever since 1875 a resident of the United States and a citizen thorough- 
ly loyal to every interest of his adpoted country. 

When Mr. Dambrogi landed on these shores a stranger in a strange land, he 
did not linger at the point of landing any longer than was necessary to make 
arrangements to proceed on his way to California, for here it was that his in- 
terests lay, owing to the fact that others of his countrymen had settled here in 
large numbers and were making a success of their undertakings. In his native 
country he had followed tilling the soil as a means of livelihood, and it was 
along this line that he sought and obtained work in his new home in the west. 
For a number of years it was necessary for him to work in the employ of others 
before assuming responsibilities of his own, this being necessary from the fact 
that he had no available means with which to purchase property, as well as 
from the fact that he was as yet unfamiliar with the methods of farming in this 
country. Both of these necessities were amply provided for as the years passed, 
for with the means which he accumulated he purchased land and began its cul- 
tivation with more vigor and assurance than would otherwise have been possible, 
ft was in 1907 that he purchased the property which is now his home, and which 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 611 

lies ten miles from Petaluma, on Rural Route No. 4. Here he is the proud owner 
of two hundred and thirty acres of fine land, where his energies are employed in 
the dairy business, stock-raising and in the raising of chickens. Thirty cows 
of good breed supply his dairy, besides which he has fifteen head of hogs and 
five young horses which he is raising for the market. While his dairy industry- 
alone netted him a profit of $700 during the year 1909, and is constantly on the 
increase, it is probably in his chicken industry that his greatest profit is made. In 
1910 he had eighteen hundred chickens in his poultry yard, and it is his inten- 
tion to increase his flock and make this part of his ranch enterprise his principal 
industry. 

During the thirty-five years that Mr. Dambrogi has been a citizen of the 
United States he has returned to his native land only once, and that was to 
claim his bride in Miss Reginia Pronini. After their marriage in their native 
land they set sail for the United States, and here in California they have been 
content to remain and rear their children. Eight children have been born of 
their marriage, four sons and four daughters, as follows : Henry. Charles, 
John, Cecil, Mary, Delpini, Edith and Linda. The eldest daughter, Mary, has 
left the parental roof and is established in a home of her own as the wife of 
John Braga, by whom she has three children, William, Rosa and Neta. The 
other children in the family are still at home with their parents. In their child- 
hood both Mr. Dambrogi and his wife were trained to a knowledge of the 
Roman Catholic faith, and it is in this faith also that they have reared their own 
children. Politically Mr. Dambrogi is a Republican, and fraternally is associated 
with one order, Lodge No. 149, Druids, at Petaluma. 



ELMER FREEMAN ADAMS. 

The ability to step out of the beaten paths and take advantage of oppor- 
tunities toward which the multitude do not gravitate, has undoubtedly been the 
cause of the prosperity which has come to Mr. Adams, who is well known 
throughout Sonoma county as a manufacturer of commodities made from paper, 
such as egg case fillers, berry boxes, butter cartons, egg cartons, shoe boxes, 
paper dishes and chicken boxes. The chicken box manufactured by Mr. Adams 
is an improvement over the old-fashioned wooden box formerly used in the 
shipment of day-old chicks by express from the numerous hatcheries that form 
so large a part of the business activity in Petaluma and the surrounding country, 
an innovation which has been well received, in that it is filling a long-felt and 
needed improvement, and shippers and users generally are sincere in their 
praise of Mr. Adams' welcome invention. 

A native of the middle west, E. F. Adams was born in Cook county. 111., 
January 16, 1864, the son of Orville and Effie (Bliss) Adams, who had passed 
the greater part of their lives in that section of the Union. Although he 
was reared in a farming community Mr. Adams was not attracted to farming 
as a life calling, having an adaptation rather for business life, and in following 
this natural bent he not only made a success of his undertakings financially, but 
he has also been congenially employed, which is half of the battle of life. 
During young manhood he learned the paper-making trade in Illinois, serving 



612 HISTORY OF SONOMA COL" XIV 

an apprenticeship in mills in Marseilles, and after following the business there 
for some time, accepted the position of superintendent of the egg-case filler and 
paper-box department of the Crescent Paper Company, in Marseilles, and re- 
mained there until 1904, when he became associated with the Howe & David- 
son Company of the same place, and remained with the latter company until 
coming to the west. It was with the practical experience of several years that 
he came to California in 1906 and established the business of which he is 
today the proprietor. His entire capital at that time was only $700, so his 
equipment at first was small and unpretentious, but the excellent trade in egg- 
case fillers and paper boxes which he soon built up, enabled him to extend and 
enlarge his equipment, until he now. has a finely equipped plant, all of the best 
and most approved machinery having been installed. As he is a natural me- 
chanic and an inventor of no mean ability, he is constantly on the alert to 
make improvements and the strip machine in use in his plant was the first 
and most important of these innovations. By its use he can make egg-fillers 
of any size, and the output has also been materially increased, ninety cases or 
ten thousand fillers being an average nine-hour day output since its invention 
and installation. Subsequently he installed an automatic filler machine which 
has a capacity of twenty-eight thousand eight hundred fillers in twenty-four 
hours In the box manufacturing department he has the latest machines for 
the purpose. Taken all in all Mr. Adams has given the manufacturing interests 
of Petaluma a lively stimulus since he came to the town in 1906, and every 
year adds to his influence as citizen and upbuilder of the community. At the 
present time (1911) he gives employment to thirty people, and the annual 
pay-roll of the manufactory amounts to $10,000. His trade is not limited to 
the county or state in which he resides, but extends to Oregon, Washington, 
Arizona. Nevada, New Mexico, Alaska and Honolulu. 

Mr. Adams' marriage was celebrated in Illinois in 1889 and united him 
with Miss Susie Tice, a native of that state. Four children have been born 
of their marriage, Claud, Wallace, Howard and Gladys. Being what is justly 
termed a self-made man Mr. Adams certainly deserves the prosperity which 
he now enjoys. In his political views he is thoroughly independent, preferring 
to vote for the man and the principle rather than for the party. Fraternally 
he holds membership in the Odd Fellows organization. He is an active member 
of the Merchants Association and the Chamber of Commerce. While a resident 
of Marseilles, 111., he was an active member of the Howe & Davidson Fire 
Company, of which he was captain. 



FRANK BONDIETTI. 
The fact of his long residence upon his ranch speaks more eloquently than 
can words of Mr. Bondietti's satisfaction with the section of country which he 
has chosen for his home place, and indicates with equal force that his efforts 
are bringing satisfactory financial returns. A few miles from Petaluma, on 
Rural Route No. 5, may be seen the fine looking ranch which he leases, devoted 
to general farming, dairying and the raising of chickens, altogether forming one 
of the most thriving and flourishing ranch enterprises in this part of Sonoma 
county. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 613 

Like so many of Sonoma county's citizens, Mr. Bondietti is a native of 
Switzerland, born in Canton Ticino in 1855, the son of Peter and Mary (Zam- 
oroni) Bondietti, both natives of Switzerland, the former born in 1823. The 
other children besides Frank comprised in the parental family were Anton, James 
and the only daughter, Lodovina. She became the wife of Peter Crespini. The 
eldest son, Anton, married Miss Mary Bianchi, by whom he has two children, 
Celia and Dante. 

Frank Bondietti chose as his wife Miss Clementina Mazzolini, who was 
born in Switzerland in 1861, the daughter of Joshua Mazzolini and his wife, the 
latter before her marriage Miss Maria Franzi. Eight children, four sons and 
four daughters, were born to Mr. and Mrs. Mazzolini, as follows : Silvio, Mark, 
Angilo, Louis, Rosa, Jennie, Amelia and Clementina, Mrs. Bondietti. The eld- 
est of the daughters, Rosa, is the wife of Vincienzo Pedrazzi and the mother 
of four children, Louis, Mario, Sylvia and Julia. Jennie is the wife of Domi- 
nico Vill, by whom she has seven children, three sons and four daughters, Armond, 
Henry, Robert, Anita, Mary, Olga and Antoinette. Amelia is the wife of John 
Spich and the mother of five children, Michael, Julia, Mary, Lena and Amelia. 

It is now forty years since Mr. Bondietti landed a stranger on the shores 
of the United States and the same number of years has been passed in California, 
for he came here direct from the place of landing in the east. At first he worked 
as a ranch hand in the vicinity of Petaluma, and in so doing acquired the means 
with which to begin dairying on his own account. He now leases three hundred 
and eighty-two acres near Petaluma, of which twenty acres are under cultiva- 
tion, while the remainder is devoted to pasturage for his live-stock, consisting 
of sixty cows, three horses and twenty hogs. The raising of chickens is also 
an important feature of the ranch enterprise, his flock consisting of eight hun- 
dred chickens at the present time. During the long period of eighteen years 
that Mr. Bondietti has made his home on this ranch, each year has noted an 
appreciable change in conditions, and each year has also brought an increase in 
the size of his income, all of which goes to prove that he is a conservative, plod- 
ding worker, satisfied to begin on a small scale and to rise by steady degrees until 
the object toward which he is working has been attained. During his residence 
in this community he has made many stanch friends, who admire his stability 
of character and persevering energy. In his political belief he is a Republican, 
and with his family he is a communicant of the Roman Catholic Church. 



MILES BOHAN. 
Nestling among the foothills of the coast range mountains and not far from 
the old historic place, Fort Ross, we find the ranch and family residence that 
is the property of Miles Bohan, who was born in county Longford, Ireland, the 
son of Daniel and Catherine (Connell) Bohan, who were farmers in that country 
and where Miles was reared and educated in the public schools. He followed 
farming in Longford until 1873, when he came to California. His first employ- 
ment was in the San Francisco Sugar refinery, where he worked for eighteen 
months. He then came to Salt Point Township. Sonoma county, where he worked 
as a ranch hand until 1880, when he had saved enough money to purchase the 
first three hundred and twenty acres of his present ranch. Later on he bought 



614 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

three hundred and twenty acres adjoining and he now has six hundred and 
forty acres on the stage road, about three miles north of Sea View. He has made 
improvements and is engaged in dairying and stock raising, his ranch being 
well watered by the south fork of the Gualala and numerous springs. It is well 
timbered and since 1880 Mr. Bohan has sold thousands of dollars worth of wood, 
apparently without diminishing the quantity. 

At Sea View, Miles Bohan was united with Miss Lizzie Carey, also a native 
of Ireland, and of this union was born one child, a daughter, Lizzie Catherine. 
All are members of the Roman Catholic Church at Tomales. Mr. Bohan is a 
progressive and enterprising citizen and by his energy and public spirit has done 
much to build up his section of Sonoma county. For many years he was a mem- 
ber of the board of trustees of the Timber Cove school district. 



JUDGE CHARLES HARDY DILLON. 

Two miles south of Boonville, Cooper county, Mo., Charles Hardy Dillon 
was born March 16, 1833. When but five years of age the scene of his exper- 
iences was changed with the removal of his parents to Sarcoxie, Jasper county, 
Mo., where he was reared on a farm until he was a young man, in the mean- 
time receiving his education in the rate schools. In bad weather he remained at 
home and studied under the direction of a teacher. He remained at home until 
1852, the last year at home being spent in superintending the home farm. In 
the year mentioned he started as a teamster with a freight train of thirty-two 
wagons, from Kansas City to Santa Fe, N. Mex. Returning to Jasper county. 
Mo., he worked there until December of that year, when he removed to Carthage, 
Mo., remaining there all the winter working in a merchandise store, attending 
school during the evenings. In this place a party of men and women, thirty in 
number, decided to make the trip across the plains to California. The young 
man was ever ready to take every opportunity that might mean an advancement 
for him, so he joined this train and they started out on May 1, 1853, reaching 
Hangtown, Cal., September 19 of the same year. Here the young man purchased 
a miner's outfit and engaged in mining at Diamond Springs. After some time he 
went to Rough and Ready and then to Yuba river, where he worked on a flume. 
From this latter place he went to Jackson, Amador county, Cal., and prospected 
during the year 1854. In the spring he went to the vicinity of New Castle, near 
Auburn, then prospected at Bidwell's Bar on the Feather river. From this 
place he drove a six-mule team hauling lumber to build a flume at Bidwell's 
Bar. The next move this ambitious and prospering young man made was to 
take a donkey and provisions and journey up the Sacramento valley to Weaver- 
ville, Trinity county, where he mined for four years. 

Mr. Dillon came to Sonoma county in 1859, an ^ in company with others 
he invested in a ranch and engaged in farming and dairying for two years near 
Petaluma, at the end of which time he went to Sonoma City and opened a 
butcher business. In the meantime he had been engaged in teaching in various 
parts of the county and was then reputed to be the best teacher of music and 
dancing in that section. He conducted classes in San Francisco and other 
coast towns. For half a decade Mr. Dillon continued in the butcher business 
in Sonoma City, when he sold out and conducted a drug store for many years 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 617 

with much success. Finding a larger field of activity in the commission busi- 
ness in San Francisco, he sold out his drug store interests and engaged in the 
commission business for eleven years. After selling out he was appointed to 
the position of deputy license collector in San Francisco, retaining the position 
four years. 

In the year 18S2 Mr. Dillon came to Petaluma and engaged in several 
enterprises and also taught music and dancing. He conducted the Paper Car- 
nival in Petaluma in 1885, which was the first of its kind ever held on the coast. 
He also conducted a similar carnival in San Francisco during 1886 and 1887. 
In this city they cleared $20,000 for the Episcopal Church of the Advent dur- 
ing the two years of the carnival. Going to Seattle in 1888 he put on the same 
carnival, and in Walla Walla the following year, meeting with success on each 
occasion. He engaged in business in Seattle until 1899, when he came to Santa 
Rosa and engaged in the retail boot and shoe business until 1901. Coming to 
Petaluma in 1901 he engaged in the poultry business on Mountain View 
avenue for a time, and was occupied with various activities until 1907, in which 
year he was elected city recorder for four years. So good had been the serv- 
ice rendered during this period that in 191 1 he was elected to the position of 
police judge, being the first to serve in that capacity under the new city charter. 

Mr. Dillon married Mattie J. Akers, daughter of Judge Stephen Akers,- 
in Sonoma City, Cal., on October 22, 1862. One son was born to them ; he died 
in 1903. He had married Miss Frances Thompson, a daughter of Jefferson 
Thompson, Sr., of Petaluma. Mr. Dillon is a member of the Masonic order, is 
past master of Temple Lodge No. 14 of Sonoma, and is now a member of Peta- 
luma Lodge No. 180. He is past patron of the order of Eastern Star, and 
is also adviser of the past matrons and past patrons association of the Order 
of Eastern Star. A versatile man and a capable one. he has made his way 
in life by his own ability and perseverance, and has manv friends. 



H. P. VOGENSEN. 

Few men in Petaluma have won their independence through more satisfac- 
tory or praiseworthy means than H. P. Vogensen, and few have been more 
thoroughly in touch with the growing fortunes of this progressive town. In 
a substantial sense he has had a hand in its upbuilding, for during the past 
thirteen years he has erected many of its finest buildings and incidentally has 
been the means of raising immeasureably the architectural standard of the town. 
Financial gain is the first and also the legitimate object of any undertaking, 
but it is doubtful if in any business is it so essential that men engaged therein 
should under all circumstances follow strict lines of integrity as in that of 
general contracting, wherein is not only involved a large amount of money, 
but the building erected must stand and give service for years and consequently 
should be done on honor. This is the first consideration in whatever Mr. Vogen- 
sen attempts and without question is the secret of his phenomenal success as 
a contractor and builder. 

Mr. Vogensen was born in Haderslev, Denmark. August 2. 1865. and 
when a youth of seventeen years he put into execution a plan which had been 



618 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

forming in his mind to come to the United States. Embarking from Denmark 
in April, 1883. after reaching New York he came by rail across the continent 
to San Francisco, and from there came to Petaluma, his residence here dating 
from May 26, 1883. This has been his home ever since, with the exception 
of two years spent in the Willamette valley, Ore. Among the buildings which 
stand as monuments to his skill and ability as a contractor and builder may be 
mentioned the telephone building, Schoeningh Brothers block, postoffice build- 
ing, Canevascini livery stables. Danger's poultry farm buildings (over fifty in 
number and the largest buildings in the United States devoted to that pur- 
pose), Golden Eagle Flour Mill, Gossage building, Sweet building, Dr. Peoples' 
residence. Captain Mount's residence, the Swiss-American Bank building, and 
bank outfitting for the Wickersham building, many fine residences throughout 
the city not enumerated above and creamery buildings in various parts of the 
county, besides which he is now erecting the Catholic parochial residence at 
Olema, Marin county. This is only a partial list of Mr. A^ogensen's accom- 
plishments since coming to Petaluma, but the high class of work here shown 
proves conclusively that the utmost confidence is reposed in his ability, an honor 
which he appreciates and honestly merits. A further example of his architec- 
tural ability may be seen in his fine new residence on Fifth and H streets, with 
a mission cottage adjoining. The grounds are tastefully laid out and well 
kept up. 

Mr. Vogensen's marriage in 1902 united him with one of his country 
women. Miss Christina Andresen, and three children. Amelia, Halvor and 
Gorm, have been born to them. In addition to his business as a contractor Mr. 
Vogensen is a director of the Swiss- American Bank, a member of the board 
of trustees of Petaluma, a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and is also 
connected with other commercial organizations in the town. Fraternally he 
is identified with all branches of the Odd Fellows order, and is past grand 
president of Dania Lodge. He was made a Mason in Petaluma Lodge No. 180, 
F. & A. M. Taken all and all, Mr. Vogensen is a successful and enterprising 
man, devoted to family, friends and fellowmen, and is esteemed by all for his 
upright and worthy character. 



GEORGE FETTERS. 
Sonoma county is not only noted for its beauty of landscape, but also for 
its salubrious climate and its wonderful resources. These qualities make it an 
attraction to the tourist, as well as a health resort for the convalescent. To 
this latter class of people the hot springs are a constant attraction, and perhaps 
no hot springs in Sonoma county are more popular or better known than Fet- 
ters' Hot Springs, of which Mr. and Mrs. George Fetters are proprietors. Mr. 
Fetters was born in Pittsburg, Pa., March 24, 1879, the son of George H. and 
Maria (Strobel) Fetters, both natives of Pittsburg, Pa., where the father was 
a well-known contractor, and in which city he died. The paternal grandfather 
of George Fetters was Jacob Fetters, of Pittsburg, who served in the Civil 
war. His maternal grandfather, Frederick Strobel, also served in the Civil 
war. Mr. Fetters is the third oldest of a family of nine children, and was 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 619 

brought up in Pittsburg, in which place he graduated from the Holy Ghost 
college. Immediately after his graduation he engaged in the hotel business, 
remaining in his native city until 1891. In that year he came to San Francisco, 
Cal.. and engaged in the hotel business until the great fire of 1906 burned 
him out. 

In 1907 Mr. and Mrs. Fetters came to Sonoma county and in Sonoma valley 
they purchased the old Halstead ranch of one hundred acres, situated two and 
one-half miles from Sonoma. Here they intended to engage in ranching, but 
on account of the other mineral springs on adjoining ranches, Mr. Fetters began 
to prospect for hot mineral water. He learned that an old Indian spring was lo- 
cated on the north end of his land, which spring the Indians in olden days had used 
medicinally and for baths. He sunk a well in this locality about one hundred feet 
from the original spring and fortunately struck flowing hot water. Three more 
wells were immediately sunk and later an electric pumping plant was erected, on 
the completion of which, Mr. Fetters began making improvements. A hotel 
building was erected costing $15,000, and an adjoining bath house which cost 
$10,000, having in it a concrete swimming plunge, 60x100 feet. In this bath house 
there are twenty-four private bath tubs, also a number of private concrete plunges 
on the same order as the famous Carlsbad baths. Mr. Fetters found it necessary 
to build a twenty-four room annex to the hotel, the structure costing $10,000. On 
the place the proprietor has built a large residence for private use. The Fetters' 
Hot Springs is one of the most modern and up-to-date baths in the state, situated 
on both lines of railroad at Agua Caliente, just forty-five minutes from San Fran- 
cisco. The ranch is well improved with fruits of all kinds, including cherries, 
apricots, peaches, pears, apples and grapes. 

Mr. Fetters was married in San Jose, Cal., to Miss Esther Koenigsberg, who 
was born in Vienna, Austria, of German parents and came from there direct to 
San Francisco. Mrs. Fetters is associated with her husband in the ownership 
and management of the property and deserves no small share of the credit for 
the success of the undertaking. Mr. Fetters is a member of the California Hotel 
Men's Association. A man of resourcefulness and independence, the success that 
he has achieved comes as the result of wisdom and foresight, as well as hard 
work. The waters of the springs range in temperature from 108 to 118 degrees 
Fahrenheit and are very effective in disorders of the stomach, liver and kidneys 
and have accomplished some remarkable cures where medicine has failed. The 
proprietors are planning to put in mud baths in the near future, thus making 
their enterprise more attractive. 



JOHN H. DUERSON. 
California was fortunate in having been settled by a remarkably enter- 
prising, industrious and intelligent class of people. Prominent among the num- 
ber that endured the hardships of pioneer life without a murmur and have now 
ceased from their earthly labors, was the late John H. Duerson, who passed 
away on his ranch in Sonoma county in 1896. Not the least meritorious of the 
legacies which he left behind him are the sons and daughters whom he trained 
to lives of usefulness, and the sons are now carrying on ranch enterprises of 



620 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

their own, having inherited in large measure their sire's business ability and 
thrift. 

Of southern birth and parentage, John H. Duerson was born in Virginia 
in 1821, and considering the times in which he lived, as well as the new, un- 
settled country by which he was surrounded in his boyhood, it goes without 
saying that he grew up without experiencing any educational advantages 
worthy the name. He was early inured to hard labor on the home farm of 
his parents, and upon attaining mature years he undertook farming on his own 
account in the south, continuing there for a considerable period before he real- 
ized that his efforts might be made to give him better returns elsewhere. It 
was after a careful consideration of various localities that he finally decided 
to come to California and locate in 1858, and the same year found him in 
Sonoma county, located upon a ranch near Penn Grove. This was his home 
and the scene of his efforts from that time until his death, and in the mean- 
time he had gained the love and respect of all those with whom he was brought 
in contact. Credit for all that he was able to accomplish he willingly shared 
with his noble wife, who before her marriage was Sarindia Sitton, and who 
was born in Missouri in 1836. Nine children blessed their marriage, six sons 
and three daughters, and all were given the best opportunities to fit them for 
their work in the world that it was in the power of their parents to bestow. 
Named in the order of their birth the sons were Joseph, George, William, John, 
Robert and Richard, while the daughters were Mary, Eliza and Lucy. William 
is married, but has no children, his wife having been Miss Jessie Horn before 
her marriage ; Robert chose as his wife Miss Harriet Clary ; and Richard mar- 
ried Hadie Horn. Mary became the wife of George Stocking, and Eliza is 
the wife of Thomas Elphick and the mother of five children, Roy, Lenn, Mer- 
rill, Blanche and Clytie. 

The second son in the family, George Duerson, is the owner of a fine ranch 
in the vicinity of Penn Grove, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, upon 
which he conducts an unpretentious but nevertheless profitable dairy and poul- 
try industry. Fifteen cows of good breed constitute his dairy, while in his 
poultry yard he has two hundred and seventy-five chickens and turkeys. In 
addition to caring for his ranch Mr. Duerson also follows his trade of carpen- 
ter. Politically he is a Republican and is variously identified with organiza- 
tions which profit by his genial companionship and substantial help. 



AUGUST GARLOFF 
Among the people who knew him, August Garloff was held in the highest 
esteem for his many deeds of kindness and good qualities. He was born in 
Minnesota, where his father, John Garloff, was a fanner and later followed the 
same occupation near Sebastopol, Sonoma county, Cal. August Garloff re- 
ceived his education in the public schools of Minnesota, and during this time he 
also learned farming in all its details. On coming to Sonoma county he be- 
came superintendent for Harrison Mecham, on the old home ranch, continuing 
this until Mr. Mecham's death, and thereafter he operated the ranch until his de- 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 623 

cease at the Petaluma Hospital, May 11, 191 1. He was married in San Fran- 
cisco, September 3, 1907, to Miss Hattie Mecham, who was born on the old 
home place near Stony Point and is the daughter of the late Harrison Mecham. 
She received her education in the Petaluma high school. 

Mr. Garloff was a natural genius and inventor. Being a good mechanic, he 
invented an oil burner for cook stoves and brooder houses, known as the Gar- 
loff burner, which has been demonstrated a success and is much appreciated. 
Mrs. Garloff is making her residence at the old homestead, where she is looking 
after her interests and enjoys the association of many friends. 



AMOS A. STAGG. 

Familiarity with conditions existing- in former places of residence had pre- 
pared Mr. Stagg for an appreciative admiration of the opportunities afforded 
by Sonoma county when in 1885 he came to California and identified himself 
with the citizenship of this section. From the first he was pleased with the 
climate and the resources of the locality, where soon he came to be known 
as a thorough-going and progressive man. It was his privilege to witness 
much of the material development of the region and to the aid of this patri- 
otic work he contributed time, energy and means. During the year 1899 the 
family purchased near Guerneville a tract of ten acres, costing $750 and now 
known as Riverside resort. The land is well adapted to the fruit industry, but 
experience has proved that the resort business is even more profitable, hence 
buildings for that purpose have been erected at an expense of about $9,000 and 
accommodations have been provided for about sixty' tourists. It is the inten- 
tion to increase the equipment and enlarge the present facilities, so that one 
hundred or more boarders can be entertained at the same time. In order that 
the guests may be provided with the purest of butter and freshest of eggs a 
dairy of six cows is kept on the farm and a poultry-yard of one hundred hens 
is given the most assiduous care, besides which all of the fruit raised on the 
place is used to enlarge the equipment of the cuisine. Resultant from the 
painstaking care and culinary skill is a large concourse of summer visitors, 
whose frequent returns form a silent testimonial to the attractions of the resort. 

Riverside resort adjoins Guerneville and. overlooks the Russian river, where 
there is good trout fishing, and row boats are kept for the guests. The place 
is thickly grown with redwood and laurel and presents a restful and beautiful 
sight. The management of the resort devolves on Mrs. Stagg, who gives it all 
her time, and credit for its success and popularity is due to her. The place 
has become well and favorably known and has a very liberal patronage, which 
does her much credit and incidentally she has aided materially in advancing 
the popularity of Guerneville and vicinity as a summer resort, each season 
bringing larger and larger crowds. 

Born in Franklin county, Ohio, August 23, 1829, Amos A. Stagg was a 
son of Josiah and Maria (Baldwin) Stagg and, aside from a sister, Mary 
Jane, was the onlv member of the family. During boyhood he was a pupil in 
country schools in Ohio, but the broad fund of information that he acquired 
was the result of travel and observation rather than the study of text-books. 



624 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

After leaving school he began to learn the trade of a carpenter and while he 
did not follow the occupation as a means of livelihood he found it of the great- 
est assistance in the farm building operations of later years. In that era the 
drift of emigration was toward the Mississippi valley and during the year 1855 
he found himself a pioneer of Iowa, where he took up a tract of raw land and 
began the arduous task of improving a farm. For twenty years he remained 
a resident of that state and meanwhile he married and reared a family. The 
rigorous climate, however, proved a hardship even to his sturdy constitution 
and in 1875 ne removed to Virginia in the hope of finding a more'genial climate. 
While the climatic conditions were all that could be desired, other conditions 
were very unsatisfactory and he soon returned to Iowa, whence in 1885 he 
came to California. No further need had he to search for a desirable location. 
The climate suited him, the people he found to be progressive and the oppor- 
tunities equal to those offered by any section, hence he had no reason to regret 
the decision that brought him hither. 

The marriage of Mr. Stagg took place in Iowa November 30. 1859, and 
united him with Miss Hester Ann Spence, who was born in Kentucky June 5, 
1840, being a daughter of William and Cynthia (Bryant) Spence. Besides 
herself the family comprised four, George, Thomas, Nancy and Mary. The 
first-named had a family of ten children, viz. : William, Oris, Perry. Wesley, 
John, Trellis, Nora, May, Maria and Mary. Thomas' married Louisa Albury 
and became the father of four children, Arthur, Rollin. Edgar and Maude 
(twins). Nancy, Mrs. Abraham Hill, had four children, William. Thomas. 
Walter and Blanche. Mary, Mrs. Daniel Brandt, of North Dakota, had a 
family of seven children, Walter, Clifton, Roscoe, Anna, Daisy, Maggie and 
Kittie. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Stagg were as follows : Laura, born 
April 7, 1861 ; Edith, August 13, 1864; Herbert Alonzo, May 4, 1868; and 
Perla. November 28, 1873. The only son is married to Minnie Schaefer, but 
has no children. Laura, Mrs. Frank Spence, is the mother of four children, 
Harold, Bertha, Belle and Bessie. Edith is the wife of David Swygert and 
has one son, Ivan. Perla is married and has three children, Gilbert, Vernon 
and Gladys. From the time of attaining his majority Mr. Stagg has voted 
the Democratic ticket and upheld the principles of the party, but he takes no 
public part in politics, preferring to devote his attention exclusively to the 
management of his own interests, in which he has been so deservedly successful. 



JOHN WILLIAM DOWD. 
A visit to the farm occupied by John W. Dowd, at Lakeville, a few miles 
from Petaluma, Sonoma county, gives one a fair impression of the practical 
and successful methods of this popular dairyman, stock-raiser, vineyardist and 
general rancher. One reason for Mr. Dowd's splendid success and wide ver- 
satility is probably due to the fact that he has never considered any other occu- 
pation than farming, possibly for the reason that his ancestors for many gen- 
erations back were devoted to agricultural pursuits. In common with the other 
children of the parental family he was early in life made familiar with the 
duties that fall to the lot of farmers' children, his parents being tillers of 
the soil, owning and cultivating a farm in Sonoma county. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 625 

Edward and Bridget (Farrell) Dowd, the parents of John W. Dowd, were 
natives of the Emerald Isle, born respectively March II, 1829, and 1836, and 
both came to the United States prior to their marriage, which was celebrated 
in New York City in the year i860. A large family of children blessed this 
marriage, four of the number being sons and three daughters, as follows: 
Frank E. ; James, deceased; John William; Joseph, deceased; Mary Jennie, who 
resides with her brother John W. ; Sarah, deceased ; and Emma. The third 
son in order of birth, John W. Dowd, was born on the parental homestead in 
Sonoma county, March 18, 1871, and after attending the common schools in 
the vicinity of his home in the pursuit of an education, he turned his thought 
and energy in the direction of agriculture, and from that time forward has 
given the subject his entire thought. As has been stated, he is the owner and 
proprietor of a fine ranch of one hundred and sixty acres within easy access 
of Petaluma, which is his market town. While grain raising and dairying may 
be said to be his chief industries, he also raises stock to some extent, having 
fifteen head of live-stock at the present time. The raising of grapes and fruit 
is also a source of pleasure and profit to the owner, eighteen acres of his ranch 
being devoted to the former and five acres to the latter. Taken as a whole, Mr. 
Dowd's ranch is one of the most productive, and at the same time one of the 
most up-to-date properties in this section of the county, and he is regarded as 
an authority on the various branches of agriculture represented upon his ranch. 
As yet Mr. Dowd has not formed domestic ties, but lives upon the ranch with 
his sister, Mary Jennie. Politically he is a believer in Democratic principles, 
and whenever the occasion offers he votes for the candidates of this party. 
Mr. Dowd's eldest brother, Frank E. Dowd, county assessor, married Mattie 
Latham, who was born in British Columbia, and who before her marriage 
was a school teacher by profession. Emma Dowd became the wife of Joseph 
Wall, and resides in San Francisco, and they are the parents of two children, 
Dorothy and Genevieve. Mr. Dowd has one of the well-improved ranches for 
which Sonoma county is noted. His residence is pleasantly located on the 
Lakeville road and is surrounded by orchard and numerous shade trees, and 
the drive is lined with eucalyptus, cedar, cypress and juniper trees, making an 
attractive entrance to his grounds. 



BERTEL M. KARR. 
Persistent, painstaking industry has characterized the activities of Mr. Karr 
ever since he became a resident of California a quarter of a century ago. Coming- 
hither in 1886 from his native land of Germany, where he was born in 1869 and 
where he had learned the rudiments of farming under the careful oversight of 
a diligent father, he was qualified for the difficult task of earning a livelihood in 
a strange land, with whose language and customs he was unfamiliar. Agriculture 
in its various processes he found radically different here from his own country, 
yet the fundamental principles were the same and it was not. long before he 
had grasped the details of the occupation as conducted along the coast of thf 
Pacific. For seven vears after his arrival from the old world he remained in 



626 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Marin county and worked in the employ of .others, thence coming in 1893 to 
Sonoma county, where he has since made his home. For a time he was en- 
gaged as a butter-maker and acquired noticeable efficiency in the work, but of 
recent years he has concentrated his attention upon general ranching and at 
this writing leases and operates one hundred and seventy acres near Petaliuna, 
lying along Rural Route No. 3. On the place he has considerable stock and also 
a poultry yard with two hundred chickens. As a rancher he exhibits energy com- 
bined with industry and intelligence fortified by sagacious discrimination. 

The Karr family is of Danish extraction. The parents of B. M. were both 
natives of Denmark, they being Hans J. and Anna (Griesen) Karr, the former 
born in 1837 and the latter in 1838, but from early years they lived in Germany. 
At the old German homestead, where in their younger days they, actively carried 
on farm pursuits, they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary December 5, 
1910, receiving at the time the congratulations of relatives and friends from far 
and near. They were the parents of three sons and four daughters, namely : 
Jens, Peter H., Bertel M., Mary, Helen H., Anna M. and Christina. Peter is 
married and the father of two children, William and Edna.. Mary married Peter 
Thuesen, a native of Denmark, and they have a family of three children. Helen, 
Mrs. Nels M. Jensen, of Petaluma, has one son and five daughters, viz. : William, 
Anna, Nellie, Icla, Wilmar and Gladys. Anna M., Mrs. Edward Koester, is 
the mother of three children, Edward, Edna and Mabel. 

The marriage of B. M. Karr was solemnized at Petaluma in 1904 and united 
him with Miss Carrie M. Snyder, who was born in Iowa, but was brought to 
California by relatives in 1878, when she was only two years of age. Since then 
she has made her home in Sonoma county and received an excellent education in 
the local schools. Her parents were George and Ellen (Caraway) Snyder, the 
former born in Germany in 1840, and from young manhood a citizen of the 
United States. Mrs. Karr has only one brother, Charles M., also an onlv sister, 
Lila J., who married Scott Whitaker and is the mother of two sons, Ray E. and 
George M. Mrs. Karr shares with her husband the esteem of acquaintances and 
the good-will of neighbors, their friends numbering people of worth and the 
highest refinement. Politically Mr. Karr votes with the Republican party, but 
has taken little part in public affairs and never has sought the honors of office. 
In fraternal matters he holds membership with Petaluma Uodge No. 30, I. O. O. 
F., and has maintained a warm interest not only in the local lodge work, but also 
in the activities of the canton. 



ARNOLD F. GARZOLI. 
In Arnold F. Garzoli we find a native son of California whose ability and 
versatility as a rancher reflect credit upon the section of country of which he is 
a native, as well as the country from which his forefathers have sprung for gen- 
erations, namely Switzerland. During young manhood his father, William Gar- 
zoli, came to the new world, at the time when the finding of gold in California 
brought the- attention of the world to this section of country. He was among 
the immigrants who rounded Cape Horn and landed in the harbor of San Fran- 





T 



402*. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 629 

cisco in the early '50s, when that metropolis was a small hamlet. From there 
he went to the mines. It is presumable that no special success followed his 
mining efforts, as the records make no mention of it. but it is known that he 
finally located in Marin county and followed agriculture throughout his active 
years. Flis marriage united him with Miss Rose Pefferini, who was born in 
Switzerland. Five children were comprised in the parental household, three 
sons and two daughters, William V., Arnold F., Belardo L., Elvezia R. and 
Corenia. Elvezia R. became the wife of Elvezio Bolla and the}' reside at Lake- 
ville, Sonoma county, with their two children. 

It was on the homestead ranch in Marin county that Arnold F. Garzoli first 
saw the light of day, July 25, 1880. With his brothers and sisters he was reared 
and educated in that locality, in the meantime becoming familiar with agriculture 
through performing his share of the ranch duties. Though still a young man he 
has undertaken responsibilities in the lease of a large tract of eight hundred acres 
on Rural Route No. 2 from 'Petaluma. Here he has a dairy of over one hundred 
fine milch cows, besides twenty head of young stock which will ultimately be 
added to his herd. Ten head of horses and fifty hogs also form a part of the live- 
stock on the ranch. In the above enumeration only a part of Mr. Garzoli's under- 
takings have been mentioned, for his poultry industry is undoubtedly the largest 
under the control of one man within a large radius. Four thousand laying hens 
contribute to the immense success of this thriving enterprise. 

Before her marriage Mrs. Garzoli was Miss Erminia B. Pellascio, who was 
born in Bodega, Sonoma county, in 1882, the daughter of Peter Pellascio, who 
was born in Switzerland in 1846. His wife was formerly Lucy Manetti, and 
was born in Switzerland also, in 1843. Eight children were born to this couple, 
five sons and three daughters, Oliver, Joseph, Charles, Atelio, Henry, Jennie, 
Lucy and Erminia. Mr. and Mrs. Garzoli have been blessed with two children, 
Jesta R. and Carrie L.. and they and their children are communicants of the 
Roman Catholic Church at Petaluma. Politically Mr. Garzoli is a Republican, 
but has never sought or held public office. He is one of the reliable and substan- 
tial citizens of Petaluma, and exerts an influence for progress in both agricultural 
and social circles. 



CONRAD C. BOYSON. 

One of the industrious and thorough-going ranchers of Sonoma county is 
Conrad C. Boyson, whose well-appointed and productive ranch is pleasantly- 
located a convenient distance from Petaluma, on Rural Route No. 4. Becom- 
ing a rancher from choice, he is here giving expression to his interest in and 
knowledge of fruit-raising, dairying, stock and poultry raising, in all of which 
branches of agriculture he is having remarkable success, and as rapidly as 
circumstances will permit he is enlarging each branch of the business under 
his control. 

Germany has been unstinting in the supply of noble, industrious sons whom 
she has sent to all parts of the world, but it is safe to say that no country has 
appreciated them more than has the United States. Among those who have 
assisted in developing her latent possibilities and at the same time have made 



630 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

comfortable homes for themselves and their families, is Conrad C. Boyson. 
He was born in North Schleswig, Holstein, Germany, in 1855, the son of Boy 
Boyson, also a native of the Fatherland, born in the year 1820. The latter was 
a carpenter by trade, and throughout his active years he followed this as a means 
of livelihood in his native land. He lived to* attain a good old age, dying at the 
age of eighty years. In young manhood he married Miss Dartha Arfsten, 
who was born in Germany in 1826, and of this marriage three children were 
born, John W.. Conrad C. and Carolina. John W., a resident of Petaluma, 
married Miss Lucy Mamson, and they are the parents of seven children. Caro- 
lina, who still resides in Germany, is the wife of Christ Koch and the mother of 
one child, Boyd D. 

The year 1871 found Conrad C. Boyson among the immigrants who landed 
at the port of New York, he then being a youth of about sixteen years. From 
the eastern metropolis he came direct to the Pacific coast country, locating near 
Bloomfield, Sonoma county, Cai., which has been his home continuously ever 
since. In the years that have intervened he has made a number of trips back to 
the homeland, and while he never lost his old fondness for the land of his birth, 
he nevertheless returned to his adopted home after each visit with a feeling of 
contentment that Fate had dealt so kindly with him in directing his life course 
toward the new world. Before leaving his native land he had gathered a good in- 
sight into his father's trade of carpentering, but he has never made any use of it 
as a means of livelihood. Instead, he has given his entire time and thought to agri- 
culture, at first on a ranch of three hundred acres which he purchased in the 
vicinity of Bloomfield, which he conducted as a dairy, and since 1893 he has 
owned and occupied his present ranch near Petaluma, renting the first-men- 
tioned ranch to a tenant. Here he has six hundred acres of excellent land, 
admirably suited to the varied uses to which he has put it. Twelve acres are 
in bearing orchard, besides which he has thirty acres in young orchard, almost 
exclusively in apples, and in connection with the orchard he also maintains a 
drier or evaporator, in which the fruit is prepared for shipment. Besides the 
irr.it from his own orchard he dries and ships from his plant such other fruits 
as he is able to purchase from ranchers throughout Petaluma township. It may 
be interesting to those unfamiliar with the fruit business to know that in the 
process of evaporation fruit loses in weight in the ratio of seven pounds to 
every eight. Mr. Boyson also has a dairy of sixty cows, keeping his herd about 
this size all the time by the addition of about ten head of young stock each 
year. He also has about twenty head of shire and Belgian breed of horses, 
besides about three thousand chickens of the White Leghorn breed. It is Mr. 
Boyson's purpose to enlarge both the chicken and dairy industries as rapidly as 
conditions will permit, which is equal to saying that he will accomplish what he 
undertakes. 

In San Francisco in 1879 was celebrated a marriage ceremony that united 
the destinies of Conrad C. Boyson and Miss Ida R. Carstens, the latter also a 
native of Germany, born in 1857. Four children were born of this marriage, 
Clarence C, Dorothy B., Edna J. and lima R. Mrs. Boyson was one of a fam- 
ily of seven children born to her parents, Jens and Elke (Sorensen) Carstens, 
who were born in Germany in 1809 and 1820 respectively, the former being a 
veterinary surgeon by profession. Mr. Boyson has been a member of the 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 631 

Grange at Two Rock for the past fifteen years, and for the same length of time 
he has also served as a trustee of the Walker school district. Politically he is 
a Republican, and fraternally he is identified with the Odd Fellows lodge at 
Bloomfield. In addition to his agricultural interests Mr. Boyson is a factor 
in financial matters in his community, being a stockholder and director in the 
California Savings Bank of Petaluma. The two big rocks from which the Two 
Rock country gets its name are located on the land of Mr. Boyson and E. P. 
Nisson. 



BENJAMIN F. HOAR, Jr. 

In the enumeration of enterprises contributing to the development of Sonoma 
county it would be difficult to mention any that has lacked the sympathetic sup- 
port of the honored pioneer, Benjamin F. Hoar, a citizen for many years actively 
associated with ranching interests and commercial activities, in which he still 
bears a leading part notwithstanding the fact that his busy life has passed into 
its twilight. A man of versatile ability, he has found varied avenues for his 
energies. During the pioneer era of our history he found employment in the 
mines. Later he sought a livelihood by the development of a ranch and the 
tilling of the soil. By trade a carpenter, he has been employed in this occu- 
pation at different periods of his life and he has further labored as a plumber 
and as a surveyor. It is worthy of note that he has been a skilled workman in 
every occupation engaging his attention and his success, though modest, is none 
the less commendable and gratifying. 

The early days of Benjamin F. Hoar were passed in Maine, in a region whose 
picturesque lakes and dense pine forests are a delight to the eye in summer, but 
stern and storm-bound in the winter months. Born at Rangeley, Franklin county, 
April 14, 1838, he remembers well the hardships incident to earning a livelihood 
from the sterile soil or from the woods as yet untouched by the axe. The 
rigorous climate and lack of opportunities impelled him to seek a home elsewhere 
and as early as 1859 he came via the Isthmus of Panama to California, landing 
at San Francisco in October after a voyage lasting three months. His first 
employment was as a miner in the mines at Dutch Flat and he remained there 
from the time of his arrival in the state until 1863 without any interval of leisure. 
Upon leaving the mines in 1863 ne came to Sonoma county and invested his 
savings in the purchase of eighty acres from John Peters. Leasing the property, 
he went to the mines in Nevada county, Cal, and continued there until 1869, 
when he returned to Sonoma county as a permanent resident, and now lives in 
Healdsburg. 

The marriage of Mr. Hoar was solemnized in 1863 at Dutch Flat, Grass 
Valley, and united him with Miss Eugenia E. Chichester, who was born at Pleas- 
ant Hill, Iowa, December 2, 1848, being one of four children forming the family 
of Elias FI. Chichester, a native of Holland, born in the year 1830. Five sons 
and four daughters comprised the family of Mr. and Mrs. Hoar, namely : Ed- 
ward. Benjamin F., Jr., Charles A., Henry H., John A., Addie E., Mary L., 
Inza E. and Eugenia E. Charles A. married Emma Hamlin and is the father 
of a son and daughter, Vernon and Frances. Henry H., a resident of Woodland, 



632 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

this state, married Gertrude Harman, and has a daughter, Zelma. Addie E., 
Airs. James McDowell, of Healdsburg, has five children, Albert, Frank, Harry, 
Archie and Hazel. Alary L. married Joseph Stephens, a resident of the Sand- 
wich Islands and a prominent worker in the church of the Seventh Day Advent- 
ists. They have three daughters, Anna, Mildred and Delphina Stephens. Eugenia 
is the wife of George Typher, of Healdsburg, and has one son, Buster Brown 
Typher. 

Benjamin F. Hoar, Jr., was born in Grass Valley, Cal, September 21, 1868. 
■\Yhen he was a child of one and a-half years his parents removed to Cotati, where 
he was reared, and was a pupil in the Copeland district school. After attaining 
mature years he farmed for three years on his father's place, after which he be- 
came an employe of the Cotati Rancho Company, and has been with this company 
almost continuously since, and at the present time he is assistant foreman. In 
1910 he purchased three and eighty-five hundredths acres of land near Cotati, 
well equipped for the raising of chickens, and this he rents to a tenant. 

Ever since Air. Hoar acquired the right of franchise he has been a consistent 
supporter of Republican principles and has given allegiance to the men and 
measures representative of the party. Of a genial, sociable disposition, he has 
found identification with lodges a source of pleasure as well as an opportunity to 
aid in charitable work. The Knights of Pythias at Petaluma number him among 
their members, as does the Improved Order of Red Men in the same town. As 
vice-grand he has been officially connected with the Eagle Lodge, I. O. O. F., 
which has a membership of forty-eight and has accomplished much for the philan- 
thropic and moral upbuilding of the community. He is an active worker with the 
Native Sons of the Golden West at Santa Rosa and is heartily in sympathy with 
the activities of this prominent organization. He is also identified with the 
order of Moose of Petaluma. In the early days his father brought down many a 
fine specimen of game, nor was he less successful when wielding the fishing line 
and thus it came about that he acquired a local reputation for skill in these popu- 
lar sports. 



ELIO M. GENAZZI. 

This genial and popular citizen of Sonoma county has been a resident of 
California since 1885, which marks the length of time he has lived in the United 
States, coming to this country alone when he was a mere lad. His quick adapta- 
bilitv enabled him to readily master the language and customs of his adopted 
country, and has been the secret of his success as an agriculturist. Until he was 
fourteen years of age he lived in Switzerland, where he was born in 1871. When 
he had attained the age just mentioned he bade farewell to home and friends and 
came to the United States, proceeding at once to California, and locating in So- 
noma count}'. Here he has realized his expectations fully, and he is thankful 
indeed that a kind Fate directed his thoughts to this land of opportunity. 

Air. Genazzi is the descendant of a long line of Swiss ancestors and is the 
eldest of a large family of children born to his parents. Giacinto and A lane 
(Campigli) Genazzi, natives and life-time residents of that country, where 
the father carried on a mercantile business. The four sons included in the 




(^ft^ 



1 1 1 STORY OF S< )N( )MA COUNTY 635 

parental household were as follows : Elio M., Giacinto, Edward and Frederick, 
while the daughters were Linda. Mary, Jeanie. Aureglia, Guiditta and Daria. 
Aureglia became the wife of Basilio Gorzolia and has three children, Walter, 
Enio and Daria. Linda is the wife of Silva Magistochi, and the mother of two 
children, America and Pcrini. As the eldest child in the parental family Elio M. 
Genazzi early realized the necessity of relieving his parents by beginning to be self- 
supporting, and he bravely undertook the task by immigrating to the new world. 
While he still has the love for his home land which is natural and just, he loves 
his adopted home no less fervently, for here he has been enabled to accomplish 
what would have been impossible in the land of his birth. Not far from Peta- 
luma he is located on a ranch of six hundred and seventy-six acres of land which 
he leases from Mr. Forsyth. Here he has a dairy of sixty milch cows, besides 
which he has about thirty head of young stock, and in the near future these will 
contribute to the dairy industry. Besides the stock mentioned he also has five 
head of horses and two hundred chickens of a good variety. 

In all of his undertakings Mr. Genazzi has the cheerful co-operation of his 
wife, who before her marriage was Miss Clelia Garzoli, a native daughter of the 
state, born in Marin county in 1881. Two children, both daughters, have been 
born of this marriage, Elma and Linda. Mrs. Genazzi's father, Peter Garzoli, 
was born in Switzerland in 1846 and came to California in 1863, when about six- 
teen years of age. His marriage united him with Miss Celesta Quanchi, who like 
himself was a native of Switzerland, her birth occurring in the canton of Ticino 
in 1862. Eleven children were born of this marriage, four sons and seven 
daughters, as follows : Jeremiah, Henry, Marion, Charles, Clelia, Belinda. Lena. 
Olympia, Clara, Louisa and Emma. All of the children are native sons and 
daughters of California. In his political views Mr. Genazzi is independent, vot- 
ing for the man whom he believes to be best fitted for the office, and in his relig- 
ious views he is a Roman Catholic, this having been the faith of his ancestors for 
mam - generations. 



ELBERT R. CHARLES. 
One of the good old settlers of Sonoma county for whom no word is ever 
spoken but that of praise and to whom no worthy philanthropy has ever ap- 
pealed in vain is Elbert R. Charles. His father, Hon. James Monroe Charles, 
born in Lancaster county. Pa., was a pioneer settler of Illinois, locating near 
Jacksonville. Morgan county, and later in Ouincy, Adams county, in 1832, and 
there he followed farming. Still later he moved to Hancock county, where he 
was quarter-master of the local regiment and was appointed sheriff to succeed 
the former sheriff, who was a Mormon. He was at the court house at Carthage 
waiting for orders, when the volunteers performed their work of destruction 
of Joseph and Hiram Smith. Subsequently he was in Clark county. Mo., for a. 
short time, then on account of his health he came to California, bringing his 
family with him across the plains with mule team. In the course of three months 
they were settled in Sacramento, where, with Mr. Law, he built the levee from 
I to R street, this being a big undertaking and costing $50,000. From the time 
of his arrival in 1853, success seemed to follow him. The following two years 



63<3 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

he farmed in Yolo county and in 1856 he bought one hundred and eighty acres 
at Lakeville, Sonoma county, and later one hundred more from General Vallejo, 
where he settled down and improved the farm. In 1864 he purchased seven 
hundred and fifty acres more, adjoining the old adobe ranch. Remaining there 
through the '70s, he then removed to the Ojai valley, Ventura county, where he 
bought a ranch, this proving equally as successful a venture as previous ones. 
This proved to be his last purchase, for he then located in Petaluma, where he 
died in 1893. While there he was supervisor for some years and a member 
of the state constitutional convention, thus in public as well as private life his 
integrity, veracity and strength of purpose were never questioned. He was 
united in marriage to Jane Purdy, born in Westchester county, N. Y. Her 
death occurred in Petaluma, at which time she left two children ; George W.. 
who was a stockman in Humboldt county and was accidentally drowned in Eel 
river in 1898, and Elbert R. 

Elbert R. Charles was born in Adams county, 111., near Quincy, April 10, 
1838. He received his education in the grammar schools in Illinois and Mis- 
souri and later in California, spending one year in a Presbyterian academy in 
Sonoma. Preferring the life of an agriculturist to that of a profession, he settled 
down to farming, showing his fitness by his subsequent success. His first ex- 
perience was near Lakeville, on a three hundred and twenty acre farm. Here 
he had his dairystock, sheep and horses, making a specialty of full blooded and 
graded Clydesdale horses, where for forty years he raised this stock, together 
with that of the Old Glory strain, with the result that he had some of the finest 
horses in the country, one team of Clydesdale carrying the laurels of the county 
for all time. In the year 1891 Mr. Charles located in Petaluma, following the 
express and transfer business, in partnership with Benjamin Cox, but later 
bought him out, continuing alone for several years, after which he became 
agent for the Standard Oil Company, with which he continued for seventeen 
years, and he is proud to say that he never had a word of complaint from the 
company during all this time. 

Mr. Charles was united in marriage to Miss Virginia Rolett, who was 
born in Sonoma in 1846, her parents coming to Sonoma valley, Cal., from Vir- 
ginia two years previously, in 1844, and here they had the distinction of having 
built the first saw mill. She was reared and educated in California, where her 
demise occurred in 1901. Of their two children Everett passed away at the age 
of thirty years, and Clare is the wife of W. W. Hanger, of Fresno, Cal. 

At the age of seventy-three years this optimistic, high-minded old gentle- 
man lives retired at his comfortable home No. 300 Sixth street, where his many 
friends are ever welcome to his hospitality. An active, useful, honorable life 
has its reward in his happiness, a happiness that radiates from his genial per- 
sonality. 



FRANCIS DRAKE TROSPER. 

There is no name better known in the western part of Sonoma county than 

that of Trosper, of which family the gentleman whose name heads this article is 

a member and is one of the rising young men and a native son of the county. F. 

D. Trosper was born near Occidental, on the Dutch Bill creek, in 1866. His 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 637 

father, Thomas Trosper, the pioneer, is represented with a sketch on another 
page in this volume. The second youngest of a family of five children, F. D 
Trosper was reared on the ranch in the vicinity of Cazadero, receiving his edu- 
cation in the public schools of that locality. Having been reared on his father's 
ranch and early learning the stock business, after he had reached his maturity 
he naturally turned to that occupation and at the age of eighteen leased a ranch 
near Cazadero for five years and gave his attention to stock falsing and ranch- 
ing. 

Mr. Trosper was married at Cazadero to Miss Maruella Adams, a native 
of Ontario, Canada, and who came with her mother, Mrs. Zerviah Z. Adams, 
to Cazadero when she was eleven years old. After completing her education she 
taught music until her marriage. After their marriage the young couple located 
on the Adams place near Cazadero, where Mr. Trosper carried on dairying and 
farming for five years, after which time he located on his present place and, since 
1898, has conducted a summer resort. The Trosper house is situated in the 
mountains on West Austin creek, two miles north of Cazadero, where he owns 
two hundred acres. For the pleasure of his guests who enjoy swimming he 
built a dam across the creek to deepen the water. This creek affords excellent 
trout fishing and the vicinity furnishes good hunting. The entire place is studded 
with redwood and pines and is considered a very fine resort. It is conducted the 
year round and Mr. and Mrs. Trosper are good entertainers and furnish their 
guests with music, books and both indoor and outdoor amusements, and not 
only do the grown people find great pleasure and enjoyment, but it is especially 
attractive to young people and children on account of the freedom and the many 
outdoor pleasures. 

Besides his resort Mr. Trosper is extensively engaged in the raising of 
Hereford and Durham cattle and also Poland-China hogs and leases the old 
Hassett ranch of thirty-three hundred acres for the purpose. Mr. Trosper is a 
Democrat in politics and active in the councils of his party. He was elected 
justice of the peace of Ocean township in 1888 and has served continuously since 
that date. Judge Trosper is a man of fine physique and affable manner, making 
an ideal host. A staunch believer in education, he gives liberally of time, in- 
fluence and means for the maintenance of the schools, besides which he is in- 
terested in other worthy movements. He is especially interested in the introduction 
into the vicinity of high-grade stock and by his own efforts in this direction gives 
an impetus to the stock industry. Judge Trosper has been one of the most active 
politicians of his party in Sonoma county and by his personality has won and 
maintained a host of friends. 



JOHN GOELLER. 

Among the men who have achieved success in the cement and construction 
business, mention should be made of John Goeller, who has made his reputation 
in Petaluma and the surrounding country for the excellent character of his work- 
manship. 

John Goeller was born in Buchenbach Amt, Kuenzelsau, Wurtemberg, Ger- 
many, January 25, 1852, one of a family of five children, all reared and educated 



038 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

on the farm of their parents, Henry and Chrintine (Grater) Goeller. At the age 
of twenty, in 1872, John Goeller, having a desire for a new field of labor and 
not taking the same interest in farming that his parents did, decided to follow 
the steps of his brother Harry, who had a few years previously left his native 
land to sail for the United States and had located in San Francisco, where he 
subsequently died. After spending a year in Michigan and becoming dissatis- 
fied with the result of his labor, John Goeller came to Healdsburg, Sonoma 
county, finding employment in a brewery, where he remained for six years. He 
then went to Montana, where he was in the same line of work for four years. 
Returning to California at the end of that time he spent two years in Alameda 
county and in 1895 located in Petaiuma, where for the past sixteen years he has 
so successfully and profitably carried on his present line of business. 

Shortly after coming to Petaiuma in 1895 Mr. Goeller met Mrs. Louisa 
Schnitz, a native of Bavaria, who later became his wife. They are members of 
the German Evangelical Church, to whose charities they contribute liberally. 
Fraternally Mr. Goeller is a Druid and through this order has many friends 
who esteem him for his distinctive qualities of character and good citizenship. 
Politically he sympathizes with Republican principles. 



JOSEPH B. REID. 

The remarkable changes wrought in California for more than forty years 
past have been witnessed by Joseph B. Reid, who came to the state in 1S57 and 
ten years later settled in Sonoma count}-, which has been his home ever since. 
The blood of a long line of southern ancestors flows in the veins of Mr. Reid, 
and he also was born in the locality which had sheltered and sustained his fore- 
fathers. A native of Alabama, he was born in Jackson county in November, 
1835, the oldest of sixteen children born to his parents, William and Elizabeth 
(Shores) Reid, natives respectively of Kentucky and Tennessee. 

Joseph B. Reid has distinct recollections of his boyhood, which was passed 
in the midst of fields of growing cotton and corn in Alabama until he was eigh- 
teen years of age, at which time removal was made to the northern part of 
Arkansas. Judging from the scarcity of schools and crudity of curriculum which 
exist in the rural districts of those states today, one wonders what possibility- 
there was of obtaining an education there seventy-five years ago ! Be that as it 
may, no one who knows Mr. Reid will doubt the fact that he made much of such 
opportunities as came his way, for he is a well-informed man, one with whom 
it is a pleasure to converse. The family remained in Arkansas for three years, 
and then, in 1857, set out for the far west by the overland route. In due time 
they reached their destination, Yolo county, where the father purchased land 
and continued farming throughout the remaining years of his life. There he 
passed away in 1891, his wife having preceded him several years, her death oc- 
curring in 1889. 

For ten years after coming to California Mr. Reid continued a resident of 
Yolo county, he as well as his father purchasing land there. However, in 1867, 
he came to Sonoma county and was so vveli pleased with the prospects that he 




JAMES McCHRISTI \X 
(The only surviving "Bear Flagger. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 641 

purchased land and has continued to make his home here ever since, over forty- 
three years. His original purchase consisted of ninety-three acres, for which 
he paid $65 an acre. Wheat-raising was the chief industry of the ranchers at 
that time, and he continued grain-raising for a number of years after purchasing 
the property. From time to time he sold off portions of the original acreage, 
until now none of that land remains in his possession. However, with the pro- 
ceeds he purchased adjoining land, and now has seventy-five acres one and a- 
quarter miles from Santa Rosa, all in hay and grain. 

In Sacramento, Cal., in 1864, Mr. Reid was united in marriage with Miss 
Louise Range, the ceremony being performed in the Golden Eagle Hotel. Al- 
though Mrs. Reid is a native of Tennessee, the greater part of her life has been 
passed in California, whither she came in 1862. Eleven children were born to 
Mr. and Mrs. Reid. The family are members of the Christian Church of Santa 
Rosa, and politically Mr. Reid is a Democrat. He has held a number of public 
offices within the gift of his fellow-citizens, among them school trustee for a 
number of vears, and assessor and collector on a number of occasions. 



JAMES McCHRISTIAN. 

The history of the pioneer and the conditions which he had to encounter 
in assisting to bring about the civilization which we of the present day 'enjoy as a 
free gift never loses its interest for the reader, whether he himself be a pioneer 
or a school-boy of the present day. Both may read between the lines and know 
that "the half was never told," of danger, hardship and heart loneliness, all 
endured bravely by the noble men and women for the sake of coming genera- 
tions. One of these noble pioneers is brought to mind in mentioning the name 
of James McChristian, who is not only a pioneer himself, but is also the son of 
a pioneer, his father bringing the family to California in 1845, before the days 
of the gold excitement, and becoming residents of Sonoma county in June, 
1846. There is no question in the minds of the present residents that Mr. Mc- 
Christian has been a resident of this county longer than any other white man 
now living within its borders. 

Mr. McChristian's earliest memories are of a home in New York state, 
where, in Rochester, he was born November 10, 1827, the son of Patrick and 
Orpha (Church) McChristian. The father was a native of Ireland, and the 
mother was born in Vermont, the descendant of New England ancestors and a 
granddaughter of Col. Benjamin Church, who gained his title through meri- 
torious service in the French and Indian war. Patrick McChristian at the age 
of eighteen years had grown discontented with the prospects which he saw as 
his future if he remained in his native country, and taking his future in his 
hands he immigrated to the United States, and from Castle Garden, where the 
ocean vessel landed him, he made his way to Rochester, N. Y., where he found 
employment at the miller's trade. The year 1843 found him crossing the Mis- 
sissippi river into Missouri, and for the following two years he made his home 
in Andrew county. His watchword seemed to be "ever westward," for each 
removal brought him nearer the setting sun, and the spring of 1845 found him 
starting out on the journey that was to bring him to the Pacific coast. At St. 
Joseph he with his family joined a train consisting of one hundred wagons, 



642 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

among those in the train being General Kearney, who accompanied them as far 
as South Pass. It was not until October i, about six months after they left 
Missouri, that Mr. McChristian landed in California, the first winter in the state 
being passed in Younts, Napa county, where, after plowing the land with an 
implement of his own manufacture, he put in a crop of wheat, this without any 
doubt being the first ever planted in the state. He is also credited with bring- 
ing, the first wagons in this part of the country. 

On June i, 1846, Patrick McChristian located in Sonoma, Sonoma county, 
where a few days later, June 10 or 11, the famous Bear flag was raised. The 
materials for the making of this historic flag were furnished by Mrs. Elliott 
and the wife of a man nick-named Dirty Mathews, the first-mentioned donating 
some white cloth and the latter a red petticoat. One of Mr. McChristian's fel- 
low-companions across the plains, William Todd, painted it, while the sewing 
was done by three sailors, Jack Ranchford, an Englishman; Peter Storm, a 
Dane ; and John Kelly, the latter being the only American. This flag waved in 
the breeze for a month and then was hauled down by Commander Montgomery 
of the American forces when he took possession of San Francisco in the name 
of the United States in 1846. This historic old flag is now the property of the 
Pioneer Society of San Francisco. In the year 1852 Patrick McChristian 
started for the east by way of the Isthmus of Panama, but never reached his 
destination 1 , as he was taken ill and died at Aspinwall, the ocean being his grave. 
His wife lived to a good old age, passing away in Green valley in 1890. Of the 
children born to this worthy pioneer couple two are living, James and Sylvester. 

James McChristian came to Sonoma county with his parents in 1846, and 
the following year he was among those chosen to serve on garrison duty in the 
little settlement. In the fall of that year, however, he left Sonoma and located 
in Freestone, Analy township, where since that time he has been continuously 
engaged in ranching. During the early days his efforts were along general lines 
of farming, growing such crops as were necessary for the household needs, but 
the change in conditions with the passing of years has made it possible for him 
to specialize, and for the past twenty-five years he has given his entire attention 
to the cultivation of the grape. In addition to the home place he also owns a 
seventeen-acre tract in the limits of Sebastopol. 

The marriage of James McChristian in 1876 united him with Miss Rosa 
Romain, who was born in the French province of Alsace, now a part of Ger- 
many. When she was a child of one year she was brought to the United States 
by her parents, who settled in Indiana. Four children have blessed the mar- 
riage of Mr. and Mrs. McChristian, Delafme, George, Charles and Mamie, the 
last-mentioned the wife of Frank Middleton. In his political views Mr. Mc- 
Christian is a Democrat, and his first vote was cast for Zachary Taylor. The 
two eighteen-pound guns that defended Sonoma from massacre by Spaniards 
were taken east aboard the Portsmouth and have been in the east ever since. 



JOHN RULE. 

Suggestive of the early days in the history of Sonoma county, is the record 

of the life and accomplishments of John Rule, who though long since passed from 

the scenes of his earthly labors, is remembered by his contemporaries who are 

still living as one of the foremost men of his time. A native of England, he was 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 643 

born in Cornwall February 6, 1818, and continued in his native land until the 
year 1841, that year witnessing his immigration to the United States. One year 
was passed in Pennsylvania, after which he went to Missouri and for two years 
was engaged in various mining interests in the lead and copper mines of that 
state. In the meantime, on October 25, 1844, he had formed domestic ties by 
his marriage with Elizabeth Craddock, the daughter of Thomas and Hannah 
(Cook) Craddock, their marriage being solemnized in Madison county. 

With his family, in 1846 Mr. Rule removed to Grant county, Wis., where 
he continued his interest in mining, and still later transferred his interest to the 
lead mines of Galena, 111., in which he made extensive investments. In the 
meantime the finding of gold in California had begun to attract people from all 
parts of the United States to the Pacific coast, and after withstanding its at- 
tractions for a considerable period Mr. Rule succumbed to the western fever, 
and the spring of 1852 found him wending his way across the plains. A tire- 
some journey of five months finally brought him to his destination. Volcano, 
Amador county, Cal., where he engaged in mining for a year, and the following 
year was passed in the same line of endeavor in Grass valley. A change of 
location as well as a change in occupation to some extent followed this last- 
mentioned experience, for after his removal to Brown's valley, in Yuba county, 
he combined hotel-keeping with mining. A still later experience took him to 
Virginia City, Nev., where for five years he carried on a varied and extensive 
business, carrying on mining, quartz-crushing and teaming. These allied under- 
takings were wisely entered into and Mr. Rule profited by the venture. Subse- 
quently he removed with his family to San Francisco, continuing there until he 
purchased the ranch in Sonoma county which is still in possession of the family. 
Here he purchased four thousand acres of land, which was well timbered and it 
was conservatively estimated that it would supply a saw-mill for two decades. 
He therefore erected an extensive steam saw-mill with a capacity of forty thou- 
sand feet of lumber per day. With wise foresight he saw the benefit to be derived 
from the construction of a bridge across the Russian river and had secured a 
franchise from the state permitting him to undertake the enterprise, but before 
the plans were matured his hand was stilled by death. Business interests in Vir- 
ginia City, Nev., necessitated his being there for a time, and it was while there 
that he passed away, April 15, 1870. His death was a sad loss, not only to his 
family, but to the entire community, which for a number of years had benefited 
by his superior and versatile knowledge and had also profited by the many enter- 
prises inaugurated and carried forward to completion. 

It was following the death of Mr. Rule that his family located on the Sonoma 
county ranch, in July, 1870. Mrs. Rule proved herself equal to the task which the 
management of so large a property involved, and in addition to doing her duty 
by a large family of children, rearing them to lives of usefulness, she also con- 
tinued the large dairy and stock-raising business, and also the extensive wood 
business, all of which had been inaugurated by Mr. Rule. She continued to man- 
age the extensive business planned by her husband until her children grew to 
mature years and were able to relieve her of the cares which she assumed and 
carried forward so nobly. She was a native of Missouri, her birth occurring in 
Madison countv February- 22, 1822. Nine children were born of the marriage 



644 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

of Mr. and Mrs. Rule, of whom seven are deceased, as follows: Elizabeth Jane, 
who was born September 5, 1845, and died February 22, 1854; Thomas Johnson, 
born August 4, 1848, and died June 24, 1853 ; Thomas Craddock, who was born 
September 6, 1853, and died November 8, 1853; John Richard, born January 
31, 1S47, and died in September, 1908; Hannah Josephine, born June 8, 1851, 
and died in August, 1898; Edward James, born December 25, 1854, and died 
Tanuarv 7, 191 1; and William Johnson, born May 24, 1861, and died in April, 
1910. Those still living are : Nannie Augustie, born March 27, 1858 ; and Charles 
Henry Stone, born October 24. 1863. 

The son last mentioned, Charles H. S. Rule, is probably the largest dairy- 
man in Sonoma county. His ranch of four thousand acres is located at Jenner, 
upon which he pastures three hundred cows of fine breed, besides one hundred 
and fifty head of young stock. Some idea of the tremendous business transacted 
on the ranch may be had from the statement that forty thousand pounds of butter 
were produced during a recent season of four months, and was sold in the market 
for $10,000. The ranch is under the immediate supervision of Mr. Rule. 



LORD WELLINGTON GREENWOOD. 

The building interests of Petaluma are well represented by a great many able 
men, but none are more worthy or possess more tact and ability than L. W. 
Greenwood. He was born in Todmorden, Lancashire, England, January 15, 
1867, the son of William Greenwood, a prominent plasterer and Sarah Sunder- 
land. She was the daughter of Lord Wellington Sunderland, who fought under 
the Duke of Wellington at Waterloo and was descended from the old Wellington 
family, while his wife was of the family of Fergus O'Connor, the fighters for 
the freedom of Ireland. In the parental family there were ten children, five of 
whom are living, L. W. Greenwood being the only one in the United States. 
His educational advantages were very limited and he is truly a self-made man. 
He was put to work at the age of seven in his father's casting shop, making 
himself useful and finding plenty to do, seemingly never idle a moment, and 
thus he learned the rudiments of the plasterer's trade. Being the oldest son of 
a plasterer it was not necessary for him to be bound apprentice, but applying 
himself steadily he learned the trade under his father and when twenty years of 
age became foreman, a position he filled with credit for different firms for seven 
years. He then began contract plastering, slate roofing, and tiling and in a few 
years had a large business extending all over England, his headquarters being 
at Nelson. 

In August, 1903, Mr. Greenwood came to the United States, making the 
trip through Canada to Montana and on to the Pacific coast, but returned to 
Boston, Mass., where his wife joined him. He was employed as foreman in 
Boston until the fall of 1905, when he removed to Detroit and was foreman for 
the Concrete Steel and Tile Construction Company until August, 1906, when 
he located in Petaluma, Cal. Here he became foreman of the construction of the 
large concrete tanks at the Jacobi winery, lining them with glass and was en- 
gaged here for a period of nine months, when he started contract plastering. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 647 

in which he has been exceptionally successful, and among some of the many 
buildings he has completed we find the following: Gossage building, Baptist 
Church, Prince building, Wickersham building, McNear building, Cotati school, 
Wilson school, Parochial residence at Olema, Odd Fellows Hall in Sonoma, 
Farreil and Stratton residences in Petaluma and about four hundred other resi- 
dences. He also built his own residence at No. 406 Eighth street, where he has 
his business headquarters. 

Mr. Greenwood was married, in Burnley, Lancashire, England, July 22, 
1895, to Mrs. Emma (Bailey) Shackelton, who was also born in Lancashire, the 
daughter of James and Margaret (Holland) Bailey, the father being a large 
general contractor. Her first marriage was to James Shackelton, a capitalist and 
speculator. Three children were born of this marriage : James, manager of a 
cotton mill in Rio Janeiro; Margaret, the wife of Fred Nauert, Jr., of Los 
Angeles ; and Annie, the wife of Park Van Bebber, of Petaluma. Mr. and Mrs. 
Greenwood have one child, May. They are both Episcopalians in their religious 
belief and support that denomination. Mrs. Greenwood is a woman of rare 
ability, having mastered moulding and casting and does all the ornamental work 
that her husband uses in -his business. They both have already gained hosts 
of friends, whom they delight to welcome to their he me. 



FREMAN PARKER. 

In the town of Orange, Washington county, Vt., near Knox mountain and 
in view of Camel's Hump, Mr. Parker was born April 5, 1822, his parents being 
E. P. and Laura (Flanders) Parker. In 1827 he was taken by his parents to 
Washington, Orange county, where until seventeen years of age, he attended 
the common schools and diligently applied himself to his studies. He then 
went to Brownington Academy and afterward taught school for a year, follow- 
ing this by attending a theological school and pursuing his studies, with the ex- 
ception of the winter terms, when he was engaged in teaching. At Norwich 
Military University he finished his school education, but continued teaching 
several years longer, and after retiring from that profession turned his attention 
to farming, lumbering and manufacturing starch from potatoes. 

On October 14, 1847, Mr. Parker and Cynthia Adaline Roberts were united 
in marriage by Rev. Ely Ballou, of Montpelier, Vt. Mrs. Parker was also a 
native of Vermont, being born in Williamstown, June 20, 1821. Their first 
child, Pitman Wilder, was born October 1, 1848, and the following year Mr. 
Parker set out for the gold fields of California. After a rough passage on a 
steamship from New York to Chagres, an exciting trip across the Isthmus and 
a lingering delay in Panama, he obtained passage on the steamship Senator, 
which had just rounded the Horn, Charles Minturn being agent. Late in Octo- 
ber of 1849 Mr. Parker landed in San Francisco, where he found his brother 
Wilder, who had come to this state a year previous and was at that time keeping 
a boarding house on Sacramento street. Being afflicted with Panama fever 
contracted in Panama by lodging in a room with eighteen invalids, Mr. Parker 
was unable to do much, and so remained in San Francisco until February, 
33 



648 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

1850. He then took another trip in the Senator to Sacramento, going to Marys- 
ville in a row boat and from there to Long's Bar on the Yuba river, where he 
engaged in mining until June with moderate success. At that time the placer 
diggings seemed to be exhausted and he returned to San Francisco just in time 
to see the big fire of 1850, which consumed most of the business part of the city. 
July. August and September were spent in prospecting on the river Tuolumne, 
but being dissatisfied with the regular returns of the mines, he again went back 
to San Francisco, and in December with two parties, Needham and Allen, 
settled on Joyo Rancho and followed farming and stock-raising for four years. 

At the expiration of that time, in December, 1852, Mr. Parker returned to 
Vermont for his family, and in June of the following year arrived in California 
with his wife and son Pitman. During the summer, one of his partners, John 
Allen, was drowned in San Francisco Bay by the sinking of a boat that con- 
tained four persons ; Allen, Knox and an Indian were drowned, and Wheeler 
was saved. In December, 1853. Mr. Parker purchased his present place and 
here his other children were born: Gelo Freeman, January 17, 1854; Alma R., 
February 14, 1856; Laura Ada, January 25, 1858 (died October 6, 1864), and 
George W., born July 4, i860. There being no school in the vicinity, Mr. 
Parker educated his son Pitman mostly at home, having him get his lessons 
and recite them to him while he was attending to his milk, butter and cheese. 
He pursued the same plan through all the common branches of study, from the 
spelling book to geometry, and being an advocate of a practical education, he 
procured type and a printing-press and established a family newspaper in which 
all the members of the family took part. Mr. Parker is deeply interested in 
educational matters, having been a school trustee for many years. His son 
Pitman was county superintendent of schools in Alpine county, Nevada, and 
later was proprietor of the daily and weekly Astorian in Oregon. His son Gelo 
is also in Astoria, Ore., where he has served as county and city surveyor. His 
daughter Alma became the wife of Hon. James Hynes, now deceased, by whom 
she had one son, Wildrick Hynes. About two years after the death of Mr. 
Hynes she became the wife of David Walls; who is also deceased, his death 
occurring at Haystack Landing. He left one son, B. Walls. His widow now 
resides in Petaluma. George W. Parker is a resident of Oregon. Twelve 
years after the death of Mrs. Parker, which occurred June 4, 1867, Mr. Parker 
was united in marriage, January 18, 1879, to Mrs. Eliza Jones, a native of 
Ryegate, Vt, but after one year they agreed to separate, and she has since died. 

Mr. Parker is and has been for many years much interested in all true 
reforms that tend to save time and money and elevate the people to a position 
of independence and make them honest, just, intelligent and self-reliant. Lit- 
erature, philosophy, stenography, phonetic printing and spelling reform have 
received his hearty support for many years. He was educated according to the 
partial salvation doctrine, but after much thought and consideration on the sub- 
ject, he became a Universalist and later a Freethinker, now believing that the 
more superstitious and ignorant we are, the less we are fitted to take care of 
ourselves and help others, and on the other hand the more we know the better 
we are prepared to meet and manage all difficulties ; facts about this world are 
important, but "One world at a time" is his motto. 

Mr. Parker's ranch is located three miles south of Petaluma on Petaluma 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 649 

creek, hunters from San Francisco making it their resort, and a Parker House 
Club of seven members come here twice a week during the hunting season. 
This rendezvous with its cheery, interesting host, now in his ninety-first year, 
is well known to the surrounding country, and many an absorbing hour is spent 
in listening to the man of much learning and of such strength of character 
that he is an inspiration to all with whom he comes in contact. 



ACHILLE RICIOLI. 

The dairy business has been one of the important factors entering into the 
material development of Sonoma county, with the poultry industry a close sec- 
ond, scarcely less enormous in volume and not less significant of success in the 
gratifying amount of its profits. To both of these occupations Mr. Ricioli de- 
votes considerable time, and from both he is in receipt of large annual returns, 
representing a fair return for his investment of capital and labor. The ranch 
which for years he has occupied consists of five hundred and seventy acres, 
owned by the different members of his family, a large part of which is in pas- 
ture, a considerable area in meadow, and the balance in farm crops suited to 
the soil and climate. Five head of horses are kept on the ranch and used in the 
cultivation of the soil. One thousand chickens bring in their moneyed returns 
and seventy, head of cows and young cattle are large elements in making the 
ranch profitable to its proprietor. The land lies six and one-half miles from 
Petaluma, on Rural Route No. 5 out from that city, which is not only the post- 
office for the family, but also the market for supplies and for the delivery of the 
farm products. 

Born in canton Ticino, Switzerland, in 1866, Achille Ricioli was one of 
four children, the others being Joseph, Charles and Olivia. The parents, John 
and Marie (Zanini) Ricioli, were natives of Switzerland, the former born in 
1826 and the latter in 1828. As early as 1852 the father had visited the United 
States and had landed in San Francisco, from which place he went out into the 
state, earning a livelihood in mining and farming. On his return to the old 
country he had married and established a home, devoting his attention to the 
earning of a fair living for his family. His son Joseph married Irene Selacci 
and became the father of four children. The daughter, Olivia, Mrs. Victor 
Lafranchi, had a family of five sons and five daughters, namely : Guildo, Alfoneo, 
Fredileno, Adolph, Achille, Virginia, Retai, Amelia, Erma and Irene. 

A common-school education secured in the schools of his native land pre- 
pared Achille Ricioli for the intelligent management of business affairs, while 
under the training of his parents he was prepared for earning a livelihood with 
thrift, economy and perseverance as helpful agents in the struggle toward suc- 
cess. At the age of sixteen years he started out to earn his own way, coming 
direct to America and landing at New York City, whence he traveled by train 
across the continent to San Francisco. On his arrival in Sonoma county he se- 
cured employment as a ranch hand and always he has followed farm pursuits, 
with dairying as a specialty. During the early period of his residence here he 
devoted some attention to hunting and always found great pleasure in the sport, 



050 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

but since game has become less plentiful he has been less ardent in his efforts 
as a Nimrod. As soon as he became a citizen of the United States he began to 
vote the Republican ticket and always since then he has been stanch in allegiance 
to the principles of the party. Reared in the faith of the Roman Catholic 
Church, he has been a consistent supporter of its missionary work and a loyal 
adherent to its doctrines. 

Not a little of the success enjoyed by this Swiss-American citizen is due to 
the wise and earnest co-operation of his wife, who was formerly Mrs. Matilda 
Respini, born in Switzerland in 1861 and a resident of California since 1870. 
She was the only daughter of Joseph and Josephine Traversi, natives of Swit- 
zerland, and in very young womanhood she was married to Michael Respini, 
who was born in Switzerland in 1850 and immigrated to California in 1866, 
settling in California, where he met and married Miss Traversi. Three chil- 
dren blessed their union, but the later union with Mr. Ricioli was childless. 
The three Respini children are Camelo, Robert and Irene. The daughter mar- 
ried Amedeo Morelli and they and their two children, Camelo and Alvin, make 
their home at Petaluma. 



WALTER JOSEPH ZWEIFEL. 

Into whatever portion of the world the Swiss race migrates they take with 
them the qualities that form the heritage of their nation. Honor and industry 
comprise their creed ; patient perseverance in the face of discouraging obstacles 
lays the foundation for ultimate success in any occupation to which they devote 
their earnest efforts. It is to industry and perseverance that Mr. Zweifel owes 
his present standing as a horticulturist and farmer in Sonoma county. When he 
came to this country from Switzerland (where he was born in 1849) ne na d no 
means to aid him in getting a financial start in the new world, nor did he possess 
a knowledge of the language or the customs of the people. Yet notwithstanding 
obstacles and impediments he has gained a commendable degree of success. 

The farm which Mr. Zweifel purchased in 1881 and which he still owns 
comprises one hundred and sixty-five acres of valuable land lying on section 
23. Of the tract forty acres have been planted to a vineyard from which he 
sold one hundred tons of grapes during the season of 191 o. Twenty acres are 
in an orchard of apples, peaches and pears, that netted him $900 in the same sea- 
son. Forty acres are in meadow and pasture. The fine condition of the land is 
due to the owner's untiring exertions since he came here about thirty years 
ago. Painstaking in his industrious efforts, he has labored unceasingly to de- 
velop the property and its profitable cultivation represents the results of his fore- 
thought and wisdom. It has not been possible for him to participate in neighbor- 
hood activities, for he has felt that his time must be devoted to his farm, but he 
has studied political affairs and gives his allegiance to the Republican party. 
Ever since he became a citizen of California he has been loyal to its welfare and 
enthusiastic in its support, and especially has he been stanch in his advocacy of 
enterprises for the well-being of his home county. 

The first marriage of Mr. Zweifel united him with Anna Hett, by which 
union he had three daughters. Pauline, Anna and Lena. Coming to California 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 653 

in 1880 and settling in Sonoma county he here married in 1885 Miss Carrie 
Scheidecker, by whom he has three daughters, namely :' Edith, Mrs. George 
Henry Silk: Lulu, who attended the Santa Rosa Business College prior to her 
marriage to C. W. Butcher, of Windsor; and Minnie, who also was a student 
in that institution before her marriage to Emil Small, of Windsor. It was in 
1907 that Edith Bertha Zweifel became the wife of George Henry Silk and they 
have two children, Andrew George and Lillian Edith. In religious views Mr. 
Silk is a Methodist, while politically he favors Republican principles. Interested 
in various branches of agriculture, he owns a finely-improved farm of ninety- 
six acres in Sonoma county. During 1909 this place brought him $680 in the hay 
crop, also four tons of prunes, $900 from the vineyard of twenty-four acres and 
$234 from the poultry, besides which he has a small income from his four milch 
cows. Born at Alexander Valley, Sonoma county, in 1870, Mr. Silk is a son 
of Henry John and Ann Silk, natives of Germany. By a former marriage Henry 
John Silk has one son, Thomas, now a resident of Forestville, Sonoma county, 
and married to Ida Jewett, by whom he has two children, Thomas and Mar- 
garet. The second marriage of Henry John Silk was solemnized in 1869 and the 
following year he brought his family from Germany to America, settling in 
California, where he became a prominent early resident of Alexander Valley. 
Both the Silk and the Zweifel families have many warm friends among the 
people of Sonoma county and their high standing is due to industrious applica- 
tion, loyalty to their adopted country and devotion to the welfare of their home 
county. 



JOSEPH SAMUEL PEOPLES. 

As a well-known and prosperous business man of Sonoma county and a 
fine representative of the native-born sons of California, Joseph S. Peoples, of 
Roblar, is deserving of mention in this volume. A man of enterprise, intelli- 
gence and keen foresight, he takes an active part in all matters relating to the 
welfare of town and county, and for many years he served as trustee of his 
school district. He was born at Stony Point, Sonoma county, March 24, 1866, 
the son of Andrew and Mary Elizabeth (Worth) Peoples, the former born in 
Londonderry, Ireland, in February, 1828, and the latter torn in Bedford, Ind., 
December 25, 1839. Both came to the west single and were married in Stony 
Point in 1863. Here they set up their home and reared their family, the father 
owning and maintaining a ranch in this vicinity. 

The earliest recollections of Joseph S. Peoples are of the home farm upon 
which he was born and of the public school at Stony Point which he attended 
in boyhood. As the formative period of his life was passed in a farming com- 
munity he naturally imbibed a comprehensive knowledge of farming in general, 
and it was work of this character that first engaged his attention when, after 
leaving school, he felt it incumbent upon him to take up business activities. The 
work proved not only congenial, but remunerative as well, and he followed 
it continuously in the vicinity of the old home place for a number of years. 
It was in 1904 that he discontinued agriculture, and removing to Roblar, estab- 
lished the general merchandise store of which he is now the proprietor. While 



654 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

in itself this is a small town, it is in the midst of a rich agricultural com- 
munity, and is the supply station for a large territory. Stony Point is the near- 
est postoffice, mail for Roblar being distributed from that point by Rural Route 
delivery. Mr. Peoples' interests are not confined solely to the grocery and feed 
business, which constitute the largest part of his general merchandise stock, 
but in addition, is the owner of considerable valuable real estate. In 1900 he 
purchased twenty-five acres at $50 an acre in the vicinity of Stony Point, adding 
to this in 1906 by the purchase of one hundred and forty acres for $53 an acre, 
and in 1909 he further increased his holdings by the purchase of forty acres 
in the Orland irrigation district in Glenn county, for which he paid $60 an acre. 
In 191 1 he disposed of the one hundred and sixty-five acres of land which he 
owned near Stony Point. Among his holdings are also included two store 
buildings in Roblar, a warehouse and the residence which he occupies, besides 
which he also owns a general merchandise store at Hessel station, which he 
established in March, 1909, and which is managed by his oldest son, Curtis 
Vernett. 

Mr. Peoples' marriage occurred in Stony Point April 15, 1888, uniting him 
with Julia Bell Corbett, who was born in San Jose April 20, 1870, the daughter 
of Robert Spencer and Sarah (Gregory) Corbett. Eight children have been 
born of this marriage, all of whom are still making their home with their 
parents. Named in order of their birth they are as follows : Curtis Vernett, 
Etta May, Myrtle Ruth, Gladys Lucile, Josephine Irene, Andrew Spencer, 
Thayer Worth and Anna Belle. Mr. Peoples has not been so deeply absorbed 
in his own private affairs as to slight his duties as a good citizen, but on the 
other hand is alert and active, especially in matters which have to do with fur- 
nishing good school privileges for the young, and he has served as trustee on 
the board of school directors of Dunham district for the past sixteen years. 
Politically he is a Republican on conviction and principle, and fraternally he 
belongs to Bloomfield Lodge No. 191, I. O. O. F., and to Petaluma Camp No. 
515, W. O. W. He is also a member of the Sonoma County Automobile Asso- 
ciation, and in 1910 was elected a director of the same for a term of one year. 



CHARLES EDWIN PICKRELL. 
The distinction of being a native son of California belongs to Mr. Pickrell, 
as well as the added honor of representing a pioneer family that has been iden- 
tified with the agricultural development of the state ever since a period shortly 
subsequent to the discovery of gold. The memories of childhood are associated 
with Mendocino county, where he was born at Point Arena during the year 
1868, and where the family sojourned for a period of considerable duration. 
Possessing a thoughtful temperament and a keen faculty of observation, he has 
noted with the deepest interest the slow but steady development of his section 
of the commonwealth, and has cherished a loyal affection for his native place. 
It is to the persistent efforts of such men as he that the region owes its advance 
in all that makes toward permanent prosperity. The welfare of Ocean town- 
ship is particularly important to him, for it is his home neighborhood and the 
scene of his agricultural activities, but he does not limit his interest to the town- 
ship, on the contrary maintaining a warm interest also in the development of 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 655 

Sonoma county and in the remarkable growth of the state from the standpoint 
of wealth and population. 

Descended from southern lineage, Charles Edwin Pickrell is a son of James 
Henry Pickrell, a native of Franklin county, Ky., born in 1823, and who crossed 
the plains with the ox-teams to California in 185 1, residing here until his death at 
the age of sixty-five years. By his marriage to Rebecca Garton, who was born 
in Indiana in 1827, he became the father of the following children : John ; James, 
who married Melvina Vann and had seven children, Frank, Homer, Elwood, 
Jessie, Cordelia, Irene and Evelyn; William, who married Kate Kramer and has 
two children, John and Samuel; Charles Edwin, of Sonoma county; George, 
who married Nellie Skinner and has four children; Sarah, Mrs. George Beebe, 
mother of George, Charles, Edward, Louis, Frederick, Frank, Bert, Jesse, Chris- 
tine. Margaret, Grace and Estella ; Mary and Lucinda. Mary is the wife of 
Elijah Beebe and the mother of five children, Elijah, James, Thomas, Lavina 
and Olive. 

During early manhood Charles E. Pickrell formed the acquaintance of Miss 
Jennie Burke, who was born in New Jersey in 1867 and who in 1892 became his 
wife. Their union is blessed with three children, Cleveland, Armour and Essie. 
Mrs. Pickrell was one of a large family, the others being as follows : Holmes, 
Abraham, John, Edward, Charles, Alexander, Josephine, Althea and Mary, whose 
parents were A. J. and Rachel Burke, the former born in New Jersey in the 
year 1835. The family records show that John Burke married Jennie Johnson 
and Edward married Cordelia Pickrell, by whom he has a son, Edward, Jr. 
Charles has a wife and two daughters, Gladys and Ella. Josephine, Mrs. Jacob 
Preston, of New Jersey, has one daughter, Mary Emma. Althea, Mrs. Charles 
Anderson, has three children, Albert, Armour and Josephine. Mary is the wife 
of James Cordrey and lives in Los Angeles. Mrs. Pickrell received a common- 
school education and is a woman of culture and refinement, a devoted mother to 
her children and a wise counselor to her husband. They have a small farm near 
Guerneville and are prosperously engaged in the raising of alfalfa and prunes. 
Four horses are utilized in the cultivation of the soil, but other stock is seldom 
kept, the products of the meadow being sold and not fed on the land. Aside 
from his farm Mr. Pickrell is engaged in lumbering and teaming, being well 
posted and equipped for handling that industry, and is busily engaged in getting 
out lumber and wood on contract. While occupied in earning a livelihood for 
his family he does not neglect his duty as a citizen but has been loyally active 
in enterprises calculated to develop his native commonwealth. National prob- 
lems have been studied carefully by him for many years, and as a result he has 
embraced the doctrines of the Socialists, believing in their creed may be found 
the germ of an ideal citizenship and a contented peopie. 



WILLIAM JESSE HUNT. 
Among the men who gave the strength of their best years toward the devel- 
opment of the resources of Sonoma county, few are more kindly remembered 
than William Jesse Hunt, who for nearly half a century gave the strength and 
vigor of his manhood toward developing the latent resources of the Pacific slope. 



o 5 6 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

His birth occurred in Jefferson count)-, Mo., November 8, 1836, and his useful 
career came to an untimely end in Sebastopol, Cal., November 21, 1906. 

Mr. Hunt was a young man filled with a worthy ambition to make his way 
in the world at all costs when he set out from Missouri behind an ox-team in 
i860, crossing the plains and finally reaching his journey's end without disaster. 
As he had been attracted hither primarily on account of the mining possibilities 
in the state, his first thought on reaching his destination was to secure a claim 
where he could try his luck in the fascinating hunt for the golden treasure. 
The mines at Dutch Flat engaged his attention for about three years, at the 
end of which time he gave up mining altogether, and from that time forward 
until the close of his life he concentrated his efforts as a tiller of the soil. 
Sonoma county appealed to him as the most promising location for the prosecu- 
tion of this calling, and in 1863 he came to the county, settling on the Hughes 
ranch directly south of Sebastopol, upon which he carried on general ranching 
for about six years. The result of this experience had been invaluable to him, 
not 'only enlarging his knowledge and experience along all lines of general agri- 
culture, but adding to his exchequer as well, for at the end of this time, in 1869, 
he was enabled to purchase a property of his own. This consisted of twenty 
acres northwest of Sebastopol, for which he paid at the rate of $20 an acre, and 
this same property, still in possession of the family, is now worth many times 
the original purchase price. Mr. Hunt was wise in the selection of the crop to 
which he devoted his land, wise in the selection of the kind and quality, Graven- 
stein apples and Lawton blackberries forming his specialties. In the cultivation 
of both these varieties of fruit he was the pioneer iii this section of country, 
and indeed his bed of Lawton blackberries was the first of the kind planted in 
the county for commercial purposes. The old orchard which he planted so 
many years ago is still in bearing, and during the season of 1909 the Graven- 
steins on the place netted $800 an acre. During the later years of his life Mr. 
Hunt added to his holdings by the purchase of an orchard of ten acres lying 
directly south of town. This, too, he set out to Gravenstein apples, having be- 
come satisfied beyond any doubt that this specie of apple was the finest and most 
merchantable fruit to which he could devote the land. It is generally conceded 
that the finest Gravenstein apples raised throughout this entire section of coun- 
try are produced on the Hunt ranch, and as the able successor of her husband 
in the care and maintenance of the property Mrs. Hunt takes a commendable 
pride in this honor. At a recent apple exhibition in Sebastopol she took the 
gold medal and silver cup for the best growers exhibit of Gravenstein apples. 
She is an active member of Gravenstein Apple Show Association of Sebastopol. 

Mr. Hunt's first marriage united him with Miss Lucy Jackson, a native of 
Missouri, who at her death left the following children : Richard P., Joseph PL, 
William C. and Birdie J., the wife of E. E. Morford. Some time after the 
death of his first wife Mr. Hunt was united in marriage with Miss Ida S. Col- 
trin, a native of Bellevue, Neb., and the daughter of Hugh Coltrin, a native of 
New York state, who with his wife and children crossed the plains to Califor- 
nia in 1863. Coming direct to Sonoma county, they settled in Sebastopol, and 
here the death of Mr. Coltrin occurred in 1895, at the age of eighty-six years. 
Of the three children born of the second marriage one is living, Grover C. Mr. 




^ 



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$ 
^ 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 659 

Hunt was a man whose integrity and honesty were never brought into question, 
and throughout the long period of his residence in Sonoma county he won and 
retained the highest esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens. Fraternally 
he was well known, having been one of the charter members of Lafayette Lodge, 
F. & A. M., of Sebastopol, and he was also a member of the Eastern Star, with 
which latter organization Mrs. Hunt is also identified. She is a woman of in- 
telligence and great executive ability, as has been amply demonstrated by her 
capable management of affairs since the death of Mr. Hunt, and in Sebastopol, 
where she makes her home, she is held in the highest esteem. 



DAVID H. RICKMAN. 

In Nashville, Tenn., David H. Rickman was born August 7, 1817, and he 
was reared in the vicinity of his birth. Later he removed to Missouri, near the 
city of Lexington, where he remained for some years. In 1853 he crossed the 
plains to Sonoma county, Cal., and took up a claim on what he thought was 
government land, but which later turned out to be a part of the Spanish grant, 
for which he was compelled to pay $5 per acre. He cleared and improved the 
land, and for many years followed general farming and horticulture. One of 
the pioneers of Healdsburg, Mr. Rickman may be said to be in a very real sense 
a builder up of this locality, having always given his support to the best inter- 
ests of the community, his most notable work being done in connection with the 
establishment of public schools. He was school trustee for many years, and he 
and David Hopper were instrumental in organizing the Junction school district. 

A'Ir. Rickman's first marriage united him with Mary Tucker, who died, 
leaving a family of six children as follows : James L., Elizabeth, Sallie, Nancy 
S., Martha E. and Eliza. His second marriage united him with Mrs. Mary E. 
Bledsoe, who was born near Maysville, Mason county, Ky., June 15, 1837; 
she was the widow of Henry R. Bledsoe, born in Lafayette county, Mo., Janu- 
ary 24, 1835. They crossed the plains to California in 1857. To her marriage 
with Mr. Bledsoe there were born three sons, Isaac W. C, John H. and Robert 
R. Mrs. Rickman was the daughter of Isaac and Nancy (Taylor) Brown, 
whose family numbered the following children : Charles ; William ; Buddy John 
Thaddeus ; James, who married and had one son, Kenneth ; Benjamin ; Mary 
E. ; Amanda J., who married Tipton Cheatham and became the mother of three 
children, Robert, James and Jennie ; Anna E., now Mrs. Ben F. Wood, who had 
a family of five children, as follows : Benjamin, James, Hardy, Josie and 
Carmine ; Catherine and Emily, both deceased ; Margaret, Mrs. John Cooper, 
deceased; Jennie, Mrs. James W. Hays, who has three children, Robert, May 
S. and Clifton H. ; Mrs. Lillie Wood, who became the mother of three sons, 
Charles, Clifford and Ernest ; and Laura, who had two children, one of whom 
is living. 

Mr. and Mrs. Rickman had five children, namely : William D. ; George 
Thomas, whose sketch also appears in this work ; Margaret L. ; Amanda J. ; 
and Ida L. William D. married Georgia Hoff and has three children : Harold 
D., Louis H. and Viola M. Margaret L., who became Mrs. Pittman Price, has 
five children, Arnold, Lerov, Beatrice, Lottie and Zellah. Amanda T-. Mrs. Tohn 



660 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Ingalls, died in Santa Rosa and left one child, Ruth. Ida L. is the wife of 
George Shelford. Mrs. Rickman is a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church South and is an interested participant in all church activities. She is 
a very estimable woman, generous to a fault, delighting in the performance of 
acts of kindness of which the public in general know nothing. She is loved and 
esteemed by all who know her and may be said to be one of the best known 
women in the vicinitv of Healdsburg. 



GEORGE THOMAS RICKMAN. 

Adjacent to the Hopkins grant, including a forest noted for its picturesque 
scenery and giant redwood trees, lies Rickman's Mill Creek resort, on the banks 
of Mill creek, four miles from Healdsburg. The ranch, which is the native 
place of Mr. Rickman and has been owned by him since December 3, 1906, 
comprises two hundred and forty-eight acres, which with the improvements 
cost him $12,000. The estimated value of the place is now $18,000. A vine- 
yard of twenty acres produces luscious grapes in season, from which an average 
of forty tons of wine is manufactured. Ten acres in prunes and seven acres 
in peaches add to the value of the property. The balance of the ranch, with the 
exception of a meadow of twenty acres, is utilized for pasture purposes. Mill 
creek abounds in trout and excellent hunting is afforded in the mountains around 
the ranch, so that the place offers exceptional attractions to those fond of fish- 
ing and hunting. Children are entertained with swings and croquet, with ham- 
mocks under the great trees, with a piano and graphophone, and with occa- 
sional rides along the creek and through the valley. Several fine springs on the 
place furnish cool drinking water, and one of the springs upon analysis has 
been found to contain a small per cent of sulphur. In the cool dining-room, 
built around a large oak tree, the boarders enjoy home cooking, an abundance 
of the purest of cream and butter, with fruit, melons and vegetables that are 
raised on the ranch. Accommodations have been provided for forty guests, 
who are met at Healdsburg if notified in advance by letter or rural telephone. 
It is the constant aim of the proprietor and his wife to thoroughly satisfy their 
guests. That they have succeeded in their worthy ambition is proved by the 
fact of the frequent return of those who once have come within the sphere of 
their kindly hospitality. 

Born in 1875 in the house where he now lives, George Thomas Rickman 
received a grammar-school education in the Junction district, and since leaving 
school he has engaged in farming, fruit-growing and the summer-resort busi- 
ness. For eight years he served as school trustee and that office is now filled 
by his wife, who in addition has acted as teacher of the school for a number 
of years. Mrs. Rickman was formerly Mary Etta Meek and was born in La- 
fayette, Mo., December 20, 1871, coming in early life to California and settling 
in Sonoma county, where June 20, 1895, she became the wife of Mr. Rickman. 
Their children are named as follows: Clyde W., born in 1896; Claire Henry, 
born October 25, 1898; Howard Leslie, December 5, 1901, and Wilda Mae, 
January 5, 1909. The family are identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church 
South and contribute generouslv to religious movements. Politically Mr. Rid-'- 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 66 1 

man favors the principles of the Democratic party, and fraternally he is connected 
with the Improved Order of Red Men. 

The Rickman family is of southern extraction and was founded in Cali- 
fornia by the father of ou'r subject, David Henry Rickman, a native of Tennes- 
see, whose biographical sketch appears on another page of this work. 



WILLIAM MANION. 

Nearly a quarter of a century has passed since the death of Mr. Manion, 
but so thoroughly was his personality impressed upon the community in which 
so much of his active life was passed, that it would be impossible to write even 
a meagre history of the locality and make no mention of his name or his ac- 
complishments. At the time of his death Sonoma county had benefited by his 
citizenship for the long period of thirty-five years. 

A native of the south, William Manion was born in Kentucky in 1816, 
the son of Edmund and Elizabeth Manion, who were also natives of that same 
southern state. When their son was a small child the parents immigrated to 
Missouri, locating in Cooper county, but finally transferring their citizenship 
to Lafayette county, the same state, and there the father engaged in stock- 
raising. Life in Lafayette county made a vivid impression on the mind of 
Mr. Manion, for there were enacted many experiences that were indelibly im- 
pressed upon his young mind. The country schools of that locality he attended 
during the winter season, the summer months being occupied in duties on the 
farm. When he had grown to years of maturity he undertook an enterprise 
of his own, and was occupied with the duties of his farm when the call for 
men to serve in the war with Mexico induced him to lay down the peaceful 
implements of agriculture for those of warfare. The year 1847 witnessed his 
enlistment in a Missouri regiment of cavalry commanded by Colonel Doniphan, 
the regiment being assigned to duty in New Mexico and also on the plains, 
where the Indian uprisings were causing terror among the white settlers. Mr. 
Manion remained with the regiment until his discharge in 1848, after which 
he returned home and resumed his farming operations. 

It was soon after his return from the war that Mr. Manion was married 
to his first wife, Miss Rebecca Hatton, the daughter of Joseph and Millie Hatton, 
also residents of Lafayette county. About two years after their marriage Mr. 
Manion and his wife undertook the long and toilsome overland journey that 
was to bring them to their new home on the Pacific coast. The journey was 
accomplished in safety, though not without enduring innumerable hardships, 
which finally caused the death of the young wife, her death occurring the same 
year, 1850. 

Mining had been the chief attraction in bringing Mr. Manion to the Pacific 
coast, hoping thereby to become a partaker in the good fortune which the 
mines contained, but his experience and training had been in an entirely dif- 
ferent line and he became impatient when success was not immediately forth- 
coming. However, he continued to follow mining more or less for two years, 
after which he gave it up entirely and instead took up farming in Sonoma 
county. His first experience was on a rented ranch in Los Guilicos valley, re- 



662 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

maining there for one year, then going to Bennett valley. There he was one 
of the few settlers who had as yet attempted to carry on agriculture on an ex- 
tensive scale, and his movements were watched with interest by the less ven- 
turesome. Others seeing his success followed in his footsteps, and it is chiefly 
owing to his leadership that Bennett valley became the thriving agricultural 
center that it now is. For over twenty years he continued in that locality, when, 
in 1873, he removed to Santa Rosa valley, and located two miles south of the 
city, on two hundred and sixty acres of land which he purchased, at the same 
time retaining his ownership of four hundred acres in Bennett valley. Mr. 
Manion had been a resident of Santa Rosa valley about fifteen years when 
death removed him from the midst of those who in the meantime had learned 
to love and revere him. His death occurred October 11, 1887. 

Some time after the death of his first wife Mr. Manion was united in 
marriage with Miss Elizabeth Barnett, a daughter of James and Rebecca 
(Bryant) Barnett, natives of Kentucky. In company with a brother Miss 
Barnett started across the plains in 185 1, but before they reached their journey's 
end the brother was stricken with a mortal sickness and she continued the 
journey in company with the rest of the party. Four children were born of 
the marriage of Mr. Manion and his wife, as follows : William H., of whom 
a sketch will be found elsewhere in this work; Sarah F.. who became the 
wife of W. C. Wooley ; Lily Belle ; and Lulu. Mr. Manion was a stanch 
member of the Christian Church, giving liberal assistance to its charities, in fact 
he gave unstintingly of both time and means for any cause that would uplift 
his fellowmen, whether of a religious or secular nature. None knew him but to 
love him, and his friends were as numerous as his acquaintances. 



THOMAS MEEK. 

In the rich and fertile districts of California that are devoted to the raising 
of luscious fruits there has been established no more important branch of hor- 
ticulture than that relating to the growing of grapes. Prominent among the 
men who are doing much to promote this special branch of horticulture is 
Thomas Meek, a well-known resident of Alexander valley, Sonoma county, a 
large land owner and the proprietor of an extensive winery. 

A native son of the state in which his interests are centered, Thomas Meek 
was born in San Bernardino county in 1872, the son of a pioneer settler in the 
west, Nathan Meek. A native of Ohio, he was attracted to the far west some 
time before the finding of gold in California had drawn the attention of the 
world to this part of the country. As early as 1847 ne crossed the plains with 
ox-teams, driving a band of cattle, as he did also on two later trips, in 1849 
and 1852. During the early mining days he reaped a splendid income from a 
trading post which he maintained on the Feather river, continuing there as long 
as the enterprise warranted it, after which he located in San Bernardino county, 
and in the town of that name he established and ran a saw and flouring mill. He 
passed away in the locality which had benefited by his pioneer efforts, in 1874. 
The son Thomas was then onlv two years old, and when he was four years old 




dT^U^-fAf t /j, Jj^&c^&&~^ 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 665 

his mother came to Sonoma county and located at Windsor. In this place he 
was reared and educated, and early in life become proficient in the duties of 
ranch life, working for others until he felt competent to manage a property of 
his own. His advance as a rancher and property owner has been continuous 
and steady, and in the comparatively short time that he has been engaged in 
business he has gathered about him much valuable real-estate, now owning three 
of the finest ranches in the county, all in Alexander valley, besides which he 
rents two other places of .over two hundred acres. The one on which he resides 
consists of one hundred and twenty acres; of which one hundred acres are in 
vineyard, and altogether he has two hundred acres in grapes, all of which are 
manufactured into wine. The winery is one of the most complete and up-to- 
date establishments of the kind in this part of the county, being equipped with 
all the latest machinery and appliances, and the output of dry wines, which 
amounts to over two hundred thousand gallons annually, has no superior. The 
entire acreage of the five ranches farmed by Mr. Meek amounts to over four 
hundred acres, of which three hundred and fifty are in grapes, while the re- 
mainder is in hay, one hundred tons being the yearly average output. Twenty 
head of horses are required to carry on the work of Mr. Meek's large under- 
taking, which in point of productiveness and appearance has no superior in the 
county. It goes without saying that Mr. Meek is an enthusiastic booster for 
the locality in which he has achieved such wonderful success, and as he is still 
a young man, his success thus far is in all probability but a foretaste of what 
awaits him in the future. 

Mr. Meek's marriage in 1898 united him with Miss Flora E. Young, who is 
a native of New York state. Although Mr. Meek is a busy man, he is still not 
unmindful of his duty as a citizen, and may always be depended upon to fur- 
ther any cause for the advancement of the community, county or state. Polit- 
ically he is a Republican, and fraternally he belongs to the Eagles. 



ALONZO BARTLETT BRANDT. 

As the name might indicate, the Brandt family is of German origin. Henry 
Brandt, the father of the gentleman whose name appears above, was born in 
1818, in Hamburg, Germany, while the birthplace of his wife, who before her 
marriage was Sophronia Aldridge, was Mattituck, L. I., N. Y. All of their 
seven children, three sons and four daughters, were born in the east. They were 
James, Alonzo, George, Sophronia, Eliza, Emma and Clara. The eldest of the 
children, James, married Nellie Canby. and two children, William and Inez, 
were born of this marriage. 

Alonzo B. Brandt is a native of New York, born at Mattituck, L. I., July 
30, 1841. By way of Cape Horn he came to California on the Reporter in 
1859, landing at San Francisco. His identification with Sonoma county dates 
from the year 1901, since which time he has amply demonstrated his ability as a 
rancher. Near the village of Vineburg he owns a tract of thirty-one acres, five 
of which are in orchard, while the remainder is in hay. He also has a few 
head of live-stock, and in the raising of turkeys he realizes a good income, 
having at the present time a flock of fifty. 



666 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

The marriage of Alonzo B. Brandt united him with Miss Mar)- E. Aitken, 
who was born in Kilmarnock. Ayrshire, Scotland, and came to this country in 
infancy with her parents, James and Agnes (Alexander) Aitken, the vessel 
dropping anchor at Boston, Mass. In 1852 her parents came by way of Panama 
to San Francisco, and in that city she was reared and educated. Three chil- 
dren, two sons and a daughter, have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Brandt, James 
A., Hariam B. and Norma B. The eldest of the sons, James A., chose as his wife 
Mildred Meyers, and they have two children, Qiester and Bernice. Politically 
Mr. Brandt is a believer in Republican principles and never fails to support 
the candidates of this party whenever occasion offers. Although he is a Pro- 
testant, he has not identified himself with any of the church organizations, but 
he lives in accordance with the Golden Rule. In San Francisco he joined the 
fire department in 1861, serving in old Knickerbocker Engine Company No. 5 
until the paid department was inaugurated, and thereafter he continued with the 
department for many years. 



THOMAS MACLAY. 

With logical -and discriminating qualities of mind and far-reaching judg- 
ment Thomas Maclay has become one of the prominent men of Petaluma, lend- 
ing himself heartily to the promotion of every movement calculated to advance 
the progress and welfare of the community. A native of Scotland, he was 
born in the city of Glasgow in March, 1859, the son of Scotch parents. Thomas 
Maclay was given the best advantages for an education that his parents could 
possibly bestow, which consisted of a good training in the common schools 
and university, as well as a thorough course in the Royal College of Veterinary 
Surgeons at Glasgow, from which institution he graduated with honors and 
with the degree of M. R. C. V. S. After graduating, he was chosen as chief 
assistant to the principal and as demonstrator of anatomy, serving at the col- 
lege in that capacity for about two years. 

It was with a complete theoretical and practical knowledge of veterinary 
medicine and surgery that Mr. Maclay came to the United States in 1884, and 
in June, 1885, at the urgent request of the late Josiah H. White, Esq., of Lake- 
ville, this county, and on the advice of Professor Law of Cornell University, 
Ithaca. N. Y., he came to Petaluma and commenced the practice of his pro- 
fession. During the few years in which he followed his profession he worked 
a transformation in the treatment and care of horses that had its effect all over 
the state. Recognizing the need of organizing the scattered forces of those 
interested in the profession he vigorously advocated and diligently labored for 
the organization of the California State Veterinary-Medical Association, and 
was an active participant in passing laws in the state for the protection of the 
profession as well as the protection of the horse and cattle industry. For three 
years he rendered efficient service as president of the association, and for a time 
served as veterinary inspector of Sonoma county. 

Of later vears, however, Mr. Maclay has not been so prominently identi- 
fied with the profession, his attention of late being centered largely in the 
various banking and land companies with which his name is connected. Two 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 667 

of the strongest financial institutions in Petaluma are under his immediate 
supervision as president, the Wickersham Banking Company and the Petaluma- 
Swiss-American Bank, the latter organized in May, 1910. It is housed in the 
finest and most modern banking building north of San Francisco, and thus far 
in its career has shown a stability and solidity of which the officers may well 
be proud. Besides the president, Thomas Maclay, the officers are Charles Filip- 
pini, vice-president ; R. Righetti, cashier ; W. R. Hall, assistant cashier ; and 
F. A. Allenberg, accountant. Mr. Maclay is also president of the Novato 
Land Company and the Albion-Idaho Land Company. These various positions 
of responsibility and trust do not exhaust the ability of Mr. Maclay, for he 
is rendering equally good service to his fellow-citizens as president of the 
Chamber of Commerce of Petaluma and as Sonoma county's representative on 
the California development board. From his very earliest association with the 
town he showed an interest in her welfare, and at one time filled the office 
of city clerk for six years and was also city treasurer for a time. Still later 
he was secretary of the Sonoma and Marin District Agricultural Association 
for about eight years and at the same time was secretary of the Sonoma and 
Marin Agricultural Society. For seven years he was captain of "C" Company, 
Fifth Regiment of Infantry, N. G. C, and at the present time is a member 
of the board of library trustees of Petaluma. The above enumeration gives 
abundant proof of Mr. Maclay's versatile ability, and also speaks in flattering 
terms of the high regard in which he is held among his fellow citizens. 

Mr. Maclay's marriage, in 1891, united him with Miss Lizzie C. Wicker- 
sham, a daughter of Isaac G. Wickersham, a pioneer banker of Petaluma, of 
whom a sketch will be found elsewhere in this volume. Few names are better 
known in fraternal circles than is Mr. Maclay's, and here as in financial and 
business matters he is a leader among his associates. He is a Past Exalted 
Ruler of Petaluma Lodge No. 901, B. P. O. E., an office which sought the 
man and which he filled for three consecutive years. In Masonic circles he is 
also well known, being past and present commander of Mount Olivet Com- 
mandery No. 20, K. T., and is also a member of the Shrine, being identified 
with Islam Temple of San Francisco. 



G. MORETTI. 
Although born of Swiss parentage under the native skies familiar to his 
ancestors for many generations, the greater part of Mr. Moretti's life has been 
passed under the Stars and Stripes, for this has been his home ever since he 
was fifteen years of age. He was born in the canton of Ticino, Switzerland, in 
1866, one of the five children born to his parents, Joseph and Agata (Bolla) 
Moretti, born in Switzerland in 1825 and 1840 respectively. In 1879 tne father 
set out alone for the new world in the hope of finding here a better opportunity 
for supporting and rearing and educating his children. He was not disappointed 
in the venture, for in California, where so many of his countrymen had already 
located, he found quite a colony of his countrymen who welcomed him and gave 
him practical advice and help. By the time he had been here two years he had 



668 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

laid by sufficient means to enable him to send for his wife and family, and the 
year 1881 found them taking passage for the United States. Besides the sub- 
ject of this sketch, the family consisted of one son and three daughters, Peter, 
Margueretta, Catharina and Petronila. 

On the homestead ranch in Sonoma county G. Moretti was given practical 
experience in the duties which make up the life of the agriculturist, and it was 
this knowledge and experience which enabled him to launch forth on his own 
account and make a success of his undertaking. In the vicinity of Petaluma he 
is recognized as a rancher who thoroughly understands the business which he 
has undertaken, and on the ranch of one hundred and sixty-six acres which he 
leases no portion of the land is allowed to remain idle. Here he maintains a 
dairy of twenty-six cows, a poultry industry supported by one thousand White 
Leghorn chickens, and the land not in use for these purposes is all in hay, the 
latter commodity yielding a good yearly income. 

Mr. Moretti's marriage united him with Miss Albina Matei, and five chil- 
dren have blessed their marriage, three sons and two daughters, as follows : 
Renotto, Silvo, Leo, Linda and Stella. The children are being reared in the 
faith of the Roman Catholic Church, the family attending the church of that 
denomination in Petaluma. 



SAMUEL LARISON. 

From the time of his arrival in Sonoma county in 1855 until his death in 
1898, at the age of seventy-five years, Samuel Larison advanced with certain 
steps toward an assured position in the agricultural affairs of the county and 
state. To him belongs credit for planting the first grape vines in the Oak valley 
and he was also the first to venture in the manufacture of wine in this part of the 
county. Those less venturesome than he were not slow in profiting by his ex- 
perience, and from the suggestion which he gave by his experiments, sprang 
the tremendous vineyard and wine-making industry which has made Sonoma 
county such a wealthy agricultural center. 

Not unlike so many who came to California from states to the east, Mr. 
Larison was a native of Ohio, born in Cincinnati in 1824, the son of James W. 
Larison, who came from Pennsylvania and became a pioneer settler at old Fort 
Cincinnati. Mr. Larison was born and reared in an agricultural community 
and as soon as he was old enough he began his independent career by working 
as a farm hand, first in his native state, and later in Iowa and Indiana. It was 
while he was in the latter state that h= made up his mind to come to California, 
crossing the plains in the year 1853 m a tra in consisting of fifty-three wagons. 
The finding of gold had been the attraction which brought him to the west and 
he consequently lost no time in making his way to the mines of Marysville, 
which was then attracting considerable attention on account of the rich prospects 
there. After an experience of two years as a miner in which he met with more 
or less success, he came to Sonoma county and located on a ranch of one hun- 
dred and sixty acres near Cloverdale. Some idea of the unsettled condition of 
the country may be gathered from the statement that at the time he settled in 
the vallev there were only ten acres of fenced land in the country round about, 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 671 

but he lived to see the entire valley thickly settled by a happy, contented people. 
Not a little of the credit for the thrift and enterprise which sprang up in the 
valley was due to the impetus which the settlers received from his pioneer 
efforts as a vineyardist and wine-maker, and in following his example the united 
efforts of the many have made this one of the most thrifty grape-growing and 
wine-making centers in the state. 

The marriage of Mr. Larison in 1848 occurred in Indiana and united him 
with Miss Elizabeth Folsom, who was born in Virginia. A large family of 
eight children were born to this noble pioneer couple, but of the number only 
two are now living, Mrs. M. J. Mowbray and Seymour Larison. Mr. Larison 
was a well-known figure in Masonic circles, having been a charter member of 
four lodges, and at the time of his death was a member of Santa Rosa Lodge, 
in which he had attained the Roval Arch degree. 



ALEXANDER CADWELL. 

Whatever of prosperity has come to Sonoma county in the past, and what- 
ever of pre-eminence the future may bring to it, a large share of the credit for 
this consummation belongs to the pioneers, those brave men who came here in 
an early day and endured privations without complaint and overcame obstacles 
that seemed insurmountable. Among these persevering pioneers mention should 
be made of Alexander Cadwell, who toiled and labored faithfully and well in 
the years when settlers were few and discouragements numerous. The record 
of his life contains much for the encouragement and emulation of the young 
and furnishes another proof that California offers favorable openings for people 
of determination and perseverance. 

A native of New York state, Alexander Cadwell was born October 28, 
1825, the son of parents who were imbued with the pioneer spirit, for when 
their son was a child of six years they took their family and household effects 
in a "prairie schooner" to the middle west. At that time, 1831, Illinois was con- 
sidered the frontier, and Indians and wild animals abounded in Lasalle county, 
where the Cadwells settled. There the family were living on a farm when the 
news of the finding of gold in California came as a wave of glad tidings over 
the whole country, and among those who responded to its message was Alex- 
ander Cadwell, then a young man twenty-four years old. Joining a party 
of immigrants, he set out to cross the plains with ox-teams, but when they 
reached Salt Lake City he and a friend left the party and made the remainder 
of the journey to California on horse-back. They finally reached their des- 
tination and at once made their way to the mines of Butte county, being inter- 
ested there and in Placer county until the year 1856. The records do not state 
with what success Mr. Cadwell met in his mining ventures, but it is safe to pre- 
sume that his luck was of the average kind and not the extraordinary, for it 
is known that during a part of this time, for two years, he carried on a tavern 
near Sacramento. 

Mr. Cadwell's advent in Sonoma county dates from the year 1857, when he 
settled in Knight's valley and took charge of a fruit ranch and nursery. With 
the knowledge which he had gained in this position, he located in the Stony 
.54 



672 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Point section in the spring of 1859 and established a nursery which he main- 
tained for many years. Here he purchased a tract of one hundred and sixty 
acres, which was so thickly covered with oak timber as to make it seem im- 
possible of being made tillable. Mr. Cadwell was not dismayed with the out- 
look, however, but industriously set about clearing away and replacing it with 
fruit trees. From time to time he disposed of portions of the land, until today 
the ranch comprises fifty acres only, but every acre of it is under cultivation to 
the choicest varieties of fruit and returns a bountiful income. Apples form the 
principal crop, Gravenstein, Newtown pippin, Spitzenberg and Alexander vari- 
eties being the favorites, besides which cherry and pear trees yield abundantly 
of their luscious fruit. Thirty tons of dried apples is an average shipment from 
this ranch, while the shipment of fresh apples runs about four thousand boxes 
a season, the cherries averaging a yield of six tons, and pears seventeen tons. 
An up-to-date drier for the evaporation of fruit is one of the accessories that 
has contributed to the wonderful success of the Cadwell ranch. This large 
ranch enterprise represents the unremitting efforts of Mr. Cadwell for nearly 
fifty years, coming here in 1859, and here he passed away April 19, 1906. 

In Illinois, in November, 1866, Mr. Cadwell was united in marriage with 
Miss Hattie Wiswall, a native of that state, and the daughter of Jason and 
Julia (Dimmick) Wiswall, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Connecti- 
cut. They made their home in Illinois until 1880, when they came to California 
and located in Redlands, San Bernardino county. There the father died in 
1886, and the mother passed away at the home of her daughter in 1894. There 
were seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Wiswall, six daughters and one son, 
all living witii one exception. Two children blessed the marriage of Mr. and 
Mrs. Cadwell, Howard and Josephine. The son married Miss Farbach, of 
San Francisco, by whom he has two daughters, Gladys and Alma. Josephine 
became the wife of Walter Towne, of Petaluma, and they have two children, 
Lorene and Helen. Mr. Cadwell's knowledge of fruit-raising made him a 
recognized authority on this subject throughout his locality and as such he was 
a valued member of the Petaluma Grange, of which he was also one of the 
founders. He was also a member and active worker in the Congregational 
Church. Since the death of Mr. Cadwell his widow has carried on the ranch, 
and in its management is maintaining the same high standard of excellence for 
which it was noted during the life of Mr. Cadwell. 



FILLIP BETTINELLI. 
In the vicinity of Petaluma, on Rural Route No. 3, Mr. Bettinelli is giving 
expression to his ability as an agriculturist on seven hundred acres of land which 
he leases from the owner, Mrs. Anna W. White. As the name might suggest, 
Mr. Bettinelli is of Swiss origin, and he was born in the canton of Ticino in the 
year 1863, the son of Lawrence and Giovannina (Casarotti) Bettinelli, who were 
born in Switzerland in 1840 and 1842 respectively. Five children were born to 
these parents, three sons and two daughters, Joseph, Fillip, Anton, Mary and 
Angelina.. The eldest of the sons, Joseph, married Maggie Molendik, and they 
have one child, Mary. The two daughters. Mary and Angelina, are also married 
and established in homes of their own. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 673 

Fillip Bettinelli endeavored to be content with the future prospects in his 
native country, for it was not until he was twenty-one years old that he made 
up his mind to come to the United States. Coming directly to California, he 
located first in Marin county, where he sought and obtained work as a ranch 
hand, and while working in the employ of others he was gaining valuable ex- 
perience which he intended to put to use in his own interests as soon as circum- 
stances made it possible. Some years later he leased land and began dairying, 
following this in Marin and Sonoma counties. In 1908 he leased the property 
upon which be now resides. In undertaking the dairy business he was prac- 
tically assured of success from the beginning, for no nationality understands 
that business as thoroughly and follows it with such success as do the natives 
of Switzerland. Here Mr. Bettinelli has a herd of one hundred cows of good 
breed, besides which he has seven head of horses and he also raises hogs. He 
ships his cream to the Gilt Edge creamery in San Francisco. 

In his wife Mr. Bettinelli chose one of his country women in Miss Mar- 
guerite Pedrelli, who was born in the canton of Ticino in 1870, the daughter of 
Dominic Pedrelli, who died in Switzerland. Three children have been born 
to Mr. Bettinelli and his wife, two sons and one daughter, Silvio, Dora and 
Egidio. The children are being reared in the faith of the Catholic Church, in 
which their parents before them were reared from childhood, being members of 
St. Vincents' Church in Petaluma. Politically Mr. Bettinelli is a Republican. 



THOMAS WILLIAM HOWELL. 

The remarkable changes wrought in California for more than thirty-five 
years past have been witnessed by Thomas W. Howell, who since his arrival 
on the western coast in 1874 has spent the greater part of the intervening time 
in Sonoma county. The descendant of southern ancestry, he was born in La- 
favette county, Mo., in 1862, the son of parents who were also natives of 
that state. The father is still living, but the mother passed away when her son 
was a small child ; after her death he became an inmate of the home of his 
maternal grandparents, by whom he was reared until able to became self-sup- 
porting. 

When he was twelve years old Mr. Howell's grandparents immigrated to 
California, settlement being made on the Sacramento river in Colusa county, 
and this continued to be their home for about eight years. In the meantime 
Mr. Howell had grown to young manhood, and having had considerable ex- 
perience as a farm hand he ventured out on his own behalf. For about two 
years he was not definitely located, working on ranches in various parts of the 
state until 1884, when he came to Sonoma county. It was some time after lo- 
cating here, in 1906, that he selected and purchased the ranch on which he has 
since lived, on Rural Route No. 5 from Santa Rosa. This is an exceptionally 
choice piece of land, comprising twenty-three acres, besides which he has sev- 
enty-five acres of leased land. The greater part of the last-mentioned land is 
in hay, of which his crop for the season of 1909 amounted to one hundred and 
fifteen tons. Sixteen acres of his own land is in hops, this crop yielding bounti- 



674 HLSTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

fully also, his returns for the season just mentioned being $1,000. Six acres 
of prunes upon the leased land brought $600, a very satisfactory return, indeed 
all of his crops of that season more than met his expectation, and his prospects 
for the present vear are even brighter. He also raises sufficient horses for 
his own needs. 

In 1885 Mr. Howell was united in marriage with Miss Anna Burns, a na- 
tive of the county in which she still lives, and five children have been born of 
this marriage. The eldest, May Elizabeth, became the wife of Garrett Nelli- 
gan, and with her husband and one child is living in Suisun City. Pearl H. 
is unmarried and engaged in the millinery business in Santa Rosa. The other 
children, Myrtle L., Ralph I. and Raymond M., are all at home. Mrs. Howell's 
parents were natives of Ireland, and both are now deceased. 

Politically Mr. Howell is a Democrat, and fraternally is identified with a 
number of orders, among them the Woodmen of the World, the Knights of 
Columbus and a branch of the Woodcraft. In the best sense of that much 
abused term Mr. Howell is a self-made man, circumstances depriving him of 
the natural parental protection, although his grandparents did all in their power 
to supply this lack. He has always been interested in the welfare of children, 
especially in providing them with good school facilities, as his work in behalf 
of education will testify. He has one sister, Mrs. Dexter Tuttle, living in 
Santa Rosa. 



J. W. HORN. 

Petaluma is proud to claim Mr. Horn as one of her citizens, and on the 
other hand Mr. Horn is thankful that kind Fate led him to take up his residence 
here. Probably few of the citizens in the country round about have been 
favored with opportunity for travel as has Mr. Horn, but from each trip, 
whether from abroad or from distant points in our own country, he returns 
gladly, satisfied that here he finds the greatest incentives for the best that life 
can give. 

A native of Ohio, he was born in Lorain county, June 17, 1865, the son of 
parents who were in a position to give him every opportunity for obtaining a 
good education. Unlike many thus fortunately situated, he made the best use 
of his opportunities, a characteristic which has been noticeable in whatever he 
has undertaken in his after life and is unquestionably the keynote of the suc- 
cessful career which he has enjoyed. After attending the public schools near 
his home and graduating from the high school he took a two-year course in 
Oberlin College. ' A desire to employ his talents in business led him to discon- 
tinue his studies at this time, and he then went to Des Moines, Iowa, and ac- 
cepted a position as railroad engineer for a company having a road under con- 
struction, remaining in this capacity for two years. Then, in 1884, he con- 
tinued west as far as Utah, during the two years he was there being engaged 
in the library business, establishing and supplying public libraries with books, 
besides' which he bought and sold real estate to some extent. 

From Utah Mr. Horn came to the far west in 1886 for the first time, going 
direct to San Francisco, but after a short stay he returned to Iowa. He was 
in the middle west at the time the World's Fair was being held in Chicago in 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 677 

1893, and he visited that metropolis during this time in the interests of the 
publishing house with which lie was associated. Returning to Iowa once more, 
he continued in business there for about two years longer, when, in 1895, he 
came to California for the second time, this time with the idea of making it his 
permanent home. Coming direct to Sonoma county, he located in Petaluma on 
a small ranch of three acres which he stocked with a fine breed of poultry. 
Subsequently, however, he sold his ranch and stock and engaged in the real- 
estate and insurance business, and the office which he then established, in 1895, 
at No. 170 Main street, is still his headquarters, and here have been transacted 
many of the important real-estate sales and transfers in the town and surround- 
ing country during the past fifteen years. Mr. Horn is a great traveler, and 
during the past seven years alone has made ten trips to the east. 

The first marriage of Mr. Horn occurred in 1892 in San Francisco and 
united him with Miss Flora M. Piatt, a native of New York, who at her death 
in 1908 left one son, Hubert J., and a daughter, Azalene, who died a year 
later. Mr. Horn's second marriage was celebrated June 22, 1910, uniting him 
with Miss Louise M. White, a native of Detroit, Mich. Their wedding 
journey consisted of a three-months' tour of Europe. Mr. Horn is counted 
one of the most enterprising and progressive business men of Petaluma, and 
for three rears he filled the office of secretary of the Board of Trade. 



D. LORENZINI. 

No small share of the enterprise which is contributing to the maintenance 
of the prestige of Sonoma county as a grape-growing and wine-making center 
is vested in the Franceschim & Lorenzini Company, proprietors of the Oliveto 
Wine Company, of Healdsburg. Under the brand of this well-known firm the 
finest quality of wines, both red and white, are shipped to all parts of the coun- 
try, as also are the brandies from their distillery, all of their goods receiving 
the highest market prices. Some idea of the size of their plant may be gathered 
from the statement that over two thousand tons of grapes are crushed in the 
winery annually, the output of their own vineyard as well as grapes purchased 
from vineyardists in the surrounding country, while ten thousand gallons of 
brandy are manufactured in their distillery. 

D. Lorenzini is a native of Italy, born in that country in 1858, during the 
time of the war between his native country and Austria. Although born in 
Italy, his earliest recollections are of a home in Switzerland, whither his parents 
had removed soon after his birth, owing to the unsettled conditions in Italy. 
Upon reaching an age when it was desirable and necessary to think of his future 
course in life he was naturally attracted to the chief industry of the locality 
in which he had been reared, wine and brandy making, and this he undertook 
to learn in all of its details. A natural adaptation for the calling enabled him 
to master it in a remarkably short time, and he had become quite expert at his 
trade before coming to the United States in 1883. In the same year he came 
direct to California, where, in the Napa valley, Napa county, he engaged in 
wine-making for the following two years. His identification with Healdsburg 
dates from the year 1887. at which time he accepted a position as superintendent 



678 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

of a winery, a position which he filled creditably and to the entire satisfaction 
of his superiors for two years. A desire to become proprietor of a plant of his 
own led him to resign from his position as superintendent, and with John Gar- 
dini he established a winery under the name of Lorenzini & Gardini. For some 
time a very satisfactory business was carried on under this name, but the part- 
nership was finally dissolved, and since then, 1895, business has been conducted 
under its present name, Franceschini & Lorenzini Company. The brand of 
goods turned out by the Oliveto Wine Company, as their plant is known, has 
no superior in the county, and as a consequence are in great demand and bring 
the highest prices. In connection with the winery a vineyard of fifty acres is 
maintained, this, as well as grapes from neighboring vineyards, supplying the 
two thousand tons of grapes which are crushed in the winery annually. Both 
men display unusual adaptation and liking for the business, which is bound to 
assume even greater proportions as the reputation of California wines is en- 
hanced. 

In 1882 Mr. Lorenzini was united in marriage with Miss Mary Jilradi, 
who accompanied her husband to this country in 1883, the year following their 
marriage. Three children have been born of this marriage, Ida, Alvesta and 
Edwin. Politically Mr. Lorenzini has allied his sympathies with the Repub- 
lican party. He was made a Mason in Sotoyome Lodge No. 123, F. & A. M., 
of Healdsburg, and he is also a member of the Druids. 



ORTON HUBBELL. 

It so happens that the historian of Sonoma county is privileged to portray 
the life-history of this well-known citizen of Petaluma, but so widespread have 
been his influence and accomplishments elsewhere, both in other portions of this 
state and in other states of the Union, that each locality that has benefited by 
his citizenship might give to the world a history of his life in that particular 
place which to the unsuspecting reader might seem sufficient for an average 
man to accomplish in a life time. From a number of the sources mentioned the 
following account of the life of Mr. Hubbell has been compiled. He was born 
in Delaware county, N. Y., November 2J, 1832, into the family of Richard 
Andrew and Susanah (Babcock) Hubbell. When he was two years old his 
father died, and immediately after the loss of her husband Mrs. Hubbell re- 
moved to Washtenaw county, Mich., Orton Hubbell there receiving his edu- 
cation and a careful and wholesome training by his mother, who faithfully did 
her part to make up for the loss of the father to the child. When he was six- 
teen years old he started out to take up life's responsibilities, going at that time 
to Detroit, where in two years he mastered the brass-founder's trade and was 
made foreman of the shops in which he was employed. It was while filling this 
position that he made up his mind to come to California, where he believed he 
could make more rapid progress than was possible in Michigan. In the spring 
of 1855 he set sail at New York on a vessel bound for the Isthmus of Panama, 
from there came on the steamer Sonora, and the following June found him 
among the immigrants who landed in San Francisco. 

Mr. Hubbell had brought with him all that he had been enabled to lay by 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 679 

through work at his trade, and this he invested and lost in the mines, so he was 
compelled to return to San Francisco and find employment. The trip to the 
metropolis was made in company with a party of eleven other men. All went 
well until they were met by another party, consisting of Mexicans and one In- 
dian, in charge of a pack train. Without any apparent reason, a shot was heard 
and the Indian fell, mortally wounded. Pandemonium ensued, but when quiet 
had in a measure been restored, it was found out that a young man belonging to 
Mr. Hubbell's party had committed the murder without just cause. Trial im- 
mediately followed, in which according to border custom, the accused pleaded 
in self-defense that while crossing the plains his father, mother and infant sis- 
ter had all been killed by the Indians, and that he had taken this way of aveng- 
ing their deaths. Mr. Hubbell took the young man's part, "court" being held 
under a near-by tree, and. the accused was released upon his promise never to 
repeat the offense. 

Soon after Mr. Hubbell's return to San Francisco, in 1856, a committee 
from the southern states came to California for the purpose of winning the 
southern part of the state to the cause of slavery. One of the representatives of 
this committee came to Petaluma for the purpose of conferring with represen- 
tative citizens on the subject. Mr. Hubbell, who had always been a stanch 
anti-slavery man, was chosen as one of those selected to confer with the south- 
ern representative ; his arguments were convincing, and it was largely through 
the influence of Mr. Hubbell that the tide was turned in favor of holding the 
state free and a part of the Union. 

Going from San Francisco, Mr. Hubbell next went to San Leandro, Ala- 
meda county, there renting a ranch from Barton E. Edsall, property which is 
now owned by Andrew Gaver. Subsequently Mr. Hubbell purchased a part 
of the Clark ranch in Marin county, but this he sold in 1859 and the following 
year returned to Michigan. .As agent for the McCormick reapers he traveled 
throughout the state of Michigan, and still later sold hot-air furnaces over this 
territory. Ever since leaving the far west, however, he had not been content, 
and the year 1863 found him again westward bound, this time taking with him 
the bride whom he had married the year previously, Eliza C. (Howard) Hub- 
bell. She was born in Waltham, Addison county, Vt, June 19, 1832, and 
died August 31, 1877, leaving three children. Named in order of their birth 
they are as follows : Orton, of Sebastopol who is married and has one son, 
Howard ; Susan L., the wife of M. T. Hunt, of Freeport, California, and the 
mother of four children, Ray Orton, Lester Clarence, Grace Mildred and 
Myrtle Evelyn; and George R., who is a practicing physician of San Francisco. 
Mr. Hubbell's second marriage occurred July 3, 1879, and united him with 
Cynthia Foster, who was born in 1841, in St. Lawrence county, New York, the 
daughter of Ambrose and Salina (Persons) Foster. One daughter was born 
of this marriage, Eliza May, whose birth occurred on the home ranch. 

It is well-nigh half a century since Mr. Hubbell settled on the fine ranch of 
five hundred and fifty acres which he still owns, two and a half miles from 
Tomales, Marin county. During the early years of his residence there he en- 
gaged in raising sheep, cattle and horses, besides which he also conducted a 
dairy. Whatever he turned his hand to proved successful and as a consequence 
he became one of the well-to-do men of Tomales township. During the early 



680 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

historx of California disputes over land titles were of common occurrence, but 
probably none of the controversies in this section of the state gained more 
notoriety than did that regarding the Blucher ranch, toward the settlement of 
which Mr. Hubbell as a committee member gave of his time and means for ten 
vears. This was a tract of iand containing twenty-six thousand seven hundred 
and fifty acres of land partly in Marin and partly in Sonoma county, a Spanish 
grant made over to Juan Vioget December 14, 1844, by Manuel Micheltorena, 
then governor of California. On December 24, 1847, lne ' an d was deeded to 
Stephen Smith for $1,500. The property had been in litigation ever since the 
death of Mr. Smith, which occurred November 15, 1855. By the terms of the 
will it was divided as follows : To his son S. Henry Smith was given one-half 
of one square league; to his son Giles Smith was given one-half of one square 
league ; with the stipulation that he could not dispose of it ; to one daughter, 
Mrs. Ellen Morrison, was given one-half of one square league; to another 
daughter. Mrs. Elvira Pond, was given one-half of one square league ; to his 
ten grandchildren was given one square league ; and three square leagues were 
mortgaged and transferred to James Bowman. On September 30, 1857, Mr. 
Bowman began to sell the land, but found that he was unable to give a clear 
title. The court recognized the transfer of but little more than one-half of one 
league, compelling Bowman to settle with the Smith heirs before any further 
sales would be considered legal. After the death of Mr. Bowman the settlers 
who had purchased interests in the large estate, numbering one hundred and 
twenty-eight, appointed Mr. Hubbell one of a committee of three to call upon 
Mrs. Bowman and if possible to purchase her interest in the estate. This they 
were able to do. In order to simplify the complicated matter for adjustment 
of titles and claims, as well as to protect those who had made payments upon 
their property, it was Mr. Hubbell's suggestion that the one hundred and twen- 
ty-eight settlers deed their property to a committee of five men, as follows : 
Henry Hall, Andrew Mills, Orton Hubbell, Edward C. Henshaw and Thomas 
McCune. The first step of the committee was to have surveys and appraisals 
made of the property, each paying his share pro rata and receiving a clear title 
lo the land. In this adjustment of the long-standing trouble each one paid his 
right portion of the amount at which the land was valued, besides paying his 
share of the expenses for final settlement. The period of settlement extended 
over ten years, from the time of the death of Mr. Bowman until 1876, and the 
supreme court of California paid those engaged in the matter a worthy com- 
pliment when it declared that this was the most equitable and amicable settle- 
ment made in the history of the state where so large an estate was involved. 
One of Mr. Hubbell's duties was the making out of one hundred and twenty- 
eight deeds for the purchasers of the property. Of the committee engaged in 
the settlement of this estate only one is now living, Orton Hubbell. 

Politically Mr. Hubbell is a Republican, and it is one of the most satisfac- 
tory recollections of his life that he was permitted to have such a conspicu- 
ous part in the election of the Great Emancipator, Abraham Lincoln. Circum- 
stances did not permit of his participation in the Civil war, but his heart was in 
full sympathy with the northern cause and he willingly joined the ranks of 
those who devoted months to campaigning in the effort to bring the question of 
slavery plainly before the people of the United States before the day of elec- 



:N 






J&^ d^-^zXy JCujJcdjLf- 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 083 

tion. Mr. Hubbell made many eloquent speeches during that campaign, not 
only in Michigan, but in Missouri and Kansas, and after the election he visited 
Springfield in order to express his congratulations verbally to the president- 
elect. Mr. Hubbell has been a delegate to state and county conventions on 
numerous occasions, and in 1896 was active in campaigns in Marin and Sonoma 
county. Few citizens have been endowed with the wonderful ability which has 
formed so large a part of the make-up of Mr. Hubbell, in the use of which he 
has been enabled to make a marked impress upon events in the locality which 
has been his home for such a long period. 



WILLIAM AYERS. 

Though a considerable period has elapsed since the death of William 
Ayers, he is not forgotten by those with whom he formerly associated. He was 
born in Ireland in 1826, but was brought to the United States by his parents 
when he was a young boy, so to all intents and purposes he was a native-born 
American. Upon landing on these shores the parents went directly to Illinois, 
where, at Warsaw, Hancock county, William Ayers grew to a stalwart man- 
hood on his father's farm. During this time he took part in the Mormon war. 
He was a young man of about twenty-four years when he became interested in 
California, and the year 1850 found him setting out from the middle west to 
cross the plains with ox teams. 

Reaching his destination without mishap, Mr. Ayers went immediately to 
the mines of Placerville, continuing there altogether for one year, and with the 
proceeds of his efforts during that time he then came to Sonoma county and 
settled at Stony Point. Purchasing a ranch in that vicinity he settled upon it 
and continued its cultivation until 1880, when he came to Petaluma to make 
his home. For a time after coming here he was engaged in the livery business, 
but at the time of his death, October 14, 1900, he had been living retired from 
business cares for a number of years. He took a deep interest in the welfare 
of his home city, and as a member of the board of trustees he rendered valuable 
assistance in the town's governmental affairs. 

The marriage of William Avers occurred in Plymouth, 111., uniting 
him with Miss Martha Wade, a native of Virginia, but at that time a 
resident of Illinois. Seven children were born of this marriage, as follows: 
Amelia, the wife of L. H. Vestal, of Stony Point; Edith, the wife of H. E. 
Chapman, of Napa; Mrs. Rosa Blakely, of Napa; Augusta, the wife of L. E. 
Hart, of Pinole, Contra Costa county ; Marie and Eugenia, both deceased ; and 
William D., of Petaluma, of whom a sketch will be found elsewhere. The 
mother of these children is also deceased, her death occurring in 1890. 



MRS. JANE SNIDER. 
If Mrs. Snider could be prevailed upon to write a detailed account of her 
life it would be found interesting reading, for old and young alike, beginning 
with her voyage across the Atlantic when she was a child, followed by pioneer 
experiences in the new and undeveloped west, where Indians were the only 
human beings that she saw for months at a time. The daughter of Thomas and 
Eliza (Dougherty) Allman. she was born in county Cork, Ireland, June 25, 



684 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

1836, and up to the age of twelve years she was reared in her native country. 
It was in 1848 that the parents set sail from the Emerald Isle with their seven 
sons and one daughter, the vessel on which they made the voyage landing its 
freight of passengers in the port of Boston, Mass. There the family remained 
together for a number of years, or until 1856, when the daughter and one son 
came west to California, locating in San Francisco. 

In San Francisco, in 1858, occurred the marriage of Miss Jane Allman and 
John Miles, the latter having come to the west in 1854, and the young people 
began housekeeping on a ranch in Sonoma county, six miles northwest of what 
is now Healdsburg. Four children were born of this marriage, but only three of 
the number are now living, and Mr. Miles also passed away a few years after 
his marriage, his death occurring in 1866. Three years later, in 1869, Mrs. 
Miles was united in marriage with John Snider, a native of Kentucky, and the 
three children born of this marriage are all living. Mrs. Snider was left a widow 
the second time by the death of her husband in 1900, since which time she has 
continued to make her home on the ranch near Healdsburg, to which she came 
in young womanhood. In productiveness as well as in point of beauty this is 
one of the finest ranches in the county, and Mrs. Snider takes a commendable 
pride in it. Altogether it comprises fifty-eight acres, of which ten acres are" in 
grapes, while the remainder is in fruit and hay, all of which produce excellent 
crops in return for the care and cultivation bestowed by the owner. In the 
work of caring for her property Mrs. Snider has the efficient help and co-opera- 
tion of her son George, who resides on an adjoining ranch, and all of the other 
children are married and settled in homes of their own. 

Mrs. Snider can relate many thrilling stories of pioneer experiences, dating 
from the time she came as a young woman to the wilds of Sonoma county and 
settled on her present ranch. Indians were a common sight, in fact were her 
only neighbors, and it was not until many years after she located here that white 
people made their home in the settlement. 



JUDGE JACKSON TEMPLE. 
The name of Temple needs no introduction to the people of Sonoma county, 
for the strong and admirable characteristics of Judge Temple are rooted in the 
pioneer upbuilding of the state, and in the legal profession, of which he was a 
brilliant member, his accomplishments are a part of the history of the common- 
wealth. The surroundings of his -boyhood had much to do with formulating 
those high principles of honor and uprightness which actuated his every under- 
taking, no less than did the fine traits of character bequeathed to him by a long 
line of New England ancestors. He was born in Franklin county, Mass., 
August 11, 1827, and passed away in San Francisco December 24, 1901. While 
he was quite a small boy the home of the family was removed from 
Franklin county to Berkshire county, Mass., and it was in the latter 
locality that he first attended school, there laying the splendid foundation upon 
which was later built the fine superstructure of his legal and all-around general 
knowledge. After graduating from the grammar school he completed his gen- 
eral training in Williams College, which institution he entered at the age of 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 685 

seventeen years. In the meantime he had decided upon the legal profession as 
his future course in life and immediately after his graduation from college he 
went to Newark, N. J., and began the study of law in the office of Judge 
Whitehead. Subsequently, in order to provide the means with which to fur- 
ther prosecute his legal studies, he taught a Latin and grammar class in a young 
man's boarding school in Monmouth, after which he took up his studies in the 
law school of Yale College. 

A turning point in the life of the young law student came in the spring of 
1853, when he determined to seek his fortune in California. He arrived in San 
Francisco on April 15, 1853, having made the journey by way of the Isthmus 
of Panama, and after remaining in the metropolis for a few months, in October 
came to Vallejo township, Sonoma county, where a brother owned and man- 
aged a ranch. After remaining on the ranch for about a year he removed to 
Petaluma and opened his first office for the practice of his profession. This 
was a memorable time in the history of Sonoma county, the year 1855 being 
especially memorable for the heated contest that was waged as to the location 
of the county-seat. Up to this time Sonoma had the honor of administering 
the affairs of the count)', but by a majority of the voters it was decided to 
remove the seat of government to Santa Rosa. The change was made that year 
and Santa Rosa has since continued to be the county-seat. It was about this 
time that Mr. Temple removed to this town and formed a partnership with 
Judge William Ross, an association that lasted two years, when, in 1857, ^ e t> e_ 
came associated with ex-County Judge Charles P. Wilkins. This partnership 
continued until i860, after which, until 1867, Mr. Temple was associated in 
practice with Judge A. Thomas. In the year last mentioned Mr. Temple re- 
moved to San Francisco and became associated with H. H. Haight, but the co- 
partnership was shortly afterward dissolved owing to Mr. Haight's election to 
the governorship of the state. After the latter assumed the duties of the 
gubernatorial chair he was able to be of assistance to his recent friend and 
partner, through a vacancy in the supreme court being able to appoint him 
judge of this august body. Judge Temple fulfilled the duties of the high posi- 
tion to which he had been assigned with marked ability, gaining a reputation 
as a jurist which had not been equalled by any of his predecessors, nor has it 
been surpassed by any of his worthy successors. 

Upon the expiration of his term of office Judge Temple resumed the prac- 
tice of law with his former partner, Governor Haight, an association which 
continued until 1875, when the ill-health of Mrs. Temple made a change of cli- 
mate necessary. It was this circumstance that brought Judge Temple to Santa 
Rosa, and here he continued to make his home throughout the remainder of his 
life. 

By act of the legislature, in March, 1876, the Twenty-second judicial district 
was created, made up from the wealthy and populous counties of Sonoma, Men- 
docino and Marin. The then governor, William Irvin, honored Judge Temple 
with the position of judge in the new district, a recognition of his ability again 
placing him in a position which he was eminently qualified to fill. No better 
proof of his ability could be given than in saying that at the expiration of his 
first term he was unanimously elected his own successor at the regular judicial 
election, this election being for a term of six vears. He had served two years 



686 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

when the new constitution was adopted. Under its provision the courts were 
reorganized, the county and district courts were abolished and superior courts 
created. This change meant even greater honors for Judge Temple, being nom- 
inated for superior judge by the Democratic party and receiving the largest num- 
ber of votes of any candidate on the county ticket. 

Thus far reference has been made to Judge Temple's legal ability and legal 
associations only. However, his reading and study extended into all branches 
of learning, being thoroughly informed on matters in standard and current lit- 
erature. If he had a hobby outside of his profession it might be said to be the 
study of political economy, a science in which he was exceedingly well versed. 
Judge Temple was a man of varied talents, finely equipped for the practice of 
his profession. Well-grounded in the fundamental principles of the law, his 
extended experience enabled him to gain a mastery over the intricacies of its 
practice which gave him a position among the most successful contemporaries 
in the state. Logical in argument, keen in debate, eloquent in his addresses be- 
fore the jury, and, withal, a man of unimpeachable integrity, he gained a distinc- 
tion which few attain. Broad-minded, liberal and possessing great utility, he 
made an indelible impress upon the progress of events in California. 

Judge Temple was married June 3, 1868. to Christie H. Hood, who was 
born in New Zealand and was a niece of William Hood, a pioneer owner of the 
Rancho Los Guilicos, which occupied the whole of Los Guilicos valley. Mrs. 
Temple died July 1, 1903, leaving the following children: Thurlow ; Dr. Jack- 
son Temple, city health officer of Santa Rosa ; Mrs. P. D. Clary and Miss Rosa- 
mond Temple, of Santa Rosa ; Mrs. Fred Keeling, of Vancouver, B. C. ; and 
Mrs. A. W. McLeod. of New Westminster, B. C. 



BYRON M. SPENCER. 

For over thirty-five years the life of Mr. Spencer has been associated with 
the commercial and business interests of Santa Rosa, and he naturally feels a 
personal interest in it that might be described as similar to the affection of a 
father for a child he had reared. Like many of those who have made successes 
in the west Mr. Spencer is a native of the far east, his birth having occurred in 
Albany county, N. Y., in 1842. The circumstances surrounding his childhood 
and youth were such that he was enabled to acquire a good education and with 
this as his chief asset he left home at the age of twenty years, bent on making his 
own way in the world. Going to New York City, he was fortunate in finding 
employment in a large wholesale importing house, and for the following ten 
years he remained with the same house, being promoted from time to time 
and receiving increased remuneration with the added duties and responsibilities. 
From this eastern metropolis he went to Omaha, Neb., where he established him- 
self in the grocery business and continued in the same as long as he remained 
in that city. 

Upon selling out his interests in Omaha, Neb., Mr. Spencer came to Cali- 
fornia, and the same year, in 1874, settled in Santa Rosa and opened a grocery 
store on Fourth street. The town was little more than a hamlet when he first 




<@.<fl*Mec^ 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 689 

came here, claiming a population of only fifteen hundred people, and he has 
watched its growth to its present size and importance with the keenest interest. 
The grocery store which he then established was one of the largest opened in 
the town, and his patronage increased steadily as long as he maintained the 
business. In connection with this he also dealt in real estate and wrote insur- 
ance, combining these varied interests with success for many years. He claims 
the honor of being the oldest representative of the Firemen's Fund Insurance 
Company of San Francisco in the employ of the company, his record covering 
a period of thirty-six years. The sale and transfer of real-estate has formed an 
equally important part of the business in which he is engaged, and he conser- 
vatively estimates that he has sold over seven hundred lots in and about town dur- 
ing the long period of his residence here. Ever since he came to Santa Rosa 
in 1874 he had combined the writing of insurance and dealing in real-estate with 
the maintenance of his grocery business, but disposed of the latter a few years 
ago in order to concentrate his attention more closely on the real-estate and 
insurance business, which in the meantime had developed to such proportions 
that the change was imperative. In addition to tw r o fine family residences on Mc- 
Donald avenue, Mr. Spencer is the owner of a number of valuable city lots. 

Mr. Spencer's marriage was celebrated in Concord, N. H., in 1869, uniting 
him with Miss Nellie M. Adams, a native of Maine. Three children, all sons, 
were born of this marriage. Harvey W. died in 1877 i Louis R. is employed with 
the Marathon Paper Mill Company of Wausau, Wis. ; and Ralph J. is in the 
navy as quartermaster on the United States cruiser Albany. In 1900 Mr. Spencer 
was bereaved by the death of his wife. Fraternally he is a Mason, belonging to 
all branches of the order. Since the organization of the Santa Rosa Humane 
Society, in December, 1906, Mr. Spencer has been closely associated with the 
work and is now secretary of the local organization. Upon the organization 
of the State Humane Society, in 1909, he became a charter member and is 
serving on some of the important committees. 



BATTISTA BOLLA. 

Into every part of the world the republic of Switzerland has sent her sons 
and daughters, and wherever they have gone they have taken with them the 
traits of thrift, economy and perseverance characteristic of their race. The 
colonies they have settled have benefited by their presence, and the ranches 
they lease or purchase soon show the influence of their industry and wise judg- 
ment. As citizens they neglect no duty, yet they show no aggressive self-assert- 
iveness. It is only seldom that they drift into politics, for their tastes do not lie 
in that direction, they being pre-eminently a quiet, domestic, home-loving class, 
enjoying best the uneventful round of daily duties in the dairy or field. 

The qualities noticeable in his countrymen are also found in the character 
of Battista Bolla, a native of Switzerland, who was born in the canton of 
Ticino in 1868, the second in order of birth of three children born to his parents, 
Anton and Mary (Maorelli) Bolla, both natives of Switzerland, born respect- 
ively in 1804 and 1834. The father was a man of prominence and ability in the 



690 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

town of Ccvio, where he served faithfully as mayor for the long period of 
twenty years. By trade he was a contractor and builder, and throughout the 
town in which he lived many evidences of his skill were to be seen in the pictur- 
esque houses for which his land is noted the world over. All of the children 
comprising the family are still single, and the only daughter, Tranquilla, is 
still a resident of her native land. Both of the sons are residents of the United 
States, the eldest, Anton, making his home in Santa Rosa, Cal. 

When he was a youth of fifteen years Battista Bolla assumed responsibil- 
ities by setting out alone for the United States, but he looks back upon the ven- 
ture as a wise one, for here he has accomplished more than would have been 
possible in his native land. Within a few miles of Petaluma, on Rural Route 
No. 4, he is located on seven hundred acres of land which he leases from W. D. 
Ayers. Here the dairy business and the poultry industry vie with each other 
for supremacy, and as both are in a flourishing condition and constantly being 
enlarged by the owner, it would be difficult to say in which business his chief 
interest lies. The milk of one hundred cows supplies his dairy, in connection 
with which he maintains a cheese factory, in the maintenance of which he is 
putting to practice an industry which he learned in his native land, where dairy- 
ing and cheese-making have reached the highest excellence. Every year wit- 
nesses the enlargement of his dairy plant, as it does also of his poultry yard, 
where at the present writing he has twelve hundred chickens of excellent breed. 
Seven head of horses of high grade are also being raised on the ranch, as well as 
young stock which will in time contribute to the enlargement of the dairy. 

Continuing in the faith in which he was reared, Mr. Bolla is a Roman Cath- 
olic, being a communicant of the church of that faith at Petaluma. Politically 
he is a Republican. As has been stated, Mr. Bolla has never married, and in the 
care-free life which he leads upon his ranch he finds plenty to occupy his time 
in its maintenance. When opportunity permits he takes genuine pleasure in 
trying his skill as a marksman, for he considers there is no sport that can equal 
hunting. 



CHARLES McAFEE. 

Fine and deserving traits of character have contributed to the success of 
Charles McAfee, who came to California in 1867 and has been a resident of 
Sonoma county since 1885. He came here with limited means, but by well 
directed energy has accumulated a competence of which anyone might well be 
proud. Not only has a productive property been brought to its highest state 
of development, a refined and hospitable home established, but a family of nine 
children has been reared primarily to industry and moral worth and to that 
superior intellectual growth which insures its members an honored place in what- 
ever community they elect to reside. 

Mr. McAfee has no personal knowledge of his birthplace, Logan county, 
111., where he was born in 1845, I0r when he was only one year old his parents 
removed to Iowa, and it is with the latter state that his earliest experiences 
are associated. During the thirteen years that the family remained there he 
attended school and became initiated into the work incident to farm life, the 
father owning and maintaining a farm in the various localities in which he 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY . 691 

lived. In 1859 another removal brought them to Livingston county, Mo., and 
it was while working in the fields there that Charles McAfee determined to 
offer his services on the altar of his country. He was mustered in at Laclede, 
Mo., September 27', 1861, and served respectively under Col. John Morgan 
and Col. Madison Miller, in the Eighteenth Missouri Infantry, the latter being 
superseded by Colonel Sheldon after the battle of Shiloh. Mr. McAfee was 
fortunate in escaping injury of any kind during the first year of his service, 
but during the battle of Pittsburg Landing he suffered what was perhaps even 
harder to bear, being taken a prisoner and incarcerated in a loathsome prison 
for three months and twenty days. He was then discharged from the service, 
in St. Louis, his term of enlistment having expired, but in March, 1863, he 
again offered his services and was accepted in the cavalry service. He served 
throughout the remainder of the war, and was mustered out July 27, 1865, at 
New Orleans. 

For a couple of years following his return from the war Mr. McAfee 
resumed farming in Missouri, and then, in 1867, came to California. From San 
Francisco, where he first located, he went to Woodland, Yolo county, and was 
identified with that section of the state for the following nine years. Coming 
to Sonoma county at the end of that time, he continued ranching in this county, 
and finally, in 1885, purchased the beautiful ranch of fourteen acres which has 
since been his home. The price paid for the property is only a fraction of its 
present worth, $4,000, and even at this price Mr. McAfee could not be induced 
to part with it. His specialty is the raising of chickens, besides which he has 
a thriving orchard of apples and other fruits, and also raises hay and grain. 

Mr. McAfee was married in 1876 to Miss Rosa Emma Ogden, a native 
daughter of the state, her birth occurring in Sacramento county in 1858. The 
eldest of the nine children born of this marriage is James A., who is a practicing 
dentist in Sacramento ; Albert Lincoln is in business in Portland, Ore. ; Sadie M. 
is the wife of Ernest Waymeyer, and resides in Sacramento, Cal. ; Georgia is 
the wife of Archibald Gale and the mother of two children; Loren is in Sacra- 
mento, as is also the next son, Vern ; Ruth is at home with her parents ; Leslie 
is employed in Sacramento; and Earl is a pupil in the local schools. Politically 
Mr. McAfee is a Republican, and by virtue of his service in the Civil war, is a 
member of the Grand Army of the Republic. On the paternal side he is a de- 
scendant of southern ancestors, his father being a native of Kentucky, while his 
mother was a native of Indiana. 



WILLIAM CHRISTOPHER HOWARD. 
Alike as the scene of childhood pleasures and the strenuous activities of 
manhood, Sonoma county is endeared to this native son, who has witnessed 
the gradual transformation of the region from its primeval wild and undevel- 
oped condition to a state of prosperous fertility in harmony with the progressive 
tendencies of the people. When he was a young lad much of his time was 
devoted to hunting and he became an expert marksman, supplying the family 
larder with everv kind of wild game that the locality afforded. With the in- 
coming of settlers in large numbers the game became less plentiful, but he is 
still able to secure numerous trophies of his skill with the rifle, and has a local 



t,,j HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

reputation for hunting the deer in their season. He still makes his home in 
Occidental, where he was born in 1868 and where practically all of his busy 
life has been passed, the only exception being a period of fourteen months spent 
in San Francisco as an employe of the California Street Car Company. 

The residents of Sonoma county and particularly those associated with the 
local early history recall with interest the personality of that early settler and 
honored citizen, William Howard, who came to this part of the state in a very 
early day and contributed his quota to local development, being especially active 
in village affairs at Occidental, his home town. A native of Copenhagen, Den- 
mark, he came to Occidental in the '50s and engaged in the stock business. 
While he did not accumulate large means he gained that which is more to be 
desired, viz. : the esteem of associates and the warm regard of acquaintances. 
To his children he gave such opportunities as his limited means permitted, and 
his son, William C, was sent to the local schools until he had completed the 
regular course of study, after which he took up the task of earning a livelihood. 
Going to San Francisco he remained for fourteen months, but at the expiration 
of that time he returned to Occidental and embarked in the transfer business, 
which he conducted for three years. Next he entered the employ of the North- 
ern Pacific Railroad Company as a bridge carpenter, and for seven years he 
remained in the same position, since which time he has been continuously en- 
gaged as section foreman on the Northwestern Pacific Railroad, with head- 
quarters at Occidental, his native village. 

The marriage of William C. Howard was solemnized in 1893 an d united 
him with an attractive Italian girl, Tresa Franceska, who had come to this coun- 
try in childhood from her native Italy. Only one child blessed the union. This 
daughter, Mabel Caroline, was born at Occidental in 1894 and has been given 
splendid advantages, being a graduate of the Meeker grammar school and also 
a talented musician. The family has a large circle of friends and enjoys the 
regard of all with whom business or social relations bring them in contact. 
\Yhile interested in all movements for the general welfare, Mr. Howard has 
never sought political prominence nor is he identified with any of the frater- 
nities. In casting his ballot he supports the men whom he considers best qual- 
ified for public service, studying their ability and character rather than their 
partisan views. The responsibilities of his position are such that he cannot 
identify himself actively with public enterprises, yet he has proved himself to be 
patriotic and progressive. Such men, industrious, loyal and well-informed, 
form the bulwark of the community and our nation's chief source of strength. 



BENJAMIN FRANKLIN TAYLOR. 

The modern and well-kept ranch which belongs to Benjamin F. Taylor be- 
speaks the ability and energy which have characterized the effort put into the 
cultivation of the property. Santa Rosa is his postoffice and market town, where 
he finds a ready market for all of the produce and stock which his ranch pro- 
duces. 

A native of the state and county of which he is now a resident, Mr. Taylor 
was born in Geyserville in 1865, the son of Henry M. and Rebecca (Rhodes) 




%^ TlM^u ^pl/a/o&L^f^ 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 695 

Taylor, natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania respectively. The father died in 
1902, the mother having preceded him many years, her death occurring in 1869. 
Besides an own sister, Mrs. Duncan, Mr. Taylor has five half-sisters. When 
he was a child of four years Mr. Taylor was taken by his parents to Healdsburg, 
remaining there six years, after which removal was made to Middletown, Lake 
county, and three years later they returned to Sonoma county. All of his life 
thus far had been passed in an agricultural community, and thus when he at- 
tained mature years Mr. Taylor naturally adapted himself to his environment 
and took up the life of the agriculturist. Two miles from Santa Rosa may be 
seen as fine a ranch as can be found in Sonoma county, the property of Mr. 
Taylor and the scene of his activities since 1893. Here he has one hundred and 
ten acres of fine land, eighteen acres in grapes, thirty-five acres in grain, and 
fifty-five acres in pasture, on which he raises and fattens his stock, horses, cows, 
besides six hundred chickens. All of these varied interests yield good incomes, 
and from his grapes alone during the year 1909 he received $540 for forty-five 
tons of fruit. 

In 1888 Mr. Taylor was united in marriage with Miss Lulu Manion, one 
of the four children born of the marriage of William and Elizabeth (Barnett) 
Manion, her birth occurring in Sonoma county in 1865. A sketch of her father, 
William Manion, and her brother, William H. Manion, will be found elsewhere 
in this volume. Her sisters are, Sarah F., the wife of W. C. Wooley ; and Lilly 
Belle, now Mrs. P. D. Wheeler. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have one child, Ethel, 
who was born July 7, 1902, and is now attending the district school near the home 
of her parents. Politically Mr. Taylor is a Democrat, and with his wife is a 
member of the church of Latter Dav Saints. 



MRS. HELEN L. WALDROP. 

By no means can it be said that all of the prosperity now visible in Sonoma 
county is traceable to the energy of the masculine citizens alone, and undoubt- 
edly far too little credit reaches the deserving women who have done their part 
in bringing about the splendid conditions which have made Sonoma county an 
agricultural center without a peer in the state. Among this noble class of 
women mention belongs to Mrs. Waldrop, who for over a quarter of a century 
has lived upon and managed the ranch which is her home today, five miles north- 
east of Healdsburg. All of the vines in the vineyard and the trees in the orchard 
were set out under her immediate supervision, and their growth and develop- 
ment have been watched with a keen and practiced eye. Here may be seen the 
largest and most thrifty prune orchard in the county, seventy-five acres being in 
bearing condition, and when the thirty acres recently set out to prunes come 
into bearing, Mrs. Waldrop may unquestionably be called the prune queen of 
Sonoma county. 

A native of Missouri, Helen L. Schell, as she was known in maidenhood, 
was born in Elk Mills, McDonald county, in 1858. During her early childhood 
her parents removed to Texas, and in that southern state she was reared and 
educated. After the death of her parents in Texas she went to White Sulphur 
Springs. Ark., with an uncle, making her home with this relative until her 
marriage in 1876, in Maysville, Ark., with B. M. Jones, who was a merchant 

35 



696 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

in Indian territory. Immediately after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Jones re- 
turned to Indian territory with the intention of making it their permanent home. 
However, after several years Mr. Jones sold out his business and in 1881 he 
and his wife came to California. Coming to Sonoma county at that time, they 
settled on property near Healdsburg, but after remaining here one year they 
decided to return east and accordingly gave up their holdings. Although their 
experience in California had not met their expectations, neither did their 
experience of three \ears in the east, and it was at the end of this period that 
they determined to return to the west and resume their labors in Sonoma 
county. Hither they returned in the year 1884, and four miles from Healds- 
burg they purchased two hundred acres of farming land and at once began its 
development. All of the trees in the prune orchard were set out by Mr. Jones, 
but he did not live to see results from his work, for his death occurred soon 
after the orchard was set out. The responsibility and care of the ranch fell 
suddenly upon the shoulders of Mrs. Jones, who up to this time had had no 
practical experience in this line. However, she had been her husband's constant 
companion and co-laborer in years past and as a consequence she was better 
prepared for the task than would otherwise have been the case, and the success 
with which she has since met has proved beyond a question her unusual adapt- 
ability for and interest in the work in which she is engaged. In addition to the 
one hundred and five acres in prunes, she has one hundred acres in pasture. 
The raising of prunes, however, is the chief industry of the ranch, in con- 
nection with which there is also an up-to-date drier. From seventy-five to 
eighty tons of dried fruit is an average output for the season, the income from 
which amounts to $10,000. 

Three daughters were born to Mr. and Mrs. Jones, Edith, Helen and 
Beulah. The eldest, Edith, is the wife of R. R. Cunningham, of McAlester, 
Okla., and they have three children, Robert Elton, Helen and Averill. The 
other daughters, Helen and Beulah Jones, are still with their mother, in a 
beautiful residence which she has recently erected on Center street, Healds- 
burg. In Healdsburg, in 1897, Mrs. Jones became the wife of Joe Waldrop. 
No one is more actively interested in the development of Healdsburg than 
is Mrs. Waldrop, as her work and enthusiasm as a member of the Ladies Im- 
provement Club will show, and she is also interested in the furtherance of 
beneficial measures as president of the Ladies aid society of the Christian 
Church, of which she is a member. 



EDWIN A. PETRAY. 
No citizens are more deeply devoted to the upbuilding of Sonoma county, 
more interested in movements for its material development or more engrossed 
in its permanent prosperity than those who claim it is the land of their birth and 
the home of their childhood. To such it possesses a charm wholly aloof from 
its fertility of soil or geniality of climate; the attributes that attract strangers 
do not represent the limits of the fascination exerted over those "to the manor 
born." Well-known among the native-born sons of the county is the name of 
Edwin A. Petray, who was born at Windsor in 1867 and throughout the forty- 
three years of his useful life has made the county his home, at this writing 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 697 

owning and superintending a fruit farm three miles south of Healdsburg on the 
road to Santa Rosa. Many improvements have been made since he acquired 
the property. Forty acres have been planted to prune trees which, although 
only two years old (having been set out in 1908), are said to be as promising 
as any in the county. Between the trees he has raised tomatoes, which crop 
in 1908 yielded one hundred and eighty-seven tons from twelve acres, while 
the following year twenty acres produced an average of twenty tons to the 
acre, selling at $7 per ton at the station. 

The Petrav family is of southern lineage. Ransom Alexander and Nancy 
Jane (Faught) Petrav were natives of the south, the former born at Little 
Rock, Ark., in 1830. In the year 1856 the family settled in California and be- 
came pioneers of Sonoma county. The second son of his parents, Edwin A. 
has been a lifelong resident of his present locality and received his education 
in the local schools. For his wife he chose Miss May Williams, who was born 
in Monroe county, Mo., in 1878, and by whom he has one son, Donald. Mrs. 
Petray is a daughter of John S. Williams, who was born in Sonoma county, 
Cal., about 1848, a descendant of the family whose most distinguished repre- 
sentative on the frontier was Kit Carson. The marriage of John S. Williams 
united him with Ella M. Boone, a descendant of Daniel Boone of Kentucky 
fame. 

To the people of the township Mr. Petray is known as a reliable farmer 
and progressive citizen, a firm believer in the principles for which the Demo- 
cratic party stands, yet not a partisan in his sentiments and never solicitous for 
political preferment for himself. To his friends he is known as a kind-hearted, 
obliging man, generous in his relations with neighbors, helpful to those in 
need, sympathetic with all in bereavement and distress, and loyal under all 
circumstances to those associates who have become endeared to him through 
ties extending back to childhood days. Such advancement as has been made bv 
the county in the past and such progress as may be achieved in the future, 
these form a part of the work of the native-born sons, aided by those resource- 
ful and energetic men who have adopted the region for their permanent home. 



JAMES E. KENT. 
It is a far cry from the rock-bound coast of Nova Scotia to the vine-clad 
hills of California, but such is the distance that intervenes between the land of 
Mr. Kent's birth and the home of his maturity. Bleak were the skies and stern 
the landscape that greeted the vision of his early years. The struggles to earn 
a livelihood in the midst of an environment so adverse robbed his boyhood of 
the pleasures rightfully belonging to the age, but enabled him to form habits 
of self-reliance and patience of inestimable value to him in subsequent activities. 
While he is not one of the pioneers of Sonoma county nor an earlv resident 
of California, he has resided here for a period of sufficient duration to enable 
him to gain an adequate conception of local resources and climatic advantages. 
It was during 1903 that he came to Sonoma county and since 1905 he has 
engaged in general mercantile pursuits at Camp Meeker, where he conducts 
the onlv store of its kind in the village. 



6 9 8 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Born at Halifax, Nova Scotia, in 1850, James E. Kent was the son of 
parents who spent their entire lives in and near Halifax, but the ancestry is 
of New England extraction. The maternal grandfather was a private soldier 
in the Revolutionary war, and the paternal grandfather commanded a regiment 
in that historic struggle. Upon completing his studies in the schools of his 
native city James E. Kent served an apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade 
and later followed the occupation as a journeyman. Too constant devotion to 
his work, coupled with exposure to the severe climate of the country, led to 
the failure of his health and forced him to discontinue the trade. Meanwhile, 
as early as 1872, when he was twenty-two years of age, he had married Catherine 
Rafuse, a native of Nova Scotia. While still living there this estimable lady 
was removed from the home by death in 1878. Two children survived her and 
later accompanied their father to California. The son, Edgar, is a resident of 
Los Angeles. The daughter, Alberta Annie Louise, married Frederick Keesling 
and makes San Jose her home. 

At the age of thirty-two years Mr. Kent removed from Nova Scotia to 
Boston, Mass., but the climate proved too severe for his strength and two years 
later, in 1884, he sought the more genial climate of the western coast, where 
he has since been benefited by the improvement of his health as well as the 
establishment of prosperous business relations. During 1887 he married Miss 
Carrie E. Kenfield, who was born, reared and educated in California, and whose 
mother was a native of Pennsylvania. It has been the good fortune of Mr. 
and Mrs. Kent to win and retain the esteem of their acquaintances in and 
near Camp Meeker and they have identified themselves intimately with the best 
interests of the village, contributing their quota to its material upbuilding and 
promoting all enterprises that appeal to progressive citizens. While they do 
not affiliate with any secret orders and while there are no children to bless 
their home, they are busy, contented and capable, finding their days closely 
occupied with business enterprises, social amenities and domestic affairs. The 
political opinions of Mr. Kent bring him into active co-operation with the Demo- 
cratic party and he supports its ticket in the national elections, but in local 
affairs he gives his ballot to the men whom he considers most capable and 
efficient, without consideration of their party views. 



GEORGE A. LASHER. 

Petaluma is known the world over as the largest chicken raising center, 
conditions in all lines contributing to make this possible here as nowhere else, 
but notwithstanding this happy condition of natural advantages, they would 
never have been recognized and taken advantage of had not men who under- 
stood and appreciated the possibilities have stepped in and done the part that 
remained for them to do. Among those who have contributed to making the 
industry what it is today no one is deserving of more credit than George A. 
Lasher, one of the pioneer chicken hatchers of Petaluma. 

A native of Ohio, Mr. Lasher was born in Meigs county in i860, and up to 
the age of sixteen years his life was associated with the locality of his birth- 
place. Though only a child in years he showed the possession of considerable 




/x_)/?zz-*-^is s>^V 




HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 70 1 

courage in starting out at that age to make his own way in the world, and 
though occasionally he met with rebuffs and discouragements, he persevered 
and is enjoying the results of his efforts, in the maintenance of one of the most 
successful industries in this section of Sonoma county. In setting out from Ohio 
he first went to Illinois, where he found employment on a farm, but after he 
had been there a few years he again became dissatisfied with his surroundings 
and from there he went to Arizona and engaged in the cattle business. All was 
not smooth sailing there, for the Indians destroyed his cattle and made it im- 
possible for him to continue there longer. Selling the cattle that remained, 
he continued still further west, reaching California in the summer of 1883, and 
during the same year he made his first attempt as a chicken raiser in Modoc 
county. The incubator which he there constructed and put in operation was 
the product of his own brain entirely, for up to that time he had not seen a 
device for hatching chickens. Though crude as compared with present-day 
incubators, he nevertheless realized that his idea was in the line of progress 
and he determined to locate where conditions were more conducive to carrying- 
on the business on a larger and more successful scale. It was for this purpose 
that he came to Sonoma county in 1892 and set up the incubator which he 
brought with him from Modoc county. With renewed zest and interest he 
worked industriously in building up the poultry industry and was doing a thriv- 
ing business in hatching chickens, when he became a victim to the gold fever 
that broke out in Alaska in 1897. Two years spent in that cold, northern coun- 
try found him returning to California, in 1899, a poorer but a wiser man, and the 
same year he resumed the work which he had laid by, manufacturing incubators 
and raising chickens. Each year that has since elapsed has marked a steady 
growth in volume of business, and today he has one of the largest hatcheries 
in the county. A large brick building has recently been erected to properly 
house his incubators, of which he has seventy-five, each of which has a capacity 
of thirteen hundred and twenty eggs. A departure in the chicken business that 
is probably practiced nowhere except in California, is the shipping of day-old 
chicks to purchasers within reasonable distance. Mr. Lasher has been especiallv 
successful in this branch of his business, and not only makes shipments to all 
parts of California, but also as far east as Salt Lake City. Notwithstanding 
the fact that the latter trip occupies three clays, the chicks arrive alive and in 
good condition. 

While a resident of Modoc county, in 1888, Mr. Lasher was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Nora Drew, a native of Iowa. Six children have been born of 
this marriage, Cora, Lela, Clara, Amil, Nora and Charles. The second daughter, 
Lela, is now Mrs. D. K. Hutchinson, of Madera, Cal. 



BRAINERD JONES. 
That congenial work means success is exemplified in the life accomplish- 
ments of Brainerd Jones, a well-known and highly respected certificated archi- 
tect of Petaluma, with well equipped offices at No. no Washington street. He 
was born in Chicago, III, March 25, 1869, his father being Cyrus R. Jones, a 
prominent Chicago attorney, and his mother, before marriage, Helen L. Brain- 
erd, of De Ruvter, N. Y. At an earlv age, shortly after the death of his father. 



702 HISTORY OF SON< IMA COUNTY 

he accompanied his mother to California, locating at Petaluma, where his school 
davs were spent, and his education obtained. 

Deciding to follow architecture as a life work his technical studies wene 
pursued in San Francisco, CaL, where as draftsman in the offices of some of 
the most prominent architects of that city he obtained the further experience 
and knowledge of the details of the profession necessary for the practice of 
architecture. Attracted by the business, progress, and evident future develop- 
ment of the North of Bav counties, he returned in 1898 to Petaluma, where his 
home town and the neighboring cities offered excellent opportunity for a prac- 
tical young architect, and his selection of a locality for the exercise of his ability 
has proven a wise one. 

During the twelve years of his practice here Mr. Jones has designed and 
supervised the erection of many of the finest structures in this and other cities, 
among which are, Carnegie library buildings, school buildings, banks, churches, 
fraternal halls, business blocks, summer resorts, residences, and the various 
other works that occur in the field of architecture. The character of his work- 
demonstrates his ability in design and Tn practical building construction. 

In 1900 Mr. Jones married Jeannette S. Gibson, a native of California, and 
a daughter of C. S. Gibson, one of the pioneer settlers of Petaluma. Fraternally 
Brainerd Jones is a member of the Order of Elks, being identified with Peta- 
luma Lodge No. 901, B. P. O. E. 



D. B. HART. 

The records of the Hart family show that it has been represented in the 
United States since Revolutionary days, and that at least one of its members 
was an influential and leading factor in that history-making period is evidenced 
by the fact that John Hart was one of the signers of that famous document, the 
Declaration of Independence. Virginia was the home of the family for many 
generations, where its members were esteemed and respected and participated in 
all measures that tended toward the development of the locality in which they 
lived. It was while the parents were living in Randolph county, Va. (now 
West Virginia) that the birth of D. B. Hart occurred on the parental homestead 
near Beverlv, in 1833. The times and the locality were not famous for the edu- 
cational advantages which the youth of to-day enjoys, and perhaps for that very 
reason the youth of that day developed qualities sadly lacking in the present 
generation, to whom advantages and opportunities for an education seem un- 
limited. Mr. Hart made the most of the advantages offered by the country 
school near Beverlv. which served as a foundation for the later knowledge 
which lie gained by reading and observation. 

Farming was the first occupation to which Mr. Hart turned his hand upon 
attaining mature years, an occupation which was congenial and remunerative, as. 
was also the carpenter's trade which he later learned and carried on in addition 
to his farming enterprise. Many years' experience in this dual occupation had 
preceded his removal to California, in 1886. at which time he came to Sonoma 
county and settled in Santa Rosa. Nearly a quarter of a century has since 
passed, and Mr. Hart has nothing but praise for the garden spot to which Fate 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 7°3 

brought him at that time, or at least, what it has since become. California in 
general, and Santa Rosa in particular, has no more enthusiastic admirer than he 
is. toward whose development he has labored industriously and may therefore be 
counted among the upbuilders of this flourishing commonwealth. Since coming 
to Santa Rosa Mr. Hart has confined his attention to contracting and building. 
In 1854, when he was twenty-one years of age, Mr. Hart was united in 
marriage to Miss Anzina Wilmoth, a native of Virginia, in which state their 
marriage occurred. Five children were born of this marriage, but of the num- 
ber only two are living, a daughter in West Virginia and a son now residing 
in Los Angeles. The mother of these children passed away in 1883, and five 
years later Mr. Hart married his present wife, who in maidenhood was Miss 
Sarah P. Forsyth, but at the time of her marriage with Mr. Hart was the widow 
of H. C. Mizer. She was the daughter of Barnett Forsyth, a native of North 
Carolina, from which state he migrated with his family to Tennessee, and it was 
there that the birth of the daughter, Mrs. Hart, occurred. When she was seven 
years of age the family immigrated to Benton county, Ark., and there she 
was reared and educated, and there too occurred her marriage to Mr. Mizer in 
1850. Two years later Mr. and Mrs. Mizer set out for California, making the 
journey overland by ox-team. A pause in the wearisome journey was made on 
Bear river, but they soon took up the march again and finally reached their 
destination, Sonoma count}-. Cal. After the death of Barnett Forsyth, which oc- 
curred in Arkansas in 1862, Mrs. Forsyth came to California to pass the later 
years of her life with her children, and here her death occurred in 1878. Be- 
sides her daughter she left two sons, both residents of Santa Rosa. At the time 
Mr. and Mrs. Mizer came to Sonoma county there was little in the appearance 
of the locality in which they settled to tempt them to become permanent settlers, 
cattle and horses being the chief occupants of the plains and farming as yet be- 
ing an untried art. The earliest venture in this line undertaken by Mr. Mizer 
was in raising potatoes, for which he paid $10 per sack, and other necessities 
were correspondingly high, butter demanding $1 a pound. Before his death Mr. 
Mizer witnessed a vast change in the appearance of the country that twenty- 
five years before had seemed such a vast stretch of waste land. His death oc- 
curred in 1877. Politically Mr. Hart is a Democrat, and with his wife he is a 
member and active worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, at Santa 
Rosa. Mr. Hart is the only representative of his family in the west, his only 
sister being a resident of Elkins, W. Va. 



PHILIP E. VARNER. 
Though taking pride in the fact that he is a Native Son of California, Mr. 
Varner is equally proud of the fact that he is the son of one of the state's pioneer 
settlers, not one of the earliest perhaps, but at least one who has accomplished 
much for the good of his fellowmen since taking up his residence in this western 
commonwealth. His grandparents on the paternal side were of German and 
Scotch birth respectively and their son. Samuel Varner, has exemplified in his 
life all the sturdy qualities that these two stanch races are noted for. He was 
born in Ohio June 2, 1844, and was therefore little more than a lad when the 



7 o 4 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

opening of the Civil war aroused him to action and witnessed his enlistment in 
the service of his country. His life on the battlefield of nearly four years tells 
a story of hardship and danger that few of his comrades were able to with- 
stand, and the courage and bravery with which he performed all of the duties 
required of him on the field of battle have been no less conspicuous in the duties 
of private life as they have come to him. From Ohio, Samuel and Margaret 
(Stoffal) Varner removed westward to Kansas in 1867, and from there in 1875 
again took up the westward march that was to bring them to their present home 
in California. 

In the same year in which his parents came to California Philip E. Varner 
was born in Green valley, Sonoma county, December 12, 1875. The first thirteen 
years of his life were associated with that immediate vicinity uninterruptedly, 
but at the end of that time he started out to make his own way in the world and 
has succeeded in accomplishing the purpose which he then determined upon. 
Going to Occidental, this county, he secured employment more congenial to his 
tastes than he had found farming, and after remaining there eight years, changed 
his location as well as his line of employment, working as a teamster in the navy 
yard at Vallejo for three years. It was after this varied experience that he came 
to Santa Rosa, with which locality his interests have since been identified. The 
restaurant business engaged his attention for the first eight years, after which 
he sold out his business and for one and a-half years thereafter was engaged in 
the management of the St. Rose hotel, giving it up at the end of that time to es- 
tablish the fuel and grain business of which he is now the proprietor. This is one 
of the live, enterprising business establishments of Santa Rosa, and the proprietor 
is enjoying a business commensurate with the labor and efforts which he exerts. 

In 1900 Mr. Varner was married to Miss Jennie Smith, a daughter of 
Frank Smith, a native of Maine, who with his wife is now making his home in 
Santa Rosa, Cal. Politically Mr. Varner is a Republican, active in the ranks of 
his chosen party, as he is indeed to whatever he lends his name and influence. 
In 1908 he was appointed deputy sheriff of Sonoma county, a position which he 
has filled for the past two years, and he has also acted in the capacity of deputy 
county clerk. By right of his birth in California Mr. Varner is eligible to mem- 
bership in the Native Sons of the Golden West, a privilege of which he has 
availed himself, and Santa Rosa Parlor No. 28, has no more enthusiastic mem- 
ber. 



MISS FLORENCE M. BARNES. 

No greater field of usefulness exists than that of educational activity and 
those who give their lives to the training of the young are, of all others, the 
most helpful factors in the development of the human race. California has 
gained a reputation for its thoroughness in educational work, and this high 
standing is due to its talented and energetic educators. In this list belongs the 
name of Miss Florence M. Barnes, formerly one of the efficient teachers of 
Heaklsburg, and now superintendent of the schools of Sonoma county. 

A native of the town in which she accomplished so much, Miss Barnes was 
born in Heaklsburg March 1, 1880, the daughter of William H. and Sarah 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 707 

Frances (Grinsted) Barnes, both natives of Missouri, but residents of Cali- 
fornia since 1870. With the other children of the parental family she received 
her early education in the public schools of Healdsburg, supplementing this 
training by a course in the University of California, from which institution she 
graduated in 1903. Immediately following her graduation she became a 
teacher on the staff of the Healdsburg grammar school, a position which she 
filled efficiently until she assumed the duties of principal of the same institution in 
1905. That she keeps abreast of the times in her profession will be easily recog- 
nized in the statement that she is a stanch believer in the education of the hand 
as well as the brain, and in order to prepare herself to introduce and maintain 
manual training as a part of the curriculum of the grammar school, she has 
taken a special course in this line, a training which has deepened her conviction 
that manual training is a vital necessity to the proper training of the young. 
As an indication of the regard in which Miss Barnes is held it may be said 
that in 1910 she was a candidate for and was elected on the Democratic ticket 
county superintendent of schools. Not only is she active in educational circles, 
but she is also an active worker in the order of Eastern Star, being matron of 
Sotoyome Chapter No. 82, of Healdsburg. Much credit is due Miss Barnes 
for what she has thus far accomplished in her professional career, and undoubt- 
edly a brilliant future awaits her efforts, a success which her unusual talents 
deserve. 



ARCANGELO SARTORI. 

The experiences of maturity have identified Mr. Sartori with Sonoma 
county, where he is engaged in ranching pursuits in the vicinity of Petaluma 
and where has has worked his way forward from a very humble position to 
one of considerable prominence. As an agriculturist he is making specialties 
of dairying and the poultry business, in both of which he has made a com- 
mendable record. The Sartori ranch, owned and occupied by him, comprises 
five hundred acres, five miles east of Petaluma, the larger portion of which is 
utilized for pasturage purposes and the remainder furnishes the usual farm 
crops. Seventy-five milch cows and fourteen head of young cattle, together 
with twenty-one head of hogs, furnish stock from which a neat income is re- 
ceived, while two thousand hens add a goodly income to the annual revenue. 
The ranch is well improved with a large substantial residence and three barns. 
In addition to other stock he has seventy-six cows and twenty-two calves in 
another dairy, in Yuba City, Sutter county. The care of his ranch and of 
the stock leave him little leisure for participation in public activities and with 
the exception of attending the Roman Catholic Church and voting the Repub- 
lican ticket, he takes no part in religious or political affairs. 

From the age of sixteen years a resident of Sonoma county, Arcangelo 
Sartori was born in the village of Guimaglio, Canton Ticino, Switzerland, April 
12, 1865, and was one of four children, the others being Victor, Maris and 
Maria. The second-named is married and has three children, Romeo, Gladys 
and Maria. The parents, Jowak and Maria (Pezzi) Sartori, were natives of 
Switzerland and possessed the frugal, thrifty and forceful qualities that have 
given the land of William Tell an enviable standing throughout the world. Mr. 



7 o8 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Sartori was reared to habits of industry and self-denial and was thoroughly pre- 
pared for the task of earning a livelihood. From boyhood he has been familiar 
with dairying and throughout all of his active life he has devoted himself to 
ranching, chickens and cows furnishing him with his principal source of revenue. 
The capable woman who for years has been the companion of Mr. Sar- 
tori bore the maiden name of Adalini Lafranchi and was born in the village of 
Someo, Switzerland, December 4, 1871. They are the parents of eleven chil- 
dren, namely: Simon, Ernest, Yictor, Flora, Isabel, Elsie, Evaline. Edna, Jose- 
phine and Dorothy (twins) and Ellen. As the children reach the necessary age 
they are sent to the country school near the ranch and are given every oppor- 
tunity for acquiring a good common-school education, it being the ambition of 
the father to prepare them for whatever responsibilities the world may hold in 
wait for their mature years. The parents of Mrs. Sartori were Joseph and 
Jane (Righetti) Lafranchi, natives of Switzerland and members of a substan- 
tial farming community in their native canton. Early in life, when fourteen 
years of age, Mr. Lafranchi left Europe and sailed to Australia, where he en- 
tered the mines. Not meeting with the desired luck there he returned to his 
native land and was later married. Subsequently he came to the United States, 
and in Arizona, near Prescott, he located on government land. There he car- 
ried on agriculture successfully for a few years, when he sold out his holdings 
for $7,000 and came to California, in 1882. Near Santa Rosa. Sonoma county, 
he located on a ranch and became a permanent resident and respected farmer 
of this part of the state. In his family there are five children, Edward, Marino, 
Adalini, Olymphia and Clara. Edward married Lucy Puezzi and has three chil- 
dren, Victor, Edward and Edna. Marino married Emily Peterson and has three 
children, Everett, Loretta and Violet. Olymphia is the wife of Peter Gugliel- 
metti and the mother of four sons and four daughters, namely : Lillian, Colum- 
bus. Julius, Marino, Jennie, Emma, Esther and baby. Clara Lafranchi is the 
wife of Frederick Pedrotti and the mother of one son and three daughters. 
Mervin, Maria, Hazel, and Esther. For years the Sartori and Lafranchi families 
have been among the most highly respected residents of Sonoma county and they 
enjoy the esteem, not only of their countrymen living here, but also of all 
who hold in high regard the solid traits that form the foundation of their citi- 
zenship. 



JOHN LESLIE. 
Devotion to duty, the creed of ancestors in past generations, has been the 
keynote of the agricultural prosperity achieved by John Leslie, the prosperous 
farmer and influential resident of Russian River township, and the owner of 
an improved farm lying in the vicinity of Windsor, Sonoma county. The 
most noticeable attributes in the character of Mr. Leslie are his inheritance 
from Scotch progenitors and these he has supplemented with the American 
quality of ceaseless energy. When he came to this county in 1877 he was 
without means nor had he influential friends to aid him in securing land and 
making a start in the new location, but he possessed thrift, frugality and de- 
termination. In addition he has received the assistance of a capable wife who 
is both a wise counselor and an economical housekeeper. It has thus been 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 7°9 

possible for him to accumulate a valuable farm and to rise to a place among 
the township's prominent citizens. 

The family record includes the names of John W. and Margaret (Sine) 
Leslie, the former born in Perthshire, Scotland, in 1784, and by his marriage 
the father of four children, namely: John, whose name heads this article 
and who was born in Perthshire in 1849; William, a gunner in the English 
army; Margaret, Mrs. Duncan McCall, who has one child, a daughter: and 
Agnes, who is married and has six children, her home being in Windsor, 
Ontario, Canada. The son first-named came to the United States in 1873 
and settled in Sacramento, Cal., whence he removed to Sonoma county in 1877. 
In establishing a home of his own he married Agnes Clark, a native of Perth- 
shire, Scotland, and a daughter of John and May (Young) Clark, being one 
of four children. Her only brother, William Clark, married Jessie Robertson 
and has two sons, John and James. A sister, Gussie, married Alexander 
Stewart and has four sons and two daughters. The remaining member of the 
family was a daughter. May Clark. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Leslie was 
blessed with five children, viz. : William, Thomas, Charles W.. Margaret M. 
and Jeanette. The older daughter, Margaret M., Mrs. Robert Gibbons, has 
one child, Rosella E., who is the pet and pride of her grandparents. 

The Leslie homestead comprises one-half section of land, a portion of 
which is in timber and a considerable amount in pasture, furnishing grass for 
the live-stock kept on the farm, including a drove of two hundred sheep. The 
annual income from the sheep is large, as is also the income from the forty 
acres of fruit and the vineyard of twenty acres. It is the aim of the owner to 
cultivate a variety of crops, so that a failure in one might not seriously impair 
the annual revenue. During the season of 1909 he sold $500 worth of fruit 
and had an income of $600 from his sheep, besides which he had various other 
sources of income from the land, so that it brought him excellent interest on 
its value. Besides taking charge of his home place he has acted as sheep in- 
spector under appointment by the county board of supervisors and this respon- 
sible position he has filled with credit to himself. Reared in the Presbyterian 
faith in his old Scotch home, he has never swerved in his allegiance to the 
doctrines of the denomination, but ever has stood ready to contribute to its 
maintenance and promote its welfare to the extent of his ability. Since be- 
coming a citizen of our country he has identified himself with the Republican 
party and has given stanch support to its principles. 



FRED WHITAKER. 
The name of Whitaker is one well known in various sections of California. 
and covers a period which dates from the memorable year of 1849. The earliest 
member of the family of whom we have any definite knowledge was the Hon. 
John McCormick Whitaker, who was born February 11, 1801, in Clermont 
county, Ohio, and resided in his native state until 1827. In that year he went 
to Michigan and for nine years engaged in trading with the Indians. At the end 
of that time, in 1836, he became a pioneer settler in Iowa, where he cleared a 
home for himself and family from the wilderness, and for twenty-five years 



7 io HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

was one of the most active and influential citizens of that commonwealth. For 
twenty years he served in the territorial legislature, and for seven years was 
locating agent, being appointed by the legislature to select and locate five hun- 
dred thousand acres of land donated to the state for internal improvements, 
but, by the constitution, devoted to the support of schools, the establishment of 
which he personally supervised. From Iowa he came to California in 1861, 
settling in San Luis Obispo county, where he made his home until his death in 
1891, at which time he was ninety years of age. He was a man of exceptional 
executive and business ability, very successful from any standpoint from which 
his life might be viewed, and he was also a prominent member of the Masonic 
fraternity. 

Among the children in the family of Hon. John McCormick Whitaker was 
James P. Whitaker, who was born in Clermont county, Ohio, October 13, 1824. 
He was therefore about three years old at the time his father removed with 
his family to Michigan, and there and in Laporte county, Ind., his early boy- 
hood was passed. He was about twelve years old when, in 1836, removal was 
made to Van Buren county, Iowa, where they were among the very first settlers. 
The nearest neighbor was ten miles away, and game, which was abundant in the 
forest, formed the chief article of diet. Wild animals and Indians were a con- 
stant source of terror to the settlers, making it necessary to be on guard much 
of the time until conditions changed. It was on his wilderness farm in Iowa 
that the news of the finding of gold reached Mr. Whitaker in 1849, ar, d during 
the same year he started on the overland journey with ox-teams for the eldo- 
rado. Mining absorbed his attention for two years, after which, in the spring 
of 1853, he located in Marin county and invested the proceeds of his mining 
venture in land. There on six hundred acres of land he successfully carried on 
farming, dairying and stock-raising until 1881, when he leased his ranch and 
purchased two hundred acres in Russian River valley, Cloverdale township, 
and at once began the improvement of his estate, erecting a commodious resi- 
dence and all the necessary barns and outbuildings usually seen upon an up-to- 
date, thriving ranch. This was known as the old Turner ranch, and here Mr. 
Whitaker engaged in grape-raising on an extensive scale. He himself super- 
intended and managed the ranch until 1883, when he suffered an accident that 
prevented him from continuing his former active labors. Finally he sold his 
fine property to the Italian-Swiss Company for $23,000, and with his family- 
took up his abode in Cloverdale. It was there that he passed away March 26, 
1891, his death closing a career that had been ennobling and uplifting. Observa- 
tion had led him to the conviction that intemperance was the greatest evil with 
which we as a nation had to contend, and as long as his health permitted he 
worked indefatigably to stem the corrupting tide, both by lectures and personal 
work. 

The marriage of James P. Whitaker, September 28. 1858, united him with 
Miss Jane Carroll, who was born in County Monaghan, Ireland, and came to 
the United States with her parents when an infant. She received exceptional 
educational advantages in the public schools of New York City, and after com- 
ing to Sonoma county, Cal, in 1855, was engaged in teaching here until her 
marriage. Four children were born of this union, as follows : Gilbert, a resi- 




(7 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 713 

dent of San Francisco; Lottie, the wife of Augustus Martin, of San Francisco; 
Fred and Wallace J., the latter also a resident of San Francisco. 

While the parents were living in Marin county Fred Whitaker was born near 
Tomales, October 11, 1863. Although he was reared to a full knowledge of 
ranch life, his inclination tended in other directions, and in following the line of 
work for which nature intended him he is not only successful, but is happy and 
contented. While still a youth he showed a decided taste for things mechan- 
ical, and fitted himself for an engineer's position, and for the past fifteen years 
he had been the efficient engineer of the Cloverdale water works, and for a 
considerable time he has also been a member of the volunteer fire department. 
His thorough knowledge of the value of land has been put to good account of 
late years through the purchase and sale of numerous pieces of real-estate, among 
which was a tract which he purchased for $500 and sold for $5,000 twenty years 
later. Another was a tract of one hundred and thirty-two acres, for which he 
paid $200, and which he sold for $25 an acre. He has recently purchased a six- 
hundred acre tract of mountain and timber land, besides which he owns a like 
amount of land in Mendocino county. Fraternally he is a member and past 
grand of Cloverdale Lodge No. 193, I. O. O. F., and is also a member of Soto- 
yome Lodge, Foresters of America, of Healdsburg. 



JOHN ANDERSON. 

The entire period of his boyhood and early maturity was passed by Mr. 
Anderson in his native country, Denmark, where he was trained in the habits 
of industry, frugality and intelligent labor characteristic of his countrymen. 
Born in 1845, ne was on ly a little less than thirty years of age when he bade 
farewell to the scenes and friends of youth and crossed the ocean to the new 
world, proceeding westward to California and taking up land in Sonoma county. 
Throughout the remainder of his busy and honorable career he remained a 
resident of this section of the state and identified himself closely with interests 
leading to the local upbuilding. Lying along the coast of the Pacific ocean 
stretch seven hundred acres of pasture and timber land, forming an estate known 
as Horse-shoe Bay farm, three miles below Stewart Point. Since his death, 
which occurred September 16, 1908, the family have remained on the old home- 
stead and have engaged in the summer-resort business, their picturesque estate 
offering exceptional advantages for camping grounds and the successful enter- 
tainment of summer visitors. 

In addition to engaging in agricultural pursuits Mr. Anderson for sixteen 
years served as a justice of the peace and thus gained the title of Judge by which 
he was known throughout Sonoma county. As a justice he proved himself to 
be impartial, wise, tactful and the possessor of a broad knowledge of the law, 
such as is not often found in one untrained in the profession. When he came 
to the west he was a single man and it was not until a few years afterward that 
he established domestic ties. In his marriage he was unusually fortunate, for 
his wife proved to be a capable helpmate, devoted counselor and sagacious 
mother, ministering to his comfort until he passed away and ably superintending 
his estate subsequent to his demise. A native of Bodega, Sonoma county, she 



7 i4 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

bore the maiden name of Ella Samsel and was born in 1863, receiving a fair 
education in the schools of her home town and a thorough domestic training, in 
a home where thrift and economy ruled. 

Eight children comprised the family of Judge John and Ella Anderson, 
namely : Carl L. ; Eugene T. ; John F. C. ; Estelle, who married J. S. Wills, 
a native of Iowa ; Freda C, who married Charles F. Branigan, a native of 
Texas; Hilda H., whose husband, M. J. Pellascio, was born in Swit- 
zerland, their union being blessed with two children, John C. and Letha L. ; 
Florence, deceased ; and Margaret E., who resides with her mother at the old 
homestead. Mrs. Anderson descends from old southern ancestry. Her father, 
Hiram Samsel, was born in Maryland in the year 1805 and during youth learned 
the blacksmith's trade, which he followed in the east as well as after his removal 
to the Pacific coast in the '50s, crossing the plains with ox-teams. Fraternally 
he was an active local lodge worker in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. 
When somewhat advanced in middle life he married Susan Goforth, who was 
born in Tennessee in 1838. Of that union there were three children, as follows : 
Charles E., who resides at Yisalia; Isaac L., a resident of Oakland; and Ella, 
who became the wife of Judge Anderson. Mrs. Anderson's second marriage 
united her with Karl M. Nilsen, who was born in Laurvick, Norway, the son of 
Christian Nilsen, a merchant in that town, where Karl was reared and educated 
in the public schools. Like most of the young men of that vicinity he went to 
sea, and for many years he sailed on the large merchant marine vessels, which 
entered nearly every port of the world. On coming to the United States he 
enlisted in the navy, serving one term, and after his honorable discharge he 
located in Sonoma county, Cal., where he is engaged in farming on Horse- 
shoe Bav ranch. Beautifully located on the Pacific ocean, it affords a delightful 
view of the ocean and surrounding country, besides which it is heavily timbered 
with redwood, pine and oak. Mr. Nilsen is raising cattle and getting out rail- 
road ties and tan bark. In his religious belief he is a Lutheran, while his wife 
is an Episcopalian. 



NATHANIEL A. GRIFFITH. 

With Nathaniel Griffith agriculture is a science to be carefully studied, con- 
tinually improved and indefatigably pursued. No carelessness or laxity on his 
part is indulged in, thus preventing risks in the successful and complete utiliza- 
tion of the great forces of nature at his command. When he first located on his 
present ranch in Sonoma county he undertook the raising of grapes, with a few 
acres of mixed apples. The Gravenstein variety proving the best adapted to this 
soil, he gradually replaced the vines and other varieties of apples with Graven- 
steins, of which he is today the largest and most successful grower in this sec- 
tion of Sonoma county. All that is his today is the result of his individual effort 
after a careful and comprehensive study of the best method to pursue in the cul- 
tivation of the apple, and results are abundant evidence that he has made no 
mistake in singling out the Gravenstein variety as his specialty, in the cultiva- 
tion of which he is an authority throughout this section. 

The earliest recollections of Mr. Griffith are of a home in Iowa, where he 
was born in 1850, the son of Thomas and Lucy (Bell) Griffith, the former a 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 715 

native of Kentucky, and the latter of Indiana. The father is now deceased, but 
the mother is still living, having attained the good old age of eighty years. The 
early married life of the parents was passed on a farm in Wapello county, Iowa, 
and it was in this community that Nathaniel A. was reared and educated, and it 
was there too that he gained his first knowledge of practical agriculture. By 
the time he was twenty-four years of age Iowa seemed limited in its opportun- 
ities and in removing further west he found larger scope for his ambition. After 
an experience of nine years in Nevada he came to California, in 1883. At that 
time he purchased seventy-eight acres of land near Santa Rosa, but in the 
meantime has disposed of a portion of his land, now owning fifty acres. At the 
time of purchase the land was uncultivated and altogether unpromising in appear- 
ance, but he undertook the task of cultivation with a will, and while not altogether 
successful at first, has persevered until he is now one of the most successful 
ranchers in the county. In addition to twenty-four acres in grapes, he planted 
several acres to mixed apples, but study and experience proved beyond question 
the superiority of the Gravenstein, and the greater part of his ranch, thirty- 
five acres, is now in this variety of apple, one of the largest bearing orchards 
of this variety in the county. For several years he picked and marketed the 
fruit himself, but since then he has sold his crops on the trees to the packers, 
Frank Simpson & Co., of Los Angeles. The average returns from his apple 
orchard for the past few years have been $5,000, an excellent showing and one 
which is well deserved by this intelligent and thrifty rancher. 

Mr. Griffith's marriage in 1882 united him with Miss Ida J. Fleming, a 
native of New Jersey. The eldest of the four children born of this marriage is 
Guy F., born in November, 1883, who is at home and assisting in the care of 
the home ranch; Grace M.. born in May, 1885. is the wife of Charles B. Allison, 
of Santa Rosa; Alice F., born in July, 1886, is still at home, as is also Nellie 
B., born in 1800. Mrs. Griffith's parents were both natives of the east, the 
father born in New Jersey and the mother in New York state. Politically Mr. 
Griffith may be said to be independent, adhering to neither of the great polit- 
ical bodies, but voting for the man possessing the highest principles combined 
with his ability for the office in question. 



CHARLES H. LEWIS. 
As one of the successful ranchers in the vicinity of Petaluma, Sonoma 
county, C. H. Lewis is sustaining his part in the upbuilding of the community 
in which he has made his home for over thirteen years. As are many of the 
men who have come to this section of the country and made a name and place 
for themselves, at the same time assisted in building up the locality along sub- 
stantial lines, Mr. Lewis is a native of the east, his birth having occurred in Van 
Rensselaer county, N. Y., in 1841. The westward trend of immigration in the 
earh- '50s witnessed the removal of the Lewis family to Wisconsin, and the 
town of Racine was the scene of a happy home life for many years thereafter. 
There it was that the son, C. H., grew to a stalwart young manhood, strength- 
ening his muscles in working as a farm hand in the vicinitv of his home when 
not attending school. 



7 i6 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Striking out in the world on his own behalf, Mr. Lewis went to Dane 
countv. Wis., where he put his knowledge of farming to a practical test for two 
years, at the end of which time he removed to Mount Vernon, same county, 
and there started in the hotel business, a line of occupation for which he was so 
well fitted by a happy combination of personal qualities. Subsequently he re- 
moved to Brodhead. Green county, and there, too, he opened a hotel, in the 
maintenance of which he was no less successful than in his former location. 
Each removal tended to bring him a little nearer to his final goal, and his stay- 
in Chillicothe. Mo., whither he went from Brodhead, Wis., proved his starting 
point for the far west, coming here in 1897, from which year also dates his resi- 
dence in Petaluma, Sonoma county. Here in the years that have since inter- 
vened he has won a place in the hearts of the citizens among whom he settled, 
for in him they have recognized a man of genuine worth and unimpeachable 
character. Since coming to California Mr. Lewis has followed the business 
with which he first became familiar as a boy, tilling the soil. Here he is super- 
intending the ranch of his son-in-law, Dr. Bennett, comprising one hundred 
and sixty acres near Petaluma, devoted to the raising of hay and grain. 

While a resident of Dane county, Wis., in 1874, Mr. Lewis was united in 
marriage with Miss Mary E. Wright, who was a native of that state, born in 
Waukesha county in 1855. One daughter, Grace, was born of this marriage, 
and she is now the wife of Dr. E. G. Bennett, of Petaluma. If Mr. Lewis may 
be said to possess a hobby, it is for the accumulation of Indian curios, and the 
visitor to his home is highly entertained in viewing the collection and listening 
to the owner's comments thereon. In the list may be counted sixty-five mortars 
and several hundred pestles of the old style, six matates, five flat and one on 
three legs ; twenty-four stone axes, of which two are double grooved, and as 
an evidence of the rarity of the latter, it may be said that when Mr. Morehead, 
the well-known writer, viewed the collection, he made the statement that in all 
his life he had seen but four others besides those in Mr. Lewis" possession. The 
collection also includes an obsidian knife ten inches long ; a bow and arrow 
which is a relic of the Modoc war and is supposed to be one hundred and fifty 
years old ; two thousand arrow heads made of flint, some of which are barbed 
some with serrated edges like a saw, and still others are beveled ; one hematite 
axe made by the Missouri Indians ; one hundred and eighty stone plumb-bobs 
or sinkers made in the shape of the Caucasian plumb-bob; many fine sea shells 
and rare specimens of coral ; twenty-four old hand-made candle-holders of brass 
and iron ; and fifteen Indian baskets, water-tight, which were made by the In- 
dians in Modoc, Siskiyou and Del Norte counties. It was while living in Wis- 
consin that Mr. Lewis joined the Odd Fellows order, and he has been affiliated 
with the order ever since. 



WILLIAM COMSTOCK. 

The identification of the Comstock family with this country ante-dates the 
Revolutionary period, for the records show that the grandfather of William 
Comstock enlisted in the Continental army under Washington and was a gallant 
defender of the colonies rights. Fairfield county, Conn., has witnessed the 




c^^^ 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 719 

births and deaths of many generations of this family, and it was on a farm in 
that count)' that the grandfather was tilling the soil when called to the defense 
of his country. On this same farm his son, Watts Comstock, and his grand-son, 
William Comstock, were born, the birth of the latter occurring August 9, 1825. 

William Comstock was reared on a farm and attended the district schools 
near his home. Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather before 
him, he had settled down to farm life in the community in which he was reared, 
when the quiet routine of his daily life was disturbed by the news of the find- 
ing of gold in California. He was about twenty-three years old at the time, 
full of enthusiasm and hope that knows no such words as failure and disappoint- 
ment. He was not long in making up his mind to embark on the venturesome 
voyage that was to bring him to this eldorado of the west, and the year 1849 
found him leaving the home of his forefathers for the port of New York, where 
he set sail for the Isthmus. The entire voyage lasted six months, but as soon 
as he reached California he lost no time in making his way to the north fork of 
the American river, where he had heard the prospects were exceptionally good. 
Subsequently he also followed mining on the Yuba river. Altogether he con- 
tinued mining for about two years, finally giving it up, in 1851, to take up 
ranching in Contra Costa county. From there he came to Sonoma county in 
1856, and in 1871 came to Santa Rosa and purchased a ranch of two hundred 
and forty acres near town. Here he rounded out his long and useful life, and 
besides the wife and son who still mourn his loss, he left many friends who 
loved him for his many fine traits of character. 

The marriage of Mr. Comstock united him with Miss Clara Stone in i860; 
she was a native of Michigan, but has been a resident of California since 1856, 
coming to the state at that time with her father and locating in Contra Costa 
county. Two children blessed the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Comstock, Hubert 
and Florence, the latter of whom died at the age of sixteen years. During his 
early voting days Mr. Comstock was a Whig, but after the formation of the 
Republican party he was an advocate of its principles. Mr. Comstock was a 
patriotic and loyal citizen, intent upon the general good of the community, the 
city and state which he had made his by adoption. 



JOHN JACKSON COX. 

Sixty years represents the period of Mr. Cox's residence in Sonoma county, 
few if any in his vicinity preceding him, and both by old and young he is af- 
fectionately known and addressed as "Uncle John." Generations of the Cox 
family had been born and reared in the south, among them the parents of our 
subject, William and Lucy (Blakely) Cox, both of whom were born and reared 
in Kentucky but removed to Davis county, Mo., where they were farmers, and 
resided there until their deaths. In Knox county, Ky., John Jackson Cox was 
born February 17, 1835. Besides himself the parental family included six sons 
and two daughters, as follows : William ; Levi, who died in Missouri ; James, who 
also died in Missouri; Edward T., who died in the army at Little Rock, Ark., 
Benjamin, a resident of Hannibal, Mo. ; Martin O., who died near Nettleton, 
Mo.; and Armina and Talitha J., both of whom died in Missouri. Edward 
chose for his wife Miss Miranda Osborn and they had five children. 

36 



7 2o HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Benjamin married Miss Langford and they have five children, four daughters 
and one son. Martin, who chose as his wife Charity Hail, became father of 
three children, two daughters and a son. Armina became the mother of fifteen 
children by her marriage with David Thomas, the family making their home in 
Davis county, Mo. Talitha J. became the wife of David Craves, and the mother 
of five children. 

John Jackson Cox was a youth of fifteen years when the news of the 
discovery of gold in California was heralded across the plains and it was natural 
that he should have responded to its call as did many another ambitious youth 
on the verge of assuming life's responsibilities. He left St. Joseph and crossed 
the plains in a wagon train of ox-teams in a company of nine men. August 
14, 1850, marks the date of his arrival in Ringgold, Eldorado county, where he 
followed mining for twelve years. Following his mining experience, in 1864, 
he located in Sonoma county. He and Mr. Trosper owned the Magnire ranch, 
from Cazadero to Gualala, upon which they ran stock. Later they sold this off 
to improve their places. Mr. Cox's ranch comprises one hundred and sixty-two 
and a-half acres, of which eight acres are in vineyard, the yield from which is 
quite exceptional, averaging twenty-four tons per season. Besides the land de- 
voted to vineyard he has two acres in the various fruits grown in this locality, 
the remainder of the land being pasture and timber land. Mr. Cox has every 
reason to be contented with his lot and satisfied that fate led him to take up 
his residence here, for he has been successful in his undertakings and has en- 
joyed life in the progressive west as he never could have done in the south where 
he was born. In his political affiliations he is a Democrat, and though he is not 
identified by membership with any church organization, he is nevertheless a 
believer in the keynote of all religions, the Golden Rule, the practice of which 
he exemplifies in his dealings with his fellowmen, who respect and revere him 
as one whose life and deeds are unimpeachable. 



H. H. ATWATER. 

Though passed from the scenes of earth, the memory of H. H. Atwater is 
enshrined in the hearts of a host of friends, who were endeared to him as a 
result of many years of intimate and congenial association. A native of Penn- 
sylvania, he was born in Providence, in 1837, the son of parents who passed the 
greater part of their lives in that eastern commonwealth. The father was well 
known in commercial circles in that part of the state, especially in Providence, 
where he was established in the dry-goods business under the name of Winton 
& Atwater. 

H. H. Atwater was reared and educated in his native town of Providence, 
and when the time came for him to prepare for his future from a business stand- 
point he entered the dry-goods store of which his father was the junior partner 
and learned the business in all of its details. It was with a thorough under- 
standing of this business that he came to California in 1875, tne same vear com " 
ing to Petaluma and accepting a position with the dry-goods firm of Hinman 
& Elder. He remained in the employ of this well-known firm for a number of 
years, or until a better business opportunity presented itself. This was with the 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 721 

Wickersham Banking Company, of which he was the efficient cashier for many 
years. It was while the incumbent of this responsible position that failing 
health made is necessary for him to take a respite from business cares, and for 
this purpose he went to Skaggs Springs, Sonoma county. He passed away 
at this health resort August 10, 1897. During the twenty-two years of his resi- 
dence in Petaluma he took an interested part in her activities, and was recog- 
nized as one of the substantial and dependable citizens and upbuilders of the 
community. In his political affiliation he was a Republican, and fraternally he 
was associated with the Odd Fellows order. 

Five 3"ears before coming to the west Mr. Atwater had formed domestic 
ties by his marriage, in New York state, with Miss Addie A. Dailey, the mar- 
riage occurring May 3, 1870. The only child of this marriage is Frank At- 
water, who is a prominent merchant in Petaluma. Mrs. Atwater is proud to 
claim descent from good old Revolutionary stock. Her grandfather, Jared 
Knapp, passed through the entire conflict in the capacity of body guard to Gen. 
George Washington, and subsequently, in the war of 1812, fought with equal 
zeal against the tyranny of the Mother Country. Other historical interest cen- 
ters around this patriot of Revolutionary fame in the fact that he was one of the 
men who led Major Andre to his execution. 

The spirit of protest against injustice so marked in the make-up of this 
patriotic ancestor is noticeable in modified form in Mrs. Atwater, and has been 
put to use in high and noble causes ever since she came to Petaluma. For many 
years she was president of the Humane Society, and is now president of the 
Ladies' Improvement Club of Petaluma, which was organized in 1898 through 
her indefatigable labors for the betterment of civic conditions in her home city. 
From the day of its organization she has been at its head as president, and 
during this time an active campaign has been carried on in the improvement of 
conditions. Among other things that have been accomplished has been the 
laying out of the city's two parks, Hill Plaza and Walnut Park, planting trees 
on many of the streets, placing a well in Walnut Park, besides building side- 
walks and making other improvements that but for the united action and in- 
sistence of the club might never have been possible. Not the least of the activi- 
ties for which the citizens have cause to thank the club is the fine condition of 
the grounds around the Carnegie Library, which they laid out in artistic style 
and which have since been a source of pride to all citizens. The lot on which 
the library stands was Mrs. Atwater's personal gift to the city, an act which 
gave substantial evidence of her deep interest in the cause for which she has 
labored for so many years, the betterment of humanity in general and particu- 
larly that portion in and around her home city, Petaluma. Under the new char- 
ter the responsibilty of the park finance has been placed upon the park com- 
mission, and they are at present in charge, but the Ladies' Improvement Club 
have been requested to take the same interest in it as formerly. 



HENRY ANDREW HARDIN. 

Intimately associated with the stock-raising interests of Sonoma county is 

Henry A. Hardin, who is the owner of a fine stock ranch near Sonoma which he 

rents to a tenant, being himself retired from active business cares and with his 

wife is enjoying the comforts which their combined efforts for many years have 



7 22 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

made possible. Since leaving the ranch they have made their home in Peta- 
luma, at No. 220 Seventh street. 

A native of the south, Mr. Hardin was born in Oldham county, Ky., Feb- 
ruary 13, 1833. but his recollections of his birthplace are dim at best, as 
when he was a small boy his parents removed with their family to Johnson 
county, Mo. There he gained a modest education in the country schools of 
the locality of his home, and when not in attendance during the short term, was 
employ ed on the home farm and also worked on a carding machine in preparing 
wool for market. He found this work rather uninteresting and monotonous after 
hearing of the larger prospects which the west had to offer, and when he was 
only nineteen years old he decided to take his future in his hands and come to 
the Pacific coast country. There were fifteen wagons in the ox-team train with 
which he set out from Missouri in 1852, and it was six months and twelve days 
before they arrived in California. The records do not state that they were molested 
bv the Indians, but a foe of even greater danger attacked them in the form of 
cholera, from which a number of the party died. The journey finally completed, 
Mr. Hardin came direct to Sonoma county and near Sebastopol succeeded in 
securing work on a ranch. Later, in the same locality, he bought out a squatter 
and fenced in about four hundred acres, which he stocked with cattle and sheep, 
carrying on stock-raising and dairying there for about ten years, or until the 
land title was settled. He then went into another section and bought five hun- 
dred and forty acres, which he utilized as he had his former tract, cattle and 
sheep raising and dairying, remaining on the ranch altogether for fifteen years, 
during which time he added to the size of the ranch by the purchase of two hun- 
dred acres of adjoining land. Subsequently he disposed of a portion of this 
acreage. In 1872 he bought eight hundred head of cattle that his brother had 
brought from Texas, meeting them at the forks of the Platte river, and from 
there he drove them to Nevada and sold them the following year. Returning 
to California, he stopped on his home place and in 1876 disposed of it and 
bought two hundred acres of land near Lakeville, upon which he located and 
made his home for the following nineteen years, selling it at the end of this time 
and purchasing in its place the fine stock ranch of which he is now the owner 
near Sonoma. This is one of the largest tracts of land in the county owned by 
one person, comprising twelve hundred and forty acres. At one time, for about 
six years, he ran about six thousand sheep in Monterey county, on the Salinas 
river, making his home in Sonoma county during that time. For many years 
after purchasing his present property Mr. Flardin superintended it personally, 
but for sixteen years the active management of the property has been in the 
hands of a tenant, and since retiring from business he has made his home in 
Petaluma. Fie has a personal and kindly interest in his home town, the growth 
of which he has watched from a straggling village,- and he has always favored 
the maintenance of churches and good schools, and has served on the boards 
of both as a trustee for many years. He has always supported the_ movements 
put forth that have been for the upbuilding of the county and advancement of 
the social and moral interests of the citizens. 

The first marriage of Mr. Hardin, in 1856, united him with Miss Mary E. 
Leard, a native of Illinois. Five children were born to them, but three of the 
number are deceased, Josephine, Robert H. and Andrew. Those living are 






CJ> C^y^^ccx^ic^ 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 7 2 5 

Paschal H.. a resident of Petaluma, and Rosetta, the wife of Judge N. J. Barry, 
of Reno, Nev. Mr. Hardin's second marriage occurred in 1869 and united 
him with Miss Martha M. Veale, also a native of Illinois. Five children were 
horn of this marriage also, as follows : Dr. A. E. Hardin, who is practicing his 
profession in Washington; Ella Irene, the wife of Thomas Worth, of Sebasto- 
pol ; Julia, the wife of Edwin Gregory, a rancher of Petaluma: Sarah, the wife 
of J. Benson, the owner and manager of a ranch near Petaluma ; and Mrs. Ida 
Tane Corbin. 



CHARLES RAMATICI. 

There is much in the California environment to will and hold the affection 
of the people of Switzerland. Both charm the eye with scenic beauty ; both 
boast of fruitful valleys nestling among the snow-capped mountains ; both at- 
tract thousands of tourists each year to enjoy the climate and behold the scenery. 
Somewhat alike too are the two regions in their occupations, for in both coun- 
tries agriculture is a leading industry and dairying has enlisted the efforts of 
many of the people. These resemblances were noted by Mr. Ramatici, when 
in 1877 he came to California from Switzerland, where he was born in 1857, 
and where up to the time of his arrival in the west he had lived and labored 
among his kindred. At the same time he noted many differences between the 
two countries, difference of language, in modes of thought, in habits and cus- 
toms of the peoples, in methods of conducting agricultural operations and in the 
adoption in the newer country of modern machinery and devices as yet unknown 
or little used in the older country. 

On both sides of the family Mr. Ramatici is descended from ancestors who 
were among the first families in Switzerland, which for many generations had 
benefited by their labors. His immediate ancestors were Peter and Mary 
(Liberada) Ramatici. who were content to pass their entire lives in the land 
which gave them birth. Their son Charles remained an inmate of the old Swiss 
home until he was twenty years of age, when he made up his mind to come 
to the United States and the year 1877 witnessed his landing upon these shores. 
Coming direct to California, he located in Marin county and immediately sought 
employment along the line with which he was most familiar, farming. While 
adjusting himself to his new surroundings and acquiring a knowledge of the 
language of his adopted homeland he found it exceedingly advantageous to 
remain in the employ of others before undertaking responsibilities on his own 
account. This however would not long satisfy his ambitious nature, and as 
soon as circumstances made it possible he leased a ranch and engaged in the 
dairy business. The ranch comprised five hundred and sixty-five acres of excel- 
lent land in Marin county, within easy access of Petaluma. This is a dairying 
country without a superior in the state, and like the majority of ranchers in 
the community Mr. Ramatici is especially interested in this branch of agricul- 
ture. On the ranch mentioned he kept a herd of over one hundred milch cows, 
besides considerable young stock. In addition to his dairy stock he has five head 
of horses, eighty head of hogs and one thousand chickens of the White Leg- 
horn breed. Taken in its entirety the ranch which Mr. Ramatici is operating 
is one of the representative ones in this part of the county, and indicates what 



726 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

a man with a definite purpose may accomplish. In May, 191 1, he purchased 
sixty-nine acres of land one-half mile south of Petaluma, where he engages in 
the poultry business. It is a well improved ranch and convenient to markets, 
and it is the owner's intention to make this his permanent home. 

In the choice of a wife Mr. Ramatici chose one of his countrywomen 
in Miss Martha Spaletta, who was born in Switzerland in i860, and has been 
a resident of California since 1886, their marriage occurring in San Francisco. 
Six children have come to bless their marriage, four sons and two daughters, 
namely : Peter, Adolf, Romeo, Charles, Jr., Linda and Lilly. Mrs. Ramatici 
is the daughter of Peter and Jennie Spaletta, and comes from an ancestry that 
ranks high in the annals of that country. Politically Mr. Ramatici is a Re- 
publican, fraternally is identified with the Beneficanza Swizzera, and religiously 
is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church, being a communicant of the 
organization at Petaluma. 



WILLIAM HOCKIN. 

Few men have come to Sonoma county in young manhood and, with little 
to aid them save their own indomitable energy and fixity of purpose, succeeded 
so well in accomplishing their praiseworthy ambitions as William Hockin. No 
face is more familiar to the residents of Santa Rosa, nor does any name carry 
with it greater weight, whether from a business, agricultural or general stand- 
point. Prosperity, good judgment, optimism and good will are suggested by 
the personality of Mr. Hockin, and one is interested in the study of his rise from 
its incipiency to his present position as land owner, proprietor of the Fashion 
livery and feed stables in Santa Rosa, and as one of the best known and most 
highly respected citizens of Sonoma count}-. 

Mr. Hockin's earliest recollections are of a quiet home in Cornwall county, 
England, where he was born in 1850, and where he continued to make his home 
with his parents until reaching his majority. Leaving parents, friends and all 
with which he was familiar behind him, he set out for America at the age of 
twenty-two years, and at the end of an uneventful voyage landed at Quebec, 
Canada. He then went to Bowmanville, where he worked at his trade of miller 
for tv/o years. From there he went to Humboldt, Tenn., there as in Canada 
working at the miller's trade and continuing there about one year. It was at 
the end of this time that he came to California and located in Sonoma county, 
and for over thirty-five years he has done a noble part in the upbuilding of this 
section of the state. For a time after settling in Santa Rosa he worked at his 
trade of miller, subsequently engaging in the blacksmith business in Sebastopol 
for about two years, when he went to Stewart's Point and filled the position 
of clerk in the John Fisk hotel for the same period. A change of location at the 
end of this time took him to Duncan's Mill, where he leased what is known as 
the Sewell stock ranch, managing it successfully for four years, after which 
he leased the Sea View summer resort and maintained it with profit for six 
years. It was with this varied experience to his credit that he finally returned 
to Santa Rosa, and since November 4, 1888. he has been proprietor of the finest 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 727 

and best appointed livery and feed stable in the city, known as the Fashion 
stables. 

Mr. Hockin's marriage occurred in 1878 and united him with Miss Amanda 
Elizabeth Totton, who was born in Canada in 1857 and in whose veins flowed 
the blood of Scotch ancestors. Seven children were born of this union, and all 
of the number are still living. The eldest of the children, Gertrude A., was born 
October 30, 1880; Grace M., who was born in February, 1882, is married and 
lives in Marin county; Maud A. was born in November, 1884; Anna Belle, born 
in December, 1886, is the wife of M. J. Forsythe, of Williams, Cal. William 
H , who was born in May, 1888, chose as his wife Miss Margaret Louise Lee, 
and they make their home in Santa Rosa; the two youngest children, Albert, 
born in 1893, and Margaret, born in 1894, are still at home with their parents. 
In the maintenance of the livery business Mr. Hockin has the assistance of his 
two sons, William H. and Albert, an association which is not only amicable, but 
one which is profitable to all concerned. In his stable Mr. Hockin has a num- 
ber of fine horses which he raised himself, and throughout this section of 
Sonoma countv there is probably no one more thoroughly versed in the training 
and care of horses than is he. 

Politically Mr. Hockin is a Democrat ; by appointment he filled the office 
of postmaster at Sea View during his residence in that place. Fraternally he is 
identified with the Masonic order, belonging to Santa Rosa Lodge No. 57, F. 
& A. M., and he is also a member of Santa Rosa Lodge No. 53, I. O. O. F., in 
which he has filled all of the chairs. As a citizen he takes a deep interest in the 
welfare of the city, and has never shirked his duty toward the public when 
opportunity has presented itself to assist in the advancement of its highest 
interests. 



JOSEPH C. JONES. 
Earl}- in the colonial settlement of New England a branch of the Jones 
family became established along the shores of the Atlantic ocean, and from that 
pioneer ancestry descended the prosperous farmer whose name introduces this 
articie and whose activities for many years have been associated with the 
material development of Sonoma county. New Hampshire is his native com- 
monwealth, as it was likewise the birthplace of his parents, Eliphalet and Eliza 
(Woodward) Jones, the former of whom, a man of sterling character and irre- 
proachable honor, died in 1856 at the age of forty-nine years, a useful life find- 
ing its earthly end all too soon. There were five sons and four daughters in 
the parental family, namely : Samuel, Joseph C, Henry, Samuel, George, Eliz- 
abeth, Elmira, Emeline and Abigail. Of the daughters Elizabeth, Mrs. G. W. 
Dunlap, had two children, Herman and Mrs. Alameda Willard, the latter be- 
ing the mother of three daughters and two sons. Elmira, Mrs. Saltmarsh, had 
one daughter. Emeline, wife of George W. Moody, had four sons and one 
daughter, namely : Charles, Frank, Henry, Gill and Abbie, who is married 
and has three children. The sons in the parental family for the most part re- 
mained in New England ; Henry married Belle Benepay, but had no children. 



7 2S HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

The others established homes of their own and became citizens of influence in 
their several localities. 

Little of especial importance occurred to mark the boyhood of Joseph C. 
Tones. His early recollections are associated with the village of Unity, N. H., 
where he was born in 1843 and where he attended the public schools, laying 
the foundation for a liberal education afterward extended by travel and close 
observation. Desiring to settle in the great undeveloped west he came to Cali- 
fornia in 1865, landing at San Francisco, where he secured employment and 
remained for a time. During the year 1876 he removed to Sonoma county, 
and now resides near Guerneville, where he owns a farm of two hundred acres. 
His attention is given to the care of the land, a part of which is in timber and 
pasture and the balance under cultivation. A vineyard of one acre has proved a 
source of considerable revenue. Perhaps the most valuable improvement is an 
orchard of twenty acres, containing four thousand fruit trees in thrifty condi- 
tion. Much time is required for the care of the trees and the harvesting of 
the crops of fruit, but Mr. Jones feels abundantly repaid for the labor, as the 
prices received for the fruit are always such as to bring him a gratifying profit. 
His ranch, which is known as Mountain View ranch, is located on top of a 
mountain, overlooking the Russian river, and in clear weather it is possible to 
get a view of St. Helena and Santa Rosa, and also of Mount Tamalpais on 
the coast. 

At the time of coming to California Mr. Jones was unmarried, and it was 
not until 1876 that he established domestic ties, his marriage in that year uniting 
him with Miss Mary Powers, a native of Springfield, Vt., and a woman of edu- 
cation and refinement. An only child came to bless their union, a daughter, 
Nellie M., who was given fair educational advantages and is now the wife of 
James George. Mrs. Mary Jones passed away in 1885, and on November 17, 
1901, Mr. Jones was united in marriage with Mrs. Frances (Campbell) Lynch, 
a native of Wisconsin and a resident of California since 1876. She was the 
daughter of A. H. and Emiline B. Campbell, who at their deaths were living 
in Benicia. By her former marriage Mrs. Jones has two children, as follows : 
Mary, who is the wife of P. M. Autzen. of San Anselmo, and Frank H. Mr. 
Jones and his family stand high in the social circles of the community and are 
active members of the Episcopal Church, contributing generously to its main- 
tenance, as well as to other worthy religious and philanthropic movements. 
Well posted concerning national issues, Mr. Jones has always favored Repub- 
lican principles and has given the party his support in both local and general 
elections, but has not sought office for himself nor been solicitous for political 
preferment. 



GRANVILLE THOMPSON AUSTIN. 
To trace the lineage of the Austin family is to review a portion of the early 
history of Tennessee, when people of that name became identified with the 
struggling settlement in the midst of the forest primeval. The paternal grand 
father of our subject, David Shelton Austin, was one of the first settlers of 
Tennessee, going there from Virginia, where he was born. He served all through 




^7^<^^ P^&^-^y (7^d>A 



s 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 731 

the seven years of the Revolutionary war. His son, David Austin, served in 
the war of 1812, the greater part of his life, however, being passed on a farm 
in Tennessee, where he died. Granville T. Austin is also a native of Tennessee, 
and was born in Sumner county in 1841, the son of David and Polly A. (Lowry) 
Austin. Seven sons and three daughters constituted the parental family, as 
follows: John, William, David B„ Albert, Thomas, Joner, Granville T., Louisa, 
Emily and Anna L. Albert chose as his wife Martha Wilson, and they are 
the parents of ten children, six sons and four daughters. Thomas and his wife, 
formerly Fannie Hern, have five children, two sons and three daughters. Joner 
is the father of four children. William married Lucy Davis, by whom he has 
six children, three sons and three daughters. John chose as his wife Missouri 
Jones, and they have three sons and one daughter. Anna L. is deceased. 
David B. married Mandona Jones and they have three children. Louisa is de- 
ceased. Emily, Mrs. Jones, is a resident of Los Angeles. 

It was the year in which the Civil war opened that Granville T. Austin 
came to California, in 1861, crossing the plains with ox-teams from Bonham, 
Tex. Establishing himself as a rancher in Sonoma county, from a modest be- 
ginning in the vicinity of Guerneville he has constantly added to his acreage by 
the purchase of adjoining land until he now owns a fine ranch of three hundred 
and seventy acres, of which twenty-five acres are in vineyard. Fruit-raising is 
also a source of income to the owner, the returns from the vineyard and the 
two hundred fruit trees for the year 1909 amounting to $950. Stock-raising is 
also carried on to some extent, and ample pasturage is provided from the land 
not otherwise used. Mr. Austin has always tried to do right in all of his business 
transactions, and commands the highest esteem of those with whom he is asso- 
ciated. By training as well as from principle he is a Democrat. 

Mr. Austin has been one of the upbuilders of Sonoma county and has 
proven what can be done by energy and close application in developing the land 
from the wild, tilling the soil, and setting out trees and vines. He was the 
first in this section to accomplish this, and now many are following in his foot- 
steps. 

In Fanning count)', Tex., Mr. Austin was married to Miss Elizabeth 
Basham, a native of Louisiana. She died in 1884, having become the mother of 
four sons and two daughters. John O. married Clara Overfell and they have 
three sons. William G. married Lydia Wilsey and two sons and two daughters 
have been born to them. David Lee resides in Honolulu. Charles Harry is 
married and has a son and a daughter. Anna Lulu is the wife of George Nowlin 
and with her husband resides in Rionidi, Sonoma county. Jessie is the wife of 
John Archer, of Santa Rosa. 



LAFAYETTE W. BACON. 
Although Mr. Bacon came to California in the early '50s, his residence in 
the state has been of comparatively short duration, and between the date of his 
return to the east and his second appearance in this state, much of his most 
active life was passed, and now, at the age of seventy-six years, he is main- 
taining a ranch of twenty-two acres, near Healdsburg, which is a part of the 
ranch formerly owned by his sister and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. John Peck, 



732 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

whom he assisted in locating upon this property at the time he first came west. 
A native of Pennsylvania, Lafayette W. Bacon was born in Northeast, 
Erie county, in 1834, and when a child of two years was taken by his parents 
to Cleveland, Ohio. This proved but a temporary location, for the following 
year removal was made to Whiteside county, 111., and there the family remained 
until 1846, a change of location in that year taking them to Wisconsin. Among 
the immigrants who crossed the plains in 1850 was Mr. Bacon's sister, Mrs. 
Nancy Peck, who with her husband was following the tide of immigration that 
gave such a different aspect to this whole western country. It was with a desire 
to visit his sister that Lafayette W. Bacon crossed the plains in 1853, at which 
time the Pecks were settling on a ranch of two hundred and forty acres near 
Healdsburg, Mr. Bacon assisting them and afterward making a visit of several 
months. Returning to Wisconsin during the following year, he resumed farm- 
ing, and the same year, 1854, formed domestic ties by his marriage with Miss 
Jenette A. Swena, who like himself was a native of Pennsylvania. Nine chil- 
dren were born of this marriage, but of the number, only five are now living. 
Mrs. Jenette Bacon died in 1888, and two years later, in 1890, Mr. Bacon was 
united to his present wife, who prior to her marriage was Mrs. Martha E. 
(Bowers) Davis, and who was born in Indiana in 1855. No children were 
born of this marriage. Throughout the years of his residence in Wisconsin 
Mr. Bacon followed farming continuously and was a prominent and influential 
citizen in the community in which he lived, serving as justice of the peace in 
that state in 1855, and during i860 and 1861 represented his district in the 
legislature of Colorado. 

It was in the year 1902 that Mr. Bacon and his wife came to Sonoma county, 
Cal., and settled on a part of the large ranch which his brother-in-law and sis- 
ter had purchased and settled upon nearly fifty years before. Here he has twenty- 
two acres of fine land, all under cultivation to grain and hay, in the care of 
which he takes a keen interest in spite of his advancing years. 

In his earlier years Mr. Bacon was a believer in Republican principles, 
but of late he has become convinced that the Prohibition party more nearly 
represents his belief and has transferred his allegiance to the latter party. He 
has also been an active advocate of temperance through his membership in and 
work in behalf of the Good Templars. Since coming to California he has taken 
an active part in the work of the grange, and also in the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, of which both himself and wife are members. 

Reference has already been made to Mr. Bacon's sister, Mrs. Nancy Peck. 
She was born in Erie county, Pa., February 6, 1819, and followed the various 
migrations of the family until her marriage to Mr. Peck. The year 1850 wit- 
nessed their removal to California across the plains with ox-teams, and in 1853 
the)- located upon the ranch of which Mr. Bacon's property forms a part. This 
was their home uninterruptedly until 1898, when they removed into Healdsburg, 
and here the death of Mrs. Peck occurred December 5, 1909, at the age of ninety 
years and nine months, after a residence in Sonoma county of fifty-six years, 
and of fifty-nine years in the state. At her death she left valuable property on 
Lincoln street, Healdsburg, to her favorite niece, Mrs. Addie Stevens, the wife 
of Charles D. Stevens, and the daughter of Lafayette W. Bacon. Mrs. Peck 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 733 

had made her home on this property for fourteen years, during which time 
she had endeared herself to all who were privileged to know her, all loving 
and respecting her for her genuine worth and fine traits of character. She 
was known by everyone in Healdshurg as Grandma Peck. 



JAMES SINCLAIR. 

A little over a quarter of a century marks the span of Mr. Sinclair's life in 
California, the greater part of which was spent in the mining regions, and al- 
rhough only four years mark the period of his accomplishments in Sonoma 
county, he is still remembered as one of her most helpful and progressive citi- 
zens. The work which he here began has been taken up and carried forward 
by his widow, and today no finer or more productive ranch may be seen in the 
vicinity of Sebastopol than the one of which she is the owner. 

James Sinclair was born in Canada in 1836, the son of David Sinclair, a 
native of Scotland, who came to Canada in an early day and located on a farm 
which he took up from the government, this being a part of the land given to 
the Canadian government by the Queen of England. Young James grew up on 
this farm and remained in his Canadian home for a number of years after reach- 
ing his majority, apparently contented with his surroundings. However, in the 
spring of 1862 his removal to California proved that his contentment was only 
apparent and not real, for in coming to the west he had clear-cut plans as to his 
future and carried them out very successfully. Going to the mines in the vicinity oi 
Marysville he found employment in the mining mills of that locality as an 
amalgamator, and while working in this capacity, was also interested in copper 
mining. Altogether he continued in the mining regions for about seven years, 
when, in 1869, he removed to Humboldt county and carried on a ranch near 
Areata for the following fifteen years. It was at the end of this time, in 1884, 
that he came to Sonoma county and bought the property now the home of his 
widow. This consists of twenty acres of fine land near Sebastopol, although at 
the time of purchase it was rough and wild, and as unlike what it is today as it 
is possible for the mind to picture. Clearing the land of timber and under- 
brush, he set out apple trees of all the best known varieties, and although he did 
not live long thereafter to enjoy returns from his labor, he still had the satis- 
faction of knowing that his land had few if any equals, a conclusion which was 
strengthened during the four years he was permitted to remain upon it. Here 
his earth life came to a close in 1888, and the work of maintaining the ranch 
which he then laid down was taken up by his widow, and with what success she 
has discharged her duty, needs but a glance at the thrifty ranch to determine. 
The annual output of the ranch is seven hundred boxes of Gravenstein apples, 
three hundred boxes of Baldwins, and two hundred boxes of Newtown pippins, 
while one Belleflower tree bears a ton of fruit each year. In addition to the 
orchard Mrs. Sinclair has one acre in blackberries and three acres in vineyard, 
both berries and grapes adding considerably to the annual income from the 
ranch. 



7 j 4 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Before her marriage, which occurred in Marysville, Cal.. June 12, 1866, 
Mrs. Sinclair was Miss Mary Drake, a native of Michigan and a descendant of 
Sir Francis Drake, the famous English navigator. As did her husband, Mrs. 
Sinclair came to California by way of the Isthmus of Panama. One son, David, 
was born of their marriage, and he is now proprietor of a ranch of his own, 
not far from his mother's ranch, all of his fifteen acres being in orchard. Mr. 
Sinclair was a stanch Republican in his political views, and fraternally he was 
a Mason. The son is also a member of the Masonic order, being past master of 
Sebastopo) Lodge, and a member of the Royal Arch Lodge of Santa Rosa. 



RICHARD REDMOND PATTEN. 

Were it possible to compile a complete record of the early experiences of 
Mr. Patten, an authentic account of pioneer times in Sonoma county would 
likewise be presented, for the man and the county have a history with much 
in common. It is said that Mr. Patten, in 1848, was the only white child in 
Sonoma city, and certain it is that he was one of the very first white children 
to live in this region. As memory recalls to his mind the scenes of early days 
he is impressed with the fact that no attempt had been made at the most vital 
improvements; the country was rough and covered with brush through which 
no paths had been made. Few roads had been opened and fewer schools had 
been started. Out of the chaos of primeval conditions there has gradually de- 
veloped an environment of prosperity and progress, fully equal to the demands 
of the civilization of the twentieth century. 

The first representative of the Patten family in California was John Patten, 
our subject's grandfather, and a pioneer of 1846 on the Pacific coast. Two 
years later, in 1848, the father, Joseph Patten, who was born in Missouri in 
1822 and was a widower at the time mentioned, started across the plains with 
wagons and ox-teams, being accompanied by Richard R., born in Missouri in 
1844 and scarcely four years of age at the time of the westward migration. Al- 
though so young at the time the journey made an indelible impression upon the 
mind of the child and the incident he most forcibly recalls is that of losing 
some oxen as a result of Indian depredations. He recalls the settlement in 
Sonoma county in i8_|8 and here he has since resided with the exception of two 
vears. After coming to this state the father married Louise Chambers, who was 
born in Ohio and came to the west at the age of ten years. At this writing she 
resides near Cozzens. and here her husband died November 25, 1910, at the age 
of eighty-nine years. 

It was not possible for Mr. Patten to secure the education that children 
of the present day enjov, for Sonoma county had few schools and these were 
held at irregular intervals. His entire schooling consisted of an attendance of 
seven months during a period of three years and the last time he ever attended 
school the term was abruptly concluded by reason of the teacher, Mr. Graham, 
killing a Air. Cooper at a horse race. That thrilling episode marked the year 
1857 and terminated his educational advantages. However, through self-cul- 
ture he has acquired a broad knowledge of men and things and is particularly 
well informed regarding the soil and agricultural possibilities of the region. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 737 

On settling in California the family secured all of their supplies from General 
Yallejo, who also presented them with thirty-two acres of raw land. This tract 
the father traded for cattle and removed to Dry creek, where he has since planted 
a vineyard and engaged in raising grapes. In sight of this same ranch Richard 
R. has made his home for fifty-two years and at this writing makes a special 
feature of raising grapes. He owns the old Davenport Cozzens place of thirty 
acres. As a citizen he favors movements for the general welfare and particularly 
fosters all enterprises for the horticultural development of the region. 

Among the pioneers whom Mr. Patten remembers with especial pleasure 
is Davenport Cozzens, who came to California about 1856-57 and engaged at 
first in selling poultry. To that man belongs the distinction of being the first 
resident of the county to engage in the manufacture of wine and likewise the 
first pioneer to erect a store in Geyserville, before this he also operated a store 
in San Francisco. At this time his son, Davenport, Jr., is proprietor of a store 
at Cozzens, where he erected a building utilized as a postoffice. From early 
pioneer days that family has been prominent in the county and Mr. Patten 
recalls with interest many characteristics of the first of the name here. The 
bonds that united pioneers were closely knit and time has not lessened their 
feeling of affection for one another, but in the heart of every early settler there 
lingers a feeling of deepest regard for those who with him shared hardships, 
trials and countless vicissitudes in the effort to bring out the civilization and 
refinements of the present era. 



CHARLES EDWARD FULLER. 

The encouraging degree of success that has crowned the arduous and long- 
continued efforts of Mr. Fuller did not come to him at a single bound nor indeed 
with any rapidity, but is the result of years of strenuous exertion and intensity 
of industrious application. Had he been less persevering he would have suc- 
cumbed to adverse fate. More than once he lost his all and was forced to start 
anew. This, however, was not an uncommon experience among Californian 
pioneers and whenever he "went broke" there were not wanting sympathetic 
friends whose encouragement and words of cheer helped him to begin once more 
with renewed energy and dauntless determination. As he looks back over the 
busy past and reflects upon his present prosperous condition he has every 
reason to rejoice that pluck and perseverance never deserted him in days of 
adversity, but enabled him to achieve a final and gratifying success as one of 
the farmers of his county. 

Descended from old eastern ancestry and the son of New England par- 
ents (Chase and Philena (Kneeland) Fuller), Charles E. Fuller was born at 
South Boston, Mass., in 1837, and received a fair education in local schools. 
From 1851 to 1853 ne followed the sea and made two trips to the West Indies. 
When still a mere lad news came to him concerning the discovery of gold in 
California and for the first time he began to be interested in the undeveloped 
west. Nor did that interest wane in the ensuing epoch of early youth. It was 
not the desire of his parents for him to go so far from them, but they reluct- 
antly gave their consent to his departure and at the age of sixteen years he 
bade farewell to relatives and friends, embarking on a vessel bound for the 
Isthmus of Panama. After crossing the isthmus he came up the Pacific ocean 



738 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

to San Francisco. Soon after his arrival he secured work by the month in 
Alameda count}. After two years he invested his savings in a threshing 
machine and during the next two years he engaged in the threshing of grain. 
At the expiration of that time he bought a settlers' claim to one hundred and 
sixty acres in what is Fruitvale. but a year later he was obliged to relinquish 
the property because it proved to be a part of an old grant. 

Removing to Marin county early in the '60s and taking up land, Mr. Fuller 
engaged in ranching there for two years, after which he sold the property and 
came to Sonoma county. About 1870 he embarked in the saw-mill business near 
Occidental, but two years later he bought land near Freestone, the one hundred 
and thirty acres then secured forming the nucleus of his present estate. At a 
subsequent period he worked in Mendocino county, but returned without means, 
to make a new start in Sonoma county. Here he erected a saw-mill for M. C. 
Meeker, and later in the year he built another mill for the same party. Then 
he started in the milling business for himself and from that time he has met 
with encouraging success. After he purchased his quarter-section of land in 
young manhood he married Elizabeth McKinlv, who died in 1893, leaving no 
children. On March 5, 1895, he was united in marriage with Mrs. India M. 
(Overholser) Smith, who was born in Indiana. Her parents, Abraham Whit- 
more and Hester Ann (Cullum) Overholser, natives of Ohio, remained in In- 
diana for a considerable period, but when she was five years old they crossed 
the plains with oxen and mules, in 1862, and settled in Sonoma county. Mrs. 
Fuller is descended on the paternal and maternal sides respectively from Ger- 
man and English ancestors. The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Fuller is Knee- 
land Lewis, who was born February 24, 1897, and is now a pupil in the Free- 
stone schools. 

In addition to the Walnut Hill ranch of one hundred and thirty acres, Mr. 
Fuller owns a fine ranch of three hundred and eighty-eight acres in the Colman 
valley, two and one-half miles from Occidental. Twenty acres of the home 
place have been planted to apple trees (Gravenstein, Spitzenberg, Wagner, Bald- 
win, Arkansas black, and Virginia greenings) and of this tract ten acres in 
full bearing bring an annual income of more than $2,000. He also owns thirty 
acres of the old Fair grant, making his total holdings five hundred and forty- 
eight acres. Three years ago he started a walnut orchard that is now in fine 
condition. In order that he may give his entire attention to the fruit business 
he has sold his saw-mill property and is now in a position to profitably develop 
his orchards. Horticulture always has been a congenial occupation to him and 
he is at his best when planning for his fruit, caring for the trees and endeavoring 
to improve the quality of fruit produced. The soil and climate seem well adapted 
to apple-culture and in the opinion of experts this industry will claim an ever- 
increasing attention from the progressive land-owners of the locality. 



WILLIAM JOHNSON. 
Fading health was the direct cause of bringing Mr. Johnson to California, 
and it is a matter of no speculation to say that in finally taking up his resi- 
dence here his life was prolonged many years. Not only was his life extended, 
but his health was so completely restored that he was enabled to take his 
place in the activities of life alongside of those of the most robust and sturdy 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 739 

constitutions. His death at Pleasant Hill, Sonoma county, November 12, 1909, 
was the cause of general mourning throughout the community where for 
over a quarter of a century he had lived and labored, endearing himself to all 
by his generous and wholesome traits of character. 

William Johnson was born in Sweden in 1842, and at the age of twelve 
years came to the United States with an uncle, who settled on a farm in 
Illinois, and for whom William worked until he was sixteen years of age. Sub- 
sequently he engaged in railroading and other work until he was twenty-four 
years old, an experience which proved to him the advisability of returning to 
farming as the most independent and satisfactory life. With the idea that 
a better chance for carrying out his agricultural plans was possible in Nebraska, 
he located there in 1866, then a wild and unsettled country, inhabited solely 
by Indians who gained sustenance by hunting buffalo and plundering and 
pillaging upon such white settlers as ventured on their territory. This con- 
dition of affairs made it necessary to build a fort at Grand Island, to which 
the settlers fled for safety whenever a raid was threatened by the redskins. 
Mr. Johnson helped to build the fort, and also hauled the logs for the erec- 
tion of the first home built on the present site of Grand Island. While in 
Nebraska he was also employed by the Union Pacific Railroad Company in 
the construction of its road through that state, and after its completion he 
took up farming near Wood River on government land. The original pur- 
chase consisted of one hundred and sixty acres, which he increased by pur- 
chase until he laid claim to four hundred acres of fine land, his farm easily 
taking rank with the best in that locality. 

Long years of unremitting labor under the most difficult of pioneer condi- 
tions finally made inroads upon Mr. Johnson's health, and in 1875 he came to 
California, in the hope that a period spent in the health-giving sunshine which 
Nature here dispenses with such lavish hand would restore his old-time strength 
and vigor. As he had anticipated, the change proved beneficial, and he re- 
turned to Nebraska and resumed his duties on the farm with a new interest. 
He continued on the farm near Wood River for three years thereafter, when 
his health again failing, he sold his farm and took up his residence in town, 
where he engaged in buying and selling produce, stock and grain, which he 
shipped to Chicago markets, building up a large business. Although the duties 
imposed by this latter business were less onerous than farming, the long, cold 
winters in Nebraska prevented any marked betterment in his physical condition, 
and for this reason he again tried a change of climate, going this time to 
Manitou, Colo., and also to Colorado Springs, but after a short stay in that 
state he came to California and from that time until his death this was his 
home. With his family he arrived in Sonoma county May 28, 1883, and on 
June 6 of the same year he bought the ranch at Pleasant Hill where his earth 
life came to a close November 12, 1909, and where his widow still makes her 
home. In 1902 Mr. Johnson had retired from active business, at the same 
time placing the management of the ranch in the hands of his son-in-law, 
Ernest Sharp, who has continued its management ever since. Seventy-three 
acres are comprised in this ranch, the greater part of which is in apples, 
ail the best varieties being grown, and some of the trees although fifty years 
old are still in bearing. In addition to the home ranch there are twenty-six 



740 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

acres of hav land owned by the family, besides a fine ranch nearby in vineyard 
and apples. For the season of 1909 the vineyard produced forty tons of 
grapes, and the orchard about sixt\ tons of dried apples. In addition to the 
property enumerated Mrs. Johnson owns eighty-two acres of timber land in 
Green Valley. 

Mr. Johnson's marriage was celebrated in Nebraska, September 29, 1870, 
and -united him with .Miss Melinda Hohman. Three children were born of this 
marriage: Mary Elizabeth, the wife of Robert Ritchie, of Santa Rosa; David 
Edward, also of Santa Rosa ; and Alice Melinda, the wife of Ernest Sharp, of 
Pleasant Hill. None of Sonoma county's residents took a more active part in 
her upbuilding than did Mr. Johnson, and his death was the cause of deep 
regret on the part of those who had been associated with him. 



WILLIAM B. HASKELL. 

The legal fraternity of California is well represented by William B. Haskell, 
one of the most prominent and prosperous attorneys in Sonoma county. Not only 
does he possess pronounced talent and ability in the line of his profession, but he 
is also a man of keen business intelligence, and is deeply interested in whatever 
tends toward the upbuilding and betterment of conditions in Petaluma and So- 
noma county. A native of the east, he was born in New York City October 10, 
1842, the only child born to his parents, Barnabas and Abigail (Goodwin) Has- 
kell, both of whom were natives of Hartford, Conn. For more details of the 
parental history the reader is referred to the sketch of Barnabas Haskell, else- 
where in this volume. 

William B. Haskell was fortunate in having parents who appreciated the 
value and importance of an education, and in this respect he was given every 
opportunity in their power to bestow. At the time his father came west in the 
early '50s, the family home was in Boston, Mass., and when his mother came 
west and joined the father two years later, he did not accompany her, but was 
allowed to remain in Boston until his graduation from the grammar school. He 
then joined his parents in Petaluma, and here continued his studies by entering 
the Collegiate Institute, from which institution he graduated two years later. 
At the age of eighteen years his school and college days were over and he was 
ready to take up the more serious side of life. His first work was as a hired 
hand on a dairy ranch, working for one employer by the month for two years. 
Being economical and judicious in the use of his earnings during this time he 
accumulated sufficient means to defray his expenses through a course in the 
Benicia Law school, and in 1866 he was admitted to the bar of California by the 
supreme court. Instead of establishing himself immediately in his profession, 
however, he entered his father's mercantile establishment in Petaluma and con- 
tinued with him in the capacity of clerk for about six years, or until 1872. In 
that year he went to Winnemucca, Nev., and opened an office for the practice 
of his profession, and during two years of the time he was there served as deputy 
district attorney, and for the same length of time was internal revenue collector 
at that place. Returning to Petaluma in 1875, he became cashier in the Peta- 




-C^ 



<&. y^^<_ 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 743 

luma Savings Bank, a position which he retained until September, 1877, re- 
signing it in order to establish himself in his profession. Immediately after 
giving up his position in the bank he opened a law office in Petaluma, and from 
that time to the present he has been favored with a goodly share of the legal 
business transacted in this part of the county. Aside from his profession he is 
connected with some of the important financial institutions of this section, being 
a director of the Petaluma Savings Bank and holding the same office in the 
Sonoma County Bank. Although he is not a member of the Episcopal Church, 
he has been connected with that religious society as secretary for twenty-five 
years. 

Mr. Haskell's marriage in 1866 united him with Miss Kate D. Kelley, who, 
though a native of Vermont, passed the greater part of her life in California, 
whither she was brought by her parents in childhood. At her death in 1880 she 
left one child, Euna G. Haskell. In 1883 Mr. Haskell was married to Mrs. 
Emma A. Denney, who was also a native of Vermont, and one child was born 
of this marriage, Ruby E. Haskell. In his political belief Mr. Haskell is a Re- 
publican, being one of the leaders of that party in the county and state. His 
first presidential vote was cast for Abraham Lincoln, and in 1879 ne stumped 
the state for George C. Perkins. Fraternal matters also claim a share of Mr. 
Haskell's thought and interest, his membership in Petaluma Lodge No. 180, 
F. & A. M., dating from 1867; besides which he is a member of Petaluma Chap- 
ter No. 22, R. A. M. ; Mount Olivet Commandery, K. T., which he joined in 
1880; and Petaluma Lodge No. 30, I. O. O. F., of which he has been a member 
also since 1867. Mr. Haskell is a man of keen business intelligence, deeply 
interested in the welfare of town and county, and holds a place of importance in 
the community. 



CLARENCE C. HALL. 

Throughout the Alexander valley district it would be difficult to find a 
ranch more thrifty in appearance or remunerative in income than the one which 
Clarence C. Hall owns and occupies, not far from Healdsburg. Here fruits of 
the various kinds as well as hops vie with each other on the eighty acres under 
cultivation, of the six hundred and fifty-six acres which comprise the home 
ranch, besides which Mr. Hall owns thirty-eight hundred acres of mountain 
land upon which he grazes large flocks of sheep. Mr. Hall's wonderful success 
as a rancher and sheep raiser is not the result of chance, but is rather the out- 
come of a careful training under his pioneer father, L. J. Hall, who has been 
a resident of Sonoma county since 1854 and the occupant of his present ranch 
in Russian River township since that year also. 

The son of a pioneer and also a native son of the state, Clarence C. Hall 
was born near Healdsburg, August 29, 1855, the son of L. J. and Elizabeth 
(McCool) Hall, both natives of Missouri. Born in Lafayette county, that 
state, October 30, 1825, the father early in life assumed the responsibilities 
of his own maintenance, his first work, at the age of fifteen, being as a farm 
hand in the vicinity of his home in Missouri. He followed this for a number 
of vears, and when only twenty-two years old took upon himself the responsi- 

37 



744 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

bilities of married life by his union with Elizabeth McCool. Six years after 
their marriage, in 1854, the young people came to the west and located in So- 
noma county, Cal., on the ranch in Russian River township which is still the 
home of Mr. Hall. Here the death, of Mrs. Hall occurred April 29, 1903, 
when in her seventy-fifth year. Six children were born to this esteemed pioneer 
couple, four of whom are deceased, while those living are our subject and 
Rosella. Since the death of the mother the daughter has tenderly cared for 
her father in his declining years. 

As he was the only son in the parental family Clarence C. Hall and his 
father became associated in the maintenance of the home ranch as soon as the 
schools days were over for the younger man, and the association formed so 
many years ago has only recently been severed, the year 1908 marking the in- 
dependent venture of the son on property which he purchased from his father. 
This purchase consisted of six hundred and fifty-six acres of choice land in the 
Alexander Valley district, in close proximity to Healdsburg, and the diversity 
of its soil, much of which is rich river bottom land, makes it unexcelled for 
productiveness. Here he has thirty acres in prunes, from which he receives an 
average crop of one hundred and eighty tons of green fruit per season ; for his 
crop of 1910 he received $65 a ton for his Imperials, while the French prunes 
brought $35 a ton. Besides his orchard he has twenty-five acres in hops, the 
crop from which during the last season amounted to one hundred and sixty 
bales ; twenty acres in tomatoes, and five acres in peaches and apples. As 
has been stated elsewhere, besides the home ranch he also has thirty-eight hun- 
dred acres of mountain land, which furnishes unsurpassed grazing for his 
sheep, which number twenty-five hundred head. 

In 1888 Mr. Hall was united in marriage with Miss Lela Allen, a native 
of Nevada, and three children have been born to them. The eldest child and 
only son, Conway Allen, born in 1890, is assisting his father on the ranch. 
Gladys, born in 1892, is attending the high school at Healdsburg. Gretchen, 
born in 1894, is a student in the state normal school at San Francisco. Politically 
Mr. Hall is a Democrat, and fraternally he belongs to the Masonic order, 
Knights of Pythias, Woodmen of die World, and the Santa Rosa Lodge of 
Elks. Mr. Hall is one of the reliable and substantial men of Healdsburg, and 
one who wears modestly the dignity conferred by an upright, courageous and 
altogether worthy life. 



BARNABAS HASKELL. 
As far as the records of the Haskell family are obtainable, it is known that 
its members were residents of New England for many generations, and that the 
father of Barnabas Haskell was a. seaman engaged in the merchant trade along 
the coast from Hartford, Conn., to New Orleans, La., throughout the active years 
of his life. It was in the first-mentioned city, Hartford, Conn., that Barnabas 
Haskell was born, and while a youth there prepared for his future by learning 
the hatter's trade, and in connection with this, also acquired a thorough knowl- 
edge of the furrier's trade. With this equipment he went to New York City 
to begin life in earnest on his own account, and for a number of years was in 
the employ of the leading hatter in the metropolis at that time. In 1847 ne re " 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 745 

moved to Boston. Mass., and was employed at his trade in that city for the fol- 
lowing five years. 

During his residence in Boston Air. Haskell became interested in the far 
west and he determined to come here and see for himself whether or not the 
opportunities were as real as he was led to believe. He made the journey by way 
of Galveston, Tex., and from there came to California and settled in Sonoma 
county. Man)- of the immigrants of that period were drawn hither on account 
of the prospects of a sudden fortune in the mines, but while Mr. Haskell had no 
ambition in this direction, he saw an opportunity to benefit indirectly by the im- 
petus which the mining enterprise had created, and it was with this idea in 
mind that he came to Petaluma in 1856 and opened a dry-goods and clothing 
establishment. This was the pioneer establishment of the kind in the country 
for miles around, and it is needless to say that the undertaking proved a success. 
He continued actively engaged in business for about twenty-two years, when, 
in 1878, he disposed of his business interests and lived retired thereafter until 
his death, which occurred in 1887. His long residence in this community had 
endeared him to a host of friends and accpiaintances, for he possessed a kindly, 
lovable disposition, and his death was mourned as a public loss. In his political 
opinions he was independent, and at the polls supported those men and measures 
which, in his judgment, were best able to advance the prosperity of the com- 
munity. 

For all that he was able to accomplish in life Mr. Haskell gave much credit 
to the faithful and helpful co-operation of his wife. Before her marriage she 
was Miss Abagail Goodwin, a native of Hartford, Conn., the daughter of Joseph 
Goodwin and the descendant of a substantial colonial ancestry. Two years after 
her husband had come to the west she joined him in Petaluma, and at once threw 
the weight of her influence in channels that were uplifting and ennobling. She 
soon became identified with the educational progress of the town, and for ten 
years was principal of the schools of Petaluma. For two years she was a teacher 
also in Miss Atkins' Seminary, in Benicia, CaL, the pioneer seminary in the state 
for girls, this later becoming Mills' Seminary at Oakland, Cal. Not only was she 
interested in school and church matters, but she was as well a leader in the 
reform movements of the day and was one of the leading supporters of woman's 
suffrage in the state. In the best sense of the word she was a Christian, having 
devoted her life to the uplifting of humanity, and her death in 1884, when she 
was about sixty years of age, was the cause of universal sorrow among the 
many who had fallen under her influence. For many years she had been a 
member of and worker in the Swedenborgian Church. The only child born of 
the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Haskell is William B. Haskell, of whom a sketch 
appears elsewhere in this volume. 



WILLIAM HENRY GROVE. 

Very few of the men now identified with the citizenship of Sonoma county 

have been connected with its material development for a period as long as may 

be claimed by Mr. Grove, whose proud boast it is that he has lived within the 

limits of the county since the year 1853. From his native commonwealth of 



746 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Ohio he came to California at the time named, when he was a boy of only ten 
years. Hence the associations of his busy life center in the west. Whatever of 
success he has achieved (and this has been considerable) may be attributed to 
his energy of temperament, vigor of mind and force of will, coupled with the 
opportunities afforded by the region where so much of his life has been passed. 
As a pioneer of Russian river township he has aided every movement for the 
local welfare, has contributed to the building of schools and churches, has pro- 
moted the civic prosperity, has helped to open roads and improve lands, and 
in every respect has discharged the duties falling upon public-spirited citizens. 
For a long time he has owned and occupied a ranch of one hundred and eighty 
acres near Windsor and to the development of the property he has given earnest, 
intelligent attention. A fine vineyard of thirty-five acres is an eloquent testi- 
monial to his skill as a horticulturist. The successful raising of grain indicates 
his industry as a husbandman. By care and wise management he is in receipt 
of a gratifying annual income and has been enabled to surround his family with 
the comforts of existence. 

Upon establishing domestic ties Mr. Grove married Jeanetta Spence, who 
was born in Canada in June of 1848, being a daughter of Andrew and Nancy 
(Letson) Spence. The children born of the union were named William, Elmer, 
Jesse, Edith M. and Elodia. The second-named son married Vivian Huych, and 
the third, Jesse, married Dora Isaac, by whom he has a daughter, Ruth. Edith 
is the wife of William Wilson and has an adopted daughter, Emma. Elodia, 
Mrs. Joseph Smith, has a daughter, Dorothy. In the Spence family there were 
the following sons and daughters : William, Thomas, Archie, Andrew, Charles, 
Sarah, Jeanetta, Mary, Belle, Nellie and Martha. William married Mary Thomp- 
son and has two sons, George and Fred. Thomas has two sons, Henry and 
Arthur. Archie married Sophia Smear and has three children, William, Myrtle 
and Viola. 

The Grove family is of eastern extraction and colonial stock. In the house- 
hold of David and C. (Richter) Grove there were the following-named sons and 
daughters : William Henry, whose name introduces this article ; Orville, Ben- 
jamin F., Louis, Christopher, George W., John, Grant, Mary F., Phoebe, Emma 
and Louisa. The eldest daughter, Mary Frances, married John Hopper and had 
thirteen children, namely : John, Louis, George, Roy, Otey, Elwood, Sadie, 
Nancy, Mary, Louise, Emma, Ada and Henrietta. Benjamin F. married Clara 
Morehouse and had seven children, Herbert, Walter, Chester, Charles, Louis, 
Oren and Edna (Mrs. George Nicholson). Orville was united with Ida With- 
worth and they became the parents of the following children, Elliott, Everett, 
Leonard, Melburn, Sidney and Blanche. Christopher married Nancy Hopper, 
to which union four sons were born, Charles, Fred, Edward and Bert. George 
and his wife, who was Emma Clark, had a family comprising three sons, Chester, 
Ray and Clarence. Grant married Mary Callahan, and their union was childless. 
Phoebe, Mrs. J. L. Rickman, had two sons, Lloyd and Walter. Emma, Mrs. 
Edward Hopper, had one son, Percy, and Louisa, Mrs. Richard Porter, became 
the mother of four children. 

It is characteristic of Mr. Grove that he takes a warm interest in all 
movements for the uplifting of mankind. Particularly is he interested in enter- 




C^Ci^ 



Cr-pCrf jZ^4 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 749 

prises for the local welfare. While averse to holding office he has on occasion 
consented to serve the people in an official capacity, and has rendered efficient 
service as constable and as school trustee. The people of his township en- 
tertain the highest opinion of his ability as a man, his devotion as a citizen, his 
friendly spirit as a neighbor and his patriotic support of all enterprises for the 
material upbuilding and educational advancement of the county where for nearly 
sixtv years he has made his home. 



HARRY CHURCHILL HODGES. 

Being surrounded with the comforts of life which had come as a result of 
his own effort, a beautiful home and happy surroundings, Harry C. Hodges 
passed the evening of his days in perfect contentment, his active career having 
been passed in commercial and legal circles in states to the east prior to coming 
to California, after which he took up ranching, following this until retiring to 
private life in 1901. A native of Kentucky, he was born in Franklin county 
April 6, 1836, the son of parents and the descendant of ancestors that had made 
the south their life-time home. The circumstances of the family were such 
that Mr. Hodges was privileged to enjoy the best educational advantages, and 
unlike many who are thus fortunately situated, be made the best possible use 
of his privileges. At an earl)' age he recognized a liking for the legal profession 
and thereafter all of his studies were carried on with this idea in his mind, to 
the end that he attained the success that he set out to win and at the same 
time secured a financial success that more than exceeded his expectations and 
was the nucleus of the fortune which became his. The grammar schools in the 
vicinity of his home in Franklin county furnished him his primary training, 
after which he continued his studies in Georgetown College, completing his 
legal studies in Louisville University, and there receiving his diploma that 
admitted him to the bar. 

Returning to Frankfort, Ky., after his admission to the bar of Kentucky, 
Mr. Hodges opened an office there for the practice of his profession, and was 
apparently content with his outlook in the south until about the year 1875, when 
he was seized with the western fever, his first move in this direction taking him 
to Missouri. He remained in the last-mentioned state about a year, practicing 
his profession there also, but not being altogether satisfied with his prospects 
there he went further west to Kansas, and there, in Topeka, became interested 
in the banking business with John D. Knox. This association was amicably 
and profitably continued for ten years, after which he opened an office for the 
practice of law in that city and continued this for about two years, or until he gave 
it up to come to California in 1887. Coming directly to Sonoma county, he pur- 
chased a ranch of forty acres in the vicinity of Healdsburg, which he set out to 
grapes and fruit, in the cultivation of which he was as successful as he had 
been in previous ventures in the legal and commercial world. After conducting 
the ranch for a number of years he finally gave its management into younger 
hands and retired to private life, making his home in Healdsburg, at No. 447 
Piper street, where he lived comfortably and happy, and where his many friends 
and acquaintances delighted to gather. He passed away November 23, 1910, 



750 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

and was buried from the First Presbyterian Church which he and Mrs. Hodges 
had attended and been members of for so many years. Mr. Hodges became 
a member of the church during young manhood and throughout his long life 
supported it liberally. 

Mr. Hodges had been twice married, his first union, in 1863, uniting him 
with Miss Sarah Milam. She passed away October 6, 1894, leaving one daugh- 
ter, Hollie, Mrs. William Knox, of Alameda. Two years after the death of his 
first wife Mr. Hodges married Miss Annie Foreman, a native of California, 
born near Healdsburg. She is the daughter of John and Mary Ann (Fry) 
Foreman, natives of Cumberland county. Pa., who came to Healdsburg, Cal., 
in 1862. Mr. Foreman took up farming and is still a resident of this vicinity, 
but his wife is deceased. Politically Mr. Hodges was a Democrat and on all 
occasions voted for and supported the candidates of that party. Unlike the 
majority of men who had been for so many years intimately associated with 
the business world as had Mr. Hodges, he had had no ambitions whatever for 
office-holding, and although his versatile ability would have enabled him to 
acquit himself creditably in whatever position he might have been placed, he 
always declined all honors in that direction that might have been his. Per- 
sonally he was well liked and highly respected by the best citizens of Healds- 
burg, and though comparatively speaking he might have been considered a new- 
comer to the west, he still represented the progressive and substantial spirit so 
marked a characteristic on the western slope. 



RICHARD FULKERSON. 

The earliest member of die Fulkerson family of whom we have any knowl- 
edge is John Fulkerson, the great-great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch. 
This ancestor was a native of Pennsylvania, as was also his son, Fulkird, who 
was taken by his father to Kentucky when he was a child of eleven years. In- 
dians were numerous in that section of country at the time, and the family often 
took refuge from their attacks in the stockade at Lexington. The next in line 
of descent was Richard Fulkerson, born in Hardin county, Ky., February 11, 
1806. Early in the '40s the latter removed to the wilds of Montgomery county, 
Ind., and from there, in 1844, pushed still further west to Davis county, Iowa. 
This now flourishing and thickly settled region was then in its most primitive 
condition, and if the full history of the state should ever be written it would tell 
of the noble and untiring efforts of Richard Fulkerson and his courageous wife 
in the development of that wild region. For over sixty years he had been a 
member of the Masonic fraternity. He died November 24, 1887, when nearly 
eighty-two years of age, and his wife died March 17, 1883, aged seventy-three 
years. 

One of the children in the family of Richard and Sarah (Clawson) Fulker- 
son was Stephen T. Fulkerson, who was born in Grayson county, Ky., July 7, 
1840. It was soon after his birth that the parents removed first to Indiana and 
from there in 1844 went to Davis county, Iowa, and settled as pioneers. After 
remaining in that section for about ten years, in the spring of 1854 the family 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 751 

came overland to California, reaching Sonoma count) October 4 of that year. 
Stephen T. was a child of fourteen years at the time, the youngest of five children, 
all of whom had received a meager education in the country schools of Davis 
county, Iowa. Even since he came to the state in 1854 he followed ranching in 
Santa Rosa township, until giving up active labor, when he moved to Santa Rosa, 
where he now lives retired. When he was only eighteen years old he took upon 
himself the responsibilities of married life, his marriage, August 29, 1858, uniting 
him with Amanda Ellen Cockrill, a native of Missouri. Her parents, Harrison 
and Ruhama (Doyle) Cockrill, also natives of Missouri, located in Sonoma 
county in 1853. The ranch which was formerly the home of Stephen T. Fulker- 
son is located in Rincon valley, six miles from Santa Rosa, admirably located, 
and so diversified as to hill and valley land as to be adaptable for every variety 
of crops the owner might choose to raise. This is one of the large ranches of 
this part of the county, comprising three hundred and twelve acres. Nine chil- 
dren blessed the marriage of Stephen T. Fulkerson and his wife, named in the 
order of their birth as follows : Henry H. ; Alice Clara, who became the wife 
of Theodore Grider ; Laura E., the wife of Douglas Badger; William E., de- 
ceased; Richard; Molly S., deceased, formerly the wife of William Wendt ; Nora 
C, who became the wife of Henry Leggett; Bruce A.; and Ida Helen, the wife 
of George Cummings. 

The fifth child in the parental family, Richard Fulkerson was born on the 
family homestead in Rincon valley, Sonoma county, February 19, 1871. After 
an attendance at the common schools of a few years in this locality he turned 
his attention to the calling which his forefathers had followed without exception, 
working first as a farm hand, and later undertaking a ranch of his own. He is 
now located on a fine tract of seventy-five acres near Santa Rosa, all under cul- 
tivation to vineyard, orchard, hay and grain. 

The marriage of Richard Fulkerson in 1890 united him with Miss Pauline 
Wendt, a native of Sonoma county, Cal., the daughter of German parents, now 
residents of Alpine valley, Sonoma county. The only child born of the marriage 
of Mr. and Mrs. Fulkerson is Alma, born in Sonoma county in 1895, and now 
a student in the public school in Rincon valley. Politically Mr. Fulkerson is a 
Democrat, and fraternally he is a member of Santa Rosa Lodge No. 24, Forest- 
ers of America. 



JOHN MERRITT. 

Among those whose names stand out prominently in the pioneer history of 
Sonoma county is John Merritt, a prosperous and prominent citizen of Petaluma. 
His identification with this immediate locality dates from the year 1851, and in 
truth he may be called one of the pioneer settlers and upbuilders of the town and 
surrounding country. At that time the thriving center of activity which Peta- 
luma has since become was not dreamed of, and he relates the fact that he him- 
self stacked hay on the corner of Main and Washington streets under a white 
oak; tree. All of this he has seen change, cultivated fields giving place to city 
lots, which have become the homes of a thrifty and contented people. 

A native of Indiana, John Merritt was born in Marion county, June 30, 
1827, and until he was fourteen years of age he lived in the locality of his birth. 



75 2 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Removing to Missouri at that age, he located at Savannah, Andrew county, and 
was still there at the time of the breaking out of the Mexican war. He en- 
listed his services in the cause in the spring of 1847, under Captain Rogers, 
becoming a part of Powell's Battalion of Cavalry, Company D. He remained 
in service until November, 1848, the date of his honorable discharge at Fort 
Leavenworth, Kan., and following this he made preparations to come to Cali- 
fornia. The spring of 1849 found him en route with ox-teams and after a 
four-month journey with its round of danger and excitement he finally arrived 
at Hangtown (now Placerville) September 4, 1849. A short experience as a 
miner at that place, followed by a brief period in which he was interested in a 
grocery business on Georgia slide, Canyon creek, near Georgetown, preceded 
his advent in Sonoma county in 1850, and here he has made his home for over 
sixty years. During this time, however, in i860, he went to San Luis Obispo 
county and was interested in the stock business until 1864, when he was forced 
out of business on account of drought. Returning to Sonoma county, he began 
to buy and sell stock and hogs, and is still interested in the cattle business, sev- 
eral head of fine stock now being fattened for the market. His ranch near 
Petaluma comprises one hundred and fifteen acres of fine land, of which twenty- 
five acres are in apples, plums, pears and cherries, while the remainder of the 
land is used as pasturage and' grain land. In addition to the home ranch he 
also owns a ranch of three hundred and twenty acres at Green Valley station, 
leased to an Italian tenant, who carries on general farming and stock-raising. 

Mr. Merritt's marriage in 1854 united him with Miss Sarah E. Wilflev, 
who was born in Scotland county, Mo., November 10, 1837. She was one of 
nine children born to her parents, Samuel and Nancy (Ellis) Wilfley, the former 
of whom was born in Tennessee April 3, 1812, and the latter a native of Illi- 
nois. They were married in Missouri, and that state continued to be the home 
of the family uninterruptedly until the year 1853, when Mr. Wilfley came to 
California, only to return soon afterward, but he again crossed the plains in 
1856 and from that time until the close of his life he made his home in the 
Golden state. Five children were born of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Merritt, 
four sons and one daughter, as follows: John T.. Edward B., William, Warren 
and Ida Jane. The eldest son, John T., makes his home in Petaluma with his 
wife, formerly Jennie Anthony, and their four children, Lyel, George, Effa and 
Ruby, the eldest daughter, Effa, being the wife of George Hawkins. Edward 
B. married Mollie Davis and has two children, Bert and Jessie, by this marriage ; 
his present wife was formerly Miss Emma Hueberger. Ida Jane became the 
wife of Nathaniel Benson, by whom she has three children, Roy (who married 
Bertha Casta), Harold and Forest. Politically Mr. Merritt is a believer in 
Democratic principles, and always casts his vote in favor of that party's candi- 
dates. Fraternally he is a Mason, belonging to Petaluma Lodge No. 180, and 
to Chapter No. 22, R. A. M. 



JOHN D. BAILIFF. 
Among the men who gave the strength of their best years toward the devel- 
opment of the resources of Sonoma county few are more kindly remembered 
than the late John Bailiff, and the work which he so nobly began and which 
he laid down at his death, December 27, 1900, is being carried forward by his 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 755 

son and namesake, John D. Bailiff. A native son of the state, the latter was 
born in Sonoma cdunty August 31, 1875, and when he was only one year old 
the family settled on the ranch of which he is now the proprietor, near Santa 
Rosa, and he has therefore known no other home. When he attained school age 
he became a pupil in the public schools of Santa Rosa, attending both the gram- 
mar and high schools of the city, after which he became associated with his 
father in the maintenance of the ranch. 

John D. Bailiff was a young man of twenty-five years of age when the death 
of his father left the care of the ranch upon his shoulders. That he had an apti- 
tude for the calling of the agriculturist has been unmistakable, amply demon- 
strated during the past ten years of his management of the property. Here he 
has three hundred and ninety-six acres of fine land, one hundred and fifty of 
which are in barley, while seventy-five acres are in vineyard, in connection with 
which he maintains a winery. Some idea of the size of the latter industry may 
be gathered from the statement that between twenty-five and forty thousand gal- 
lons of wine are manufactured every year, and as the product is of excellent 
quality it is in demand at the highest market price. Stock-raising is also an im- 
portant feature of the ranch, an average of from seventy-five to one hundred 
cattle being fattened for market annually. The raising of fine horses is an 
industry in which he engages with deep interest, being a lover of the horse, and 
a number of fine specimens of the Belgian breed may be seen upon the ranch. 
These he raises for his own use, and not for profit. Taken as a whole the Bail- 
iff ranch is one of the finest and most profitable ranch properties in this section 
of Sonoma county, and the successive owners of the property-have in their turn 
been ranked among the most substantial and energetic citizens and upbuilders 
that the county has ever known. 

The first marriage of Mr. Bailiff occurred in 1900 and united him with 
Miss Margaret Hoover, of Napa, who did not long survive her marriage, pass- 
ing away in January, 1901. His second marriage was celebrated January 18, 
1905, uniting him with Miss Edith M. Tuttle, a native of California, and one 
child has been born of this union, Vernon D., born January 9, 1906. Following 
in the footsteps of his father in the matter of politics, Mr. Bailiff is a Repub- 
lican, and like him, too, has never sought or desired public office. 



CHARLES WASHINGTON WELLING. 
The nucleus of the present large landed possessions owned by Mr. Welling 
was acquired by him during the year 1879. when he bought thirty acres of un- 
improved, untilled land in Sonoma county. With that amount as a beginning 
he later added to his holdings from time to time until at this writing he has the 
title to three hundred and seventy-two acres, forming one of the valuable and 
profitable estates of the county. The dairy industry has been his specialty and 
in connection therewith he raises stock in sufficient quantities for his own needs, 
besides selling from time to time such as cannot be utilized in the dairy business. 
Ever since boyhood he has been interested in ranching and by experience and 
habits of close observation he has acquired a broad fund of information con- 



756 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

cerning the occupation and is thoroughly conversant with all of its details. 
While promoting his own interests he has not neglected the welfare of his 
community, but always has stood ready to aid local projects for the common 
good. His participation in public affairs has been that of the quiet, unobtrusive 
but intelligent and resourceful citizen, whose devotion to the county's up- 
building is unquestioned as his loyalty to the country is unwavering. 

Born in Quincy, 111., in 1847, Charles Welling is the son of a New Yorker 
descended from early settlers of the eastern colonies. At an early period the 
father sought the opportunities afforded by Illinois and for many years made 
his home in Quincy. He married a young lady born and reared in Illinois, but 
was bereaved by her death while the children were still small. During the 
year 1861 the family came across the plains to California and settled in Sonoma 
county, where the father embarked in the dairy business. At the time of 
coming to the west Charles was a lad of fourteen years, energetic, capable and 
well-grounded in the elementary studies taught in the schools of Quincy. Later 
he attended the schools at Bodega and on leaving school took up ranch activities, 
which he has followed ever since with growing success. In addition for a time 
he assisted his father in the management of a hotel which was one of the 
pioneer inns of the county. 

Domestic ties formed by Mr. Welling during the year 1879 when he was 
thirty-two years of age united him with Miss Cassie Smith, a native of Indiana 
and after 1859 a resident of California, where she received a common-school 
education in Sonoma county. Her parents came to the United States during 
early vears and settled in Indiana, whence they migrated westward during 1859 
and settled near Sebastopol. They continued to make their home in Sonoma 
county until they passed from earth. Mr. and Mrs. Welling became the parents 
of ten children, seven of whom are still living. The eldest, Mamie, is the wife 
of George Wallin and lives on a ranch near Valley Ford. The second daughter, 
Zeiia, married Eugene Robertson and lives in Marin county. George assists 
his father in the operation of the home ranch. Rose, Susie, John Adam and 
Edward are pupils in the local school. The children are bright and energetic 
and in their future are centred the chief hopes of the parents, who have toiled 
with unwearying zeal in order that desired advantages might be given them. 
Politically Mr. Welling votes with the Democratic party. At one time he was 
actively identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, but of recent 
years he has maintained no fraternal associations. Such leisure as comes to 
him in the midst of his busy life is devoted to the enjoyment of his home, the 
society of his family and intercourse with the large circle of friends gained 
during the long period of his residence in the community. 



WILLIAM H. ZARTMAN. 
The honor of being the first mayor of Petaluma under the Freeholders 
charter belongs to William H. Zartman, the eldest son of that well-known pio- 
neer, William Zartman, of whom a sketch will be found elsewhere in this vol- 
ume. William H. Zartman was born October 7, 1854, in Petaluma, where his 
entire life thus far has been passed. He received his primary education in his 
home city, supplementing this later by a course in the San Francisco Business 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 757 

College. Returning home at the end of his college course he entered his father's 
carriage-making shop and learned the business in all of its details, and in 1884 
became a member of the firm of Zartman & Co. The introduction of new blood 
into the business was not without its effect, a marked increase in all its depart- 
ments at once becoming noticeable, and upon the retirement of the father from 
business in 1898, his half share was assumed by the son Frank, and since that 
time the two sons have continued the business which their father had founded in 
the early '50s. The business was established on Main street and was continued 
there until about 1861, when it was located on Western avenue and Keller street, 
the present site of the Methodist Church. The elder Mr. Zartman sold his in- 
terest there about 1868, after which he started the business at its present location, 
at the corner of Western avenue and Hawood street. About 1872 William H. 
Zartman began his apprenticeship to the carriage-making business, and since 
1884 has been actively interested in its management. The firm have about one 
hundred and thirty-seven and a half feet on Western avenue built up with shops, 
and one hundred and fifty feet of buildings in Hawood street, comprising the 
most complete machine shop and carriage-making plant in the city, electric power 
being used. Besides their own make of vehicles they have the agency of the 
McCormick harvester machinery, Fish Brothers wagons, Perry Manufacturing 
Co.'s carriages, and a general stock of other well-known manufacturers' goods. 

The marriage of William H. Zartman occurred in 1889 and united him with 
Miss Lula W. Hopkins, a native of California and the daughter of Samuel J. 
Hopkins, a pioneer settler in the state. Like his father before him Mr. Zart- 
man is interested in the upbuilding of his home city, for some time serving as 
city trustee and also as a member of the school board, and is now a director of 
the Petaluma Savings Bank, one of the most substantial monetary institutions 
in the county. 

Outside of his family and business and official duties there is probably noth- 
ing in which Mr. Zartman is more interested than the fire department of Peta- 
luma, of which he was a member from the time he was in his teens, and of 
which he finally became chief. He served as chief of the department for about 
five years, when he resigned to undertake the new duties devolving upon him as 
mayor of the city. As Petaluma Engine Company No. 1 it was organized June 
10, 1857, William Van Houten being the first foreman, he being succeeded in 
1876 by William H. Zartman. Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 was- organized 
November 27, 1857, with J. N. McCune as foreman. Sonoma Engine Company 
was organized January 1, 1864, Fred Frazier being made foreman of this com- 
pany. On April 3, 1867, Young America Engine Company was organized with 
William M. Brown the first foreman in charge. The present equipment of the 
department consists of two hose companies, one engine company, one hook and 
ladder company, and one hose company of paid men, who are on call at all times. 
The department is further equipped with a splendid fire alarm box system of 
seventeen boxes, well distributed throughout the city. From the time of the 
organization of the fire department in 1857 it has been one of the most efficient 
of the city's public institutions, and by prompt aid thousands of dollars have 
been saved to the citizens on many occasions. The citizens of Petaluma have 
always recognized the obligations they owe their firemen and have endeavored 



758 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

in every way to help and encourage the brave men who risk their lives to avert 
destruction and possible death. 

In the session of the legislature in 191 1 the new Freeholders charter of 
Petaluma was ratified, Mr. Zartman having been a member and chairman of the 
committee that drew up the charter. His popularity among the citizens and his 
fitness for the position of mayor led to his nomination for the office on the Re- 
publican ticket, and in April, 191 1, he was elected by over five hundred majority, 
oath of office being taken April 18. Fraternally Mr. Zartman is a member of 
Petaluma Lodge No. 30, I. O. O. F., Relief Encampment No. 29, and Petaluma 
Lodge No. 180, F. & A. M., in all of which he has passed all of the chairs. 



AUBREY BARHAM. 

The name of Barham needs no introduction to the people of Mendocino 
and Sonoma counties, for through father and son respectively the strong and 
admirable characteristics of the family are rooted in the upbuilding of these 
portions of the state. The father, H. W. Barham, was born in Illinois in 1835, 
and was little more than a boy when, in 1S49, he came across the plains to 
California, mining holding forth a greater inducement than the plodding farm 
work in which he was engaged in his home locality. The long ox-team journey 
ended, he immediately made his way to the mines in the vicinity of Marysville, 
Yuba county, but with what success he met during the two years that he re- 
mained there the records do not state. However, it is known that at the end 
of this time he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits and followed this 
congenial employment throughout the remainder of his life. Going to Ukiah, 
Mendocino county, he purchased a ranch and began its cultivation, being one 
of the pioneers in this industry, for as yet those who had come to the state for 
the purpose cf making their fortunes in the mines were still struggling along 
;n the belief that the next attempt would surely bring them the long-sought 
eldorado. As with all booms, the reaction had to come, a fate which Mr. 
Barham was wise in seeing, and forestalled disaster by turning his attention to 
a line of work with which he was familiar. The ranch which he then purchased 
is now the site of the State insane asylum and on this ranch he made his resi- 
dence until 1864, when he sold out and came to Sonoma county and located on 
a ranch in the vicinity of Bodega upon which he remained two years. From 
there he removed to a ranch six miles from Santa Rosa, on the Petaluma 
road, which from the long period of his residence upon it has ever since been 
known as the Barham ranch. This consisted of one hundred and seventy-five 
acres of fine land, upon which he settled in 1868 as a pioneer of that locality 
and during his long term of residence upon it, brought it to a high state of cul- 
tivation that was a credit to the owner as well as to the county. His wife, 
who was a native of Missouri, was born in 1841 and passed away at the age 
of forty-seven years, having become the mother of four children, only two 
of whom are now living, Aubrey Barham of this review, and Byrd Barham, a 
resident of Santa Rosa. 

It was on the family homestead near Ukiah, Mendocino county, that the 
birth of Aubrey Barham occurred September 24, 1862. The schools of the 
locality as well as those of Santa Rosa and Christian College of the same place 









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HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 761 

supplied him with the necessary mental training, and his father's ranch fur- 
nished the equally necessary physical training, both contributing to make him 
the self-reliant, robust young man that he was when, at the age of eighteen, he 
set out independently to wrestle with the duties of life. He taught school for 
two years in the Hearne district and then decided to take up the study of law, 
entering the offices of Rutledge & McConnell at Santa Rosa, subsequently was 
also in the office of T. J. Geary for one year. He was admitted to practice by 
the Supreme court of the state in 1887. Instead of taking' up the law he en- 
gaged in the real estate and brokerage business with his father that same year, 
having offices on Fourth street, in the National Bank building. His interest 
in the welfare of his home city was the means of his election to the city council, 
a position which he filled efficiently for nearly three years. Through Democratic 
influence, he was appointed a deputy in the office of the county assessor, a 
position which he filled for two terms. Since taking up his residence in Santa 
Rosa he has erected. a beautiful home, in addition to which he also owns the 
Rosedale stock farm, located two miles from the city, upon which, with his 
family, he spends the summer months. 

Mr. Barham's marriage, in 1887, united him with Miss Minnie Christenson, 
a native daughter of California, whose father, a native of New York, came to 
California during the early period of its history. His wife was a native of 
Hoboken, N. J. The eldest of the three children born to Mr. and Mrs Bar- 
ham was Deloss, born in 1888, but who died while an infant. Blanche D., 
born in 1890, received a good education in the public schools of Santa Rosa 
and also the Ursuline convent. Maud L., born in 1895, is a student in the 
schools of Santa Rosa. An able and versatile man, giving his whole attention 
to whatever enterprise he may have in hand, it is yet evident that in his choice 
of a calling in life Mr. Barham made no mistake, for in the various depart- 
ments of business he is equally successful. 



OLE HANSEN. 

After a life of twenty-five years as a sailor on the high seas Ole Hansen 
settled down to the life of the landsman in Sonoma county, Cal, and that he 
is a man of versatile ability needs no further verification than a glance at the 
ranch of which he is now the owner, everything about the place, crops, build- 
ings, fences and implements, indicating that he is a man who understands the 
work in hand and is appreciative of details. A native of Denmark, he was born 
in 1840, near the town of Holbeck, where he imbibed a love of the sea, and 
when little more than a boy made his first ocean voyage. This was the begin- 
ning of a career which he was destined to follow for twenty-five years, during 
which time, in 1859, he came to the United States for the first time, landing at 
Port Townsend, Wash. 

On a subsequent voyage Mr. Hansen came to Bodega Bay, July 4, 1861, 
when he saw Sonoma county for the first time. He then went on a trip to Den- 
mark to visit his old home, from there going to the East Indies and finally back to 
England, touching all the principal points on the way. After a second trip to 
India, upon which he entered all the prominent ports, including Bombay, he re- 



762 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

turned to England and from there came to the United States, entering port at 
Boston, Mass. Re-embarking, he came to San Francisco by way of Cape Horn, 
arriving in 1867. During his service on the high seas covering four years and 
eight months, he had served on only three different ships. On January 11, 
1868, he was on the schooner Moonlight when it was wrecked in Bodega Bay. 
Although he had made up his mind to settle in this part of the country, for 
three years after locating in San Francisco he continued his association with 
nautical affairs, first running on the sailer Wellfleet under Captain Rich, then 
on the Belle Creole, under Captain Knowies for two years, following this by a 
coasting trade service of about sixteen years. He then entered the revenue serv- 
ice as a detective for the government in 1875-76, and afterwards acted as 
special policeman in the city until 1877. 

In the meantime, in 1874, Mr. Hansen had formed domestic ties by his 
marriage with Miss Mary Doland, and established his home in San Francisco, 
which continued to be their home until about 1880, when they came to Sonoma 
county and settled on the ranch which has ever since been their home. Here 
Mr. Hansen has two hundred and three acres of choice land, twenty acres of 
which is under cultivation to orchard, and the remainder is fine timber land. 
He also has eight head of live-stock. Mr. Hansen is one of the progressive and 
broad-minded men of his neighborhood, and aside from bearing an honored and 
respected name, has won recognition on his own merits as man, rancher and 
friend. Mrs. Hansen is the daughter of Edward Doland, a native of Ireland, 
who immigrated to the United States in 1856 and here rounded out his useful 
life. With her husband Mrs. Hansen enjoys the esteem and high regard of 
many friends and acquaintances. 



CHARLES A. OFFUTT. 
With Charles A. Offutt agriculture is a science that has been carefully 
studied, continually improved and indefatigably pursued. As a result he is 
recognized todav throughout Sonoma county as an authority on the best methods 
of ranching in this particular part of the state, where his entire life has been 
passed. Years of unremitting labor in his chosen line of endeavor have brought 
him satisfactory returns from a financial point of view, and in addition to the 
fine family residence in Petaluma, at No. 509 Main street, he also owns consid- 
erable other city real estate, as well as two flourishing ranches in the county. 

At the time of the birth of Charles A. Offutt, which occurred in October, 
1852, the family home was in Jackson county, Mo., which had been very satis^ 
factory as a home place until California became the magnet in the early '50s 
and drew settlers from all part of the Union to her borders. It was the year 
following the birth of his youngest son that Charles Offutt, with his wife and 
three children, crossed the plains by the only means then available, ox-teams. 
Seven months were consumed in covering the distance from Jackson countv. 
Mo., to the Golden state, and it was a thankful party that finallv settled in 
Vallejo township, Sonoma county, near what is now the thriving town of Peta- 
luma. All the country round about was a wilderness and Petaluma boasted 
only a few houses and a single store. Upon a ranch which the father pur- 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 763 

chased in this locality he passed the remainder of his life, actively and interest- 
edly doing his part as citizen, friend and upbuilder, and when he was called 
hence, in 1888, his death was the cause of sincere grief on the part of those who 
had been associated with him during a long term of years. 

Coming to the far west when he was a child in arms, Charles A. Offutt 
has no knowledge of any other home than California. At the time of his boy- 
hood and youth, educational advantages in Sonoma county were as nothing 
compared with conditions today, but nevertheless he gained a good general 
knowledge, and as he has never ceased to be a student, reading good literature 
and keeping abreast of the times in current events, he has become well informed 
and is a pleasing and intelligent conversationalist. When not attending the short 
terms of the country school near his home he was helping his father in the 
clearing of the ranch and placing the land under cultivation, all of which was 
valuable experience and laid the foundation for the successful handling of land 
on his own account in later years. The home ranch was a valuable tract of 
one thousand acres located seven miles from Petaluma, in Marin county, and 
to a great extent was maintained as a dairy ranch, one hundred and fifty cows 
supplying milk for the dairy. Until he was of age Mr. Offutt was interested 
with his father in the maintenance of the home place, subsequently becoming 
the proprietor of a ranch of his own, and he now owns two valuable ranches 
in Sonoma county, one of three hundred acres which is maintained as a dairy 
ranch, -and the other an eighty-acre ranch near town. Although to a certain 
extent he has retired from active ranching pursuits, having turned the work 
of the ranches over to competent superintendents, he makes regular visits 
to the ranches and is at all times in close touch with conditions. Recently he 
erected a fine modern residence in Petaluma, bungalow style of architecture, at 
No. 509 Main street, and here the family are enjoying all the comforts and 
many of the luxuries of life. 

Mr. Offutt married, in December, 1889, Miss Belle Walker, a native of 
California, and they have two children, Jennie B.. the wife of A. W. Stephen- 
son, of Petaluma, and Charles G. Fraternally Mr. Offutt is identified with but 
two organizations, the Woodmen of the World and the Good Templars, and 
his work in the latter organization in behalf of the cause of temperance has 
been incalculable. As a citizen of Petaluma and Sonoma county no one has 
been more enthusiastic than has he, his public spirit extending to all depart- 
ments of activity. In banking circles his name has been known and his influence 
felt for many years, and he assisted in the organization of the Petaluma National 
Bank. 



WILLIAM ZARTMAN. 
The life which this narrative depicts began in Northumberland county. Pa., 
October 20, 1829, and came to a close in Petaluma, Cal., February 6, 1908. 
His parents, Michael and Polly (Harb) Zartman, were natives and life-time resi- 
dents of Pennsylvania, and the father of the latter was also a substantial citizen 
of that state, who was born in 1745 and died in 1843, having lacked very little of 
reaching the century mark. This old Pennsylvanian became very well-to-do 
through unwearied exertions, and through five marriages became the father of 



764 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

twenty-one children, who worthily bore his name and continued his interests. 
By trade Michael Zartman was a wheelwright, but as the work confined him 
indoors he preferred to carry on farming and teaming, and it was this dual 
occupation that proved the main support of the family. After reaching a good 
old age he passed away in 1846, his wife having died some years previously, 
in 1838. Twelve children were born to them, but of these only two sons and 
three daughters are now living, and William being the only one to locate in 
California. 

When he was a lad of twelve years William Zartman was taken by his 
parents to Schuylkill county, Pa., and continued there until the death of the 
father. At an early age he entered upon a clerkship with Mr. Hilliering in 
Minersville, and still later he worked in the same capacity for Mr. DeHaven, 
but by the spring of 1848 he had become dissatisfied with his outlook and had 
determined to come to the west. He then came west as far as Illinois, where for 
a time he worked as a carpenter, and in the fall became a clerk in a wholesale 
establishment on Water street, Chicago. After continuing there several months 
he gave it up to begin an apprenticeship at the carriage-making business under 
William Wayman, subsequently working as a journeyman until November 26, 
1851. On that day he left Chicago for New York City, where he boarded a 
vessel bound for California via the Isthmus, and on January 14, 1852, he first 
touched foot on her soil. From the metropolis he went immediately to the 
mines of Calaveras county, mining in the vicinity of Carson's Flat and Angels 
Camp until the last of June. His mining venture had netted him $2,800 thus 
far, and with this he engaged in a business undertaking, having as partners John 
Fritsch and a Mr. Leeman. Mr. Fritsch was a wagon-maker and a blacksmith 
and Mr. Leeman was a painter, and it was decided that the knowledge of the 
three partners could be best employed in the carriage-making business, and Mr. 
Zartman was commissioned to find a suitable location for the establishment of 
the shop. Starting out on his quest, he walked the entire distance from the 
old town of Benicia to Napa, and from there to Sonoma and Petaluma, the 
latter of which he chose, instinctively, as there was no apparent reason for the 
choice, the little settlement showing small prospect of becoming the thriving 
town that it has since become. In 1852 he purchased a lot on Main street, where 
the Racket store now stands, and near the site of the American hotel, and from 
that time until his death, with the exception of a few years, Mr. Zartman had 
entire management of the business, which developed into the largest general 
wagon and blacksmith shop in the county. 

With his two partners Mr. Zartman became interested in a quartz mill in 
Gold Hill, Nev., in 1861, but two years later the business was disposed of and 
the year following Mr. Zartman superintended the mill for their successor in 
ownership. In 1868 Mr. Zartman became the sole owner of the carriage-making 
business, which he carried on alone until his sons became interested with him. 
A change in the firm name was made in 1884, when his son William Henrv was 
taken into the partnership, business being conducted thereafter under the title 
of Zartman & Co., and in 1898 the son Frank assumed his half interest in the 
business, leaving the father free from business cares. At one time Mr. Zart- 
man was a stockholder in the Golden Eagle flouring mill and was also a direc- 




feLJtgfcfy. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 767 

tor in the Petaluma Savings Bank. From time to time he had invested his means 
in real estate, and at his death he left considerable valuable property to his heirs, 
including business blocks which he had built up and residences in Petaluma. 
as well as property in San Francisco. 

On January 1, 1854, William Zartman was united in marriage with Miss 
Rhoda Carothers, a native of Indiana. Six children were born to them, and of 
these four are living, as follows : William Henry ; George Washington ; Kate 
A., the wife of L. E. Rankin, an attorney of Petaluma ; and Benjamin Franklin. 
At the time of his marriage Mr. Zartman bought the lot where the family resi- 
dence now stands, first erecting a part of the house, in which he and his wife 
lived until they were able to complete it according to their ideas. It is now 
considered one of the finest residences in the city, and here Mr. Zartman and 
his wife celebrated their golden wedding January 1, 1904, the presence of friends 
and their children and grandchildren contributing to make it one of the most 
memorable occasions of their lives. In this same home the death of Mr. Zart- 
man occurred four years later, February 6, 1908, when friends again gathered, 
this time to mourn the loss of one they had held as a dear personal friend for 
many years. 

Fraternally Mr. Zartman was an Odd Fellow, having joined the order in 
1855, and at the time of his death was the oldest of those who joined the order 
in that year. He was also a Knight Templar Mason, belonging to Petaluma 
Lodge No. 180, F. & A. M. Since 1858 he had been a member of the Methodist 
Church, in the work of which he had always taken an active part, and for many- 
years served as a trustee. Of a cheerful, optimistic disposition, he is remem- 
bered by his fellow-citizens as well as by his family as one of Petaluma's most 
sterling men. 



JOHN W. KELLY. 

The shipping and introduction of Boyes Hot Springs mineral water, not 
only all over California, but to different points in the United States, has un- 
doubtedly contributed to making Sonoma county one of the best known and 
leading counties of the state. The originator of bottling and introducing this 
celebrated water is John W. Kelly, who was born in San Francisco, Cal., May 
13, 1868, and whose father, J. W. Kelly, a pioneer of the state, engaged in 
contracting and building in San Francisco until his death in 1874. 

The subject of this article was educated in the public schools of San Fran- 
cisco, after which for many years he was engaged in business in San Francisco 
until he saw the opportunity of placing the famous Boyes Hot Springs mineral 
water on the market. On February 4, 1906, he closed a satisfactory deal to 
handle the water and at once began erecting his bottling plant, and the result 
has not only been eminently satisfactory, but the success and popularity of the 
water has exceeded his expectations. This famous water is carbonated and 
bottled only on the premises and is shipped in cases to all parts of the United 
States. The chemical analysis of the water shows on every bottle, and it has 
proven very efficacious in stomach, bladder and kidney diseases. It is the only 
hot springs mineral water that has been successfully bottled as it comes out 

3S 



7 68 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

of the depths at a temperature of one hundred and eighteen degrees and is then 
cooled and afterwards bottled. The Majestic Bottling Company of San Fran- 
cisco are the general distributing agents. 

The Boyes Hot Springs Resort is conducted by Dr. Parramour and Rude 
Lichtenberg, but of the bottling plant Mr. Kelly is the sole proprietor, having 
brought it to its present large capacity. Personally Mr. Kelly is very affable 
and is well and favorably known and is very public spirited and enterprising, 
being liberal to a fault, and his charities are many, and those who know him best 
admire him for his noble qualities, integrity and worth. 



SAMUEL VARNER. 

An honorable service during a long period of the Civil war and equally 
honorable record as a private citizen, mark the life of Samuel Varner, a well 
known resident of Santa Rosa. Though for years a resident of the east, and also 
for a considerable period identified with the central west as a resident of Kansas, 
he has found no spot so nearly approaching the ideal as this part of the Sunset 
state, where kind nature smiles upon the intelligent efforts of man and a pic- 
turesque environment pleases his artistic tastes. Since coming to Santa Rosa in 
1875 he has witnessed the rapid growth of the locality and has enjoyed the bene- 
fits accruing therefrom, while at the same time he has won the esteem of friends 
and acquaintances. 

In Monroe county, Ohio, Mr. Varner was born June 2, 1844, the descend- 
ant of German and Scotch ancestors through his father and mother respectively. 
The events of his life were associated with his birthplace until he was fifteen 
years of age, when he went to New Martinsville, Wetzel county, W. Va., and 
he was living in the latter place at the time of the outbreak of the Civil war. 
Though only seventeen years of age he volunteered his services, becoming a 
member of the West Virginia Infantry, Company H, under Capt. James M. 
Bowers for about one year and then under Capt. Thomas Reed. In the engage- 
ment at Moorefield Mr. Varner was taken prisoner September II, 1863, and 
sent to Libby Prison, where he remained until October I, when he was transferred 
to Belle Island. He was kept a prisoner until March 15 of the following year, 
when he was paroled and during the time of his parole secured his transfer to 
Camp Chase, Ohio. After remaining in the latter prison for six months and 
four days he was exchanged and immediately ordered back to Shenandoah Val- 
ley, where he joined his regiment, going up the valley with General Hunter to 
Lynchburg, Va. Overpowered by the enemy, General Hunter retreated to Mary- 
land, and thereafter he was superseded by Gen. Phil Sheridan, who returned to the 
valley with the troops. It was not until September 19, 1864, that they met the 
enemy in the battle of Winchester, and between that date and October 19, five 
hard-fought battles added another chapter to the history of the Civil war. Dur- 
ing these engagements one hundred and four pieces of artillery were taken, be- 
sides eight thousand prisoners of war. Immediately after the battle of Cedar 
Creek the forces were ordered back to Cumberland, Md., and those who had not 
re-enlisted were ordered back to West Virginia to be mustered out. Mr. Varner 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 769 

was mustered out November 26, 1864, after a service of three years, two months 
and nine days. Only those who have experienced incarceration in southern 
prisons during the war can have any conception of the mortality among the 
prisoners. At the time Mr. Varner was transferred from Libby Prison to Belle 
Island eighteen men in all were taken, but between that time and their later 
transfer to Camp Chase, only two were left, Mr. Varner being one of them. 

After the close of his service Mr. Varner returned to Monroe county, Ohio, 
and settled down to the life of the agriculturist, following this business as long 
as he continued in that state, and also after 'his removal to Kansas, to which 
state he went in 1867. His removal from Kansas to California occurred in the 
year 1875, and marks the beginning of the happiest period of his life, for here 
he is surrounded by the beauties of nature and in a large measure is enabled to 
live retired from the arduous labors that marked his younger days. 

Mr. Varner's marriage in 1865 united him with Margaret Stoffal, a native 
of Pennsylvania and a descendant of German ancestors. Nine children were 
born of this marriage, but only seven are now living. Thaddeus A. married 
Josie Cole; Clara J. is the wife of John T. Coon; Samuel Sheridan chose as his 
wife Alma Young; Philip E. married Jennie Smith; Rosie M. holds a position 
as bookkeeper in a commercial house in San Francisco ; Fred Garfield, a well- 
known resident of St. Flelena, Napa county, is now mayor of the town (be- 
fore her marriage his wife was Stella Swienger) ; Elsie Margaret is the wife 
of E. M. Ford and resides in San Francisco. Wherever Mr. Varner has chosen 
to make his home he has entered into the activities of the locality, and while in 
Kansas was assessor of his home town of Ouenemo. Since coming to California 
his interest in promoting beneficial measures has led to his election to a number 
of public offices, among them being the office of road-master, which he filled 
acceptably for two terms ; he also served as census marshal for Redwood town- 
ship for the same length of time and his services as school trustee have been 
marked by the good work accomplished in advancing the cause of education and 
educational facilities throughout his district. Politically he casts his vote in 
favor of Republican candidates. 

No one is better known in this part of California in Grand Army circles 
than Mr. Varner, who is now serving as Commander of Ellsworth Post No. 20, 
Department of California and Nevada. He was honored by his comrades by 
appointment as delegate to the national encampment which was held in Atlantic 
City, N. J., in September, 1910. Mr. and Mrs. Varner made an extended trip 
in order to get to this encampment. They were absent from home seventy-eight 
days and no fewer than twenty-three states were either visited or passed through 
by the Santa Rosans. On the itinerary was planned the return to the scene of 
their wedding in Monroe county, Ohio. This they did and celebrated their 
forty-fifth anniversary on the spot on which they were married, where they 
found only three persons who had attended the nuptials. Mr. Varner attended 
a re-union of war veterans in Monroe and Belmont counties while in Ohio, at 
which there were seven thousand veterans of the battlefield. At this gathering 
Mr. Varner made a speech as a delegate from California. Another re-union at- 
tended by Mr. A^arner was that of the veterans of the three states, Pennsylvania, 
West Virginia and Ohio. Between ten and twelve thousand attended this gath- 



77 o HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

ering. Mr. Yarner visited the celebrated spot in Columbia county where General 
John H. Morgan surrendered. A stone monument has been erected here and 
our subject had his picture taken standing alongside this historic pile. He prizes 
the photograph very much. After attendance at the celebrations of the Grand 
Encampment at Atlantic City, lasting over four days, the residents of Santa 
Rosa visited Shenandoah Valley and also the historic battle-grounds of Win- 
chester and Cedar Creek, in which battles Mr. Yarner had been a participant. 
From these places visited Mr. Yarner cut canes and brought them back to 
California as souvenirs, as did also Mrs. Yarner. One of the souvenirs which 
Mr. Yarner brought back with him was a piece of shell which was 
ploughed np from the famous battlefield of Gettysburg. This was given him by 
a relative, but he prizes it as highly as anything he secured himself from the 
battlefields visited. A number of these souvenirs Mr. and Mrs. Yarner intend 
to present to their comrades of Ellsworth Post of Santa Rosa, to be kept in the 
museum the post has established at its headquarters. Among Mrs. Yarner's sou- 
venirs is an ear of corn from the battlefield of Winchester. With spirits as 
buoyant as any boy and girl and minds free from care and troubles of this life, 
Mr. and Mrs. Varner have returned to their home in Santa Rosa. They will 
spend the remainder of their active lives here and one of the pleasantest memories 
they have is that of the trip recently completed. 

On February 14, 191 1, another honor was conferred upon Mr. Yarner when 
he was appointed aide-de-camp to the Commander in Chief of the Grand Army 
of the Republic, J. E. Gilman. 



WILLIAM ROSS. 
Sonoma county suffered the loss of one of her stanchest citizens in the 
death of William Ross, which occurred on the homestead near Sebastopol. His 
knowledge of farming had been gathered and put to practice for many years 
in Scotland before coming to the United States in 1882. In Ross-shire, Scot- 
land, he was known as one of the largest raisers of wheat in that county, having 
five hundred acres under cultivation to this grain, besides which he raised sheep, 
his flock averaging five hundred head. It was with an experience of many 
years in these lines of agriculture that he came to the United States in 1882, 
making his way direct to Sonoma county, Cal. Long experience as a tiller of 
the soil made him a good judge of its particular qualities, and it needed but a 
glance at the soil around Sebastopol to convince him that the land could have 
no superior for fruit-raising. It was therefore with considerable satisfaction 
that he purchased forty acres of land near town and mapped out his course 
as a fruit-raiser. At the time the land was heavily covered with timber and 
brush, but this was rapidly cleared off and fruit trees planted in their place, a 
specialty being made of apples, peaches and prunes. In the raising of these 
fruits Mr. Ross' expectations were fully realized, and since his death his two 
daughters. Miss Christina Ross and Mrs. Scott, have continued the management 
of the ranch, and in the bountiful crops which they gather no diminution can be 
detected, thus proving them able horticulturists. Seven acres of the ranch is in 
peaches, five acres in prunes, and the remainder in apples. A steady gain in 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 773 

crops is clearly noticeable from year to year, this being especially true of 
peaches. Much of the fruit is shipped dried, for which purpose the ranch is 
equipped with an up-to-date drier, making it one of the most complete and 
profitable ranches in the county. 

In his native country Mr. Ross was married to Miss Janett McKay, a native 
of Scotland, and their marriage was one of exceptional happiness. Mr. Ross 
passed away on the ranch near Sebastopol, and his wife also died here in 1905. 
Eleven children were born to this worthy couple, but three of these are de- 
ceased. Those now living are Roderick, who is living in Honolulu ; Alexander, 
in Vancouver, B. C. ; William, a resident of Oregon; John, who formerly fol- 
lowed the sea and is now living in California City, Cal. ; Robert ; Anna ; Chris- 
tine and Janett, the latter the wife of R. B. Scott. The two daughters last men- 
tioned are their father's successors in the care of the home ranch and are proving 
beyond a question their exceptional ability as horticulturists. Personally Mr. 
Ross was a man of fine, dependable traits of character, and all who were for- 
tunate enough to know him appreciated his true worth as a man and citizen. 



JOSEPH LUTTRINGER. 

From an early period in the development of Sonoma county until his de- 
cease Mr. Luttringer gave himself actively to the material upbuilding of this 
section of the state and proved his worth as a progressive citizen, intelligently 
supporting movements for the local welfare and cherishing a profound faith 
in the ultimate prosperity of his adopted home. When in the year 1901 death 
removed him from the locality where for a long period he had been prominent 
and influential it was recognized among his old acquaintances that a distinct 
loss had been sustained by the business interests and the citizenship of the 
region. The fact that his circle of friends was unusually large may be attrib- 
uted in part to his genial, companionable temperament and in part to his man- 
agement of a hotel, which brought him into direct contact with the traveling 
public not only of Sonoma county, but of other parts of the west. Matters of 
business or the search for recreation brought strangers to the locality and of 
these he made friends by his courteous attention to their needs, his genial per- 
sonality and his broad intelligence. 

Born in New York City in the year 1836, Joseph Luttringer was a member 
of a family occupying an excellent social position and able to give him satis- 
factory educational advantages. While yet a small lad he was sent to school 
in France and remained abroad until his graduation, after which he returned 
to New York and from there, led by love of adventure, he came to the Pacific 
coast during the early colonization of the west. Many of the exciting events 
that gave history to the days subsequent to the discovery of gold he witnessed 
and in some of them he participated, so that he was thoroughly identified with 
pioneer activities in San Francisco, where he made his home until October of 
1871, the date of his removal to Sonoma county. By trade a wood-turner and 
a skilled worker in his chosen occupation, he followed it for a time in early 
life, but later give his attention wholly to the hotel business. 



774 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Joseph Luttringer was the first to introduce the fruit drying industry in 
this section, also the shipping of fresh ripe fruits, the shipping points being 
Ft. Ross and Stewarts Point. He had great faith in this section for fruit rais- 
ing and as soon as he could he set out orchards of apples and cherries, which 
are now large bearers. The trees in the old apple orchard set out on the place 
by a former owner in the early sixties are very large and healthy and bear 
bountifully. Politics always interested him and as a local worker in the Demo- 
cratic party he wielded considerable influence. 

The marriage of Joseph Luttringer united him with Miss Anna Wackenhut, 
who was born in Wittenberg, Kolb, Germany, in 1836 and came to the United 
States in 1854, settling in California, where she continued to reside afterward. 
A daughter, Theresa, blessed the union. She is now the wife of James Mc- 
Kenna and manages her mother's estate at Plantation, Sonoma county, where 
Mrs. Luttringer owns a ranch of nine hundred acres and engages in the hotel 
and summer-resort business besides having sixty acres in fruits of various 
kinds, mainly apples. The hotel contains accommodations for about thirty 
guests and is provided with all modern comforts. In addition there is a livery 
barn with an equipment for the entertainment of passing travelers as well as 
transient visitors. Plantation House is a most celebrated resort reached by 
daily stage and is seventeen miles from Cazadero and only one and one-half 
miles from the Pacific, where there is a sand beach and ocean bathing. The 
Plantation Ranch is well wooded with redwood, pine and oak and watered by 
the south branch of the Guallala, affording trout fishing, as well as hunting. 
Mrs. McKenna succeeded in having Plantation postoffice established in 1903 
and was the postmistress until she was succeeded by her son, James E. Mc- 
Kenna. 

Mrs. McKenna has four children, namely : Anna, Alice, Walter and 
James E. McKenna, the latter being postmaster at Plantation. Anna, Mrs. 
Frederick W. Childs, of Sea View, has two sons, James and Donald. James 
McKenna is actively interested in whaling and is captain of the F. S. Redfield. 
For thirty years or more he has followed the sea and his absence on long 
whaling cruises prevents him from taking any part in the management of the 
hotel or ranch, but his wife with great capability and untiring energy superin- 
tends affairs so that the expiration of the year shows a neat surplus as a return 
from the investment and labor. Born in Liverpool, England, in 1846, James 
McKenna came to the United States in i860 and since then has resided in the 
west. The representatives of the McKenna family are known as reliable citi- 
zens and trustworthy neighbors and their standing is the highest in the various 
communities where thev reside. 



JAMES SYLVESTER PERRY SWEET. 
James S. Sweet, the subject of this biographical history, was born in a 
little log cabin located on the "school section" in the township of Waupun, in 
the county of Fond du Lac, state of Wisconsin, on April 30, 1853. When he 
was two years of age his parents moved to the "Old Homestead" located about 
five miles from the city of Waupun, in the Towne school district, where at the 
age of five years he began a career that today stands prominent in the history 
of American educators. At twelve years of age he moved with his parents to 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 775 

the city of Ripon in order to secure the advantages of better educational facil- 
ities, and when twenty-two years old started for the Pacific coast to carve his 
fortune in a new field of labor which to him seemed to offer excellent rewards. 

The records show that the first ancestor of the name in the United States 
was one John Sweet, who with Governor Winthrop came to Massachusetts and 
landed at Salem in 1630. In 1637 he went to Rhode Island and was one of the 
fifty who received a grant of land from Roger Williams, whose title was obtained 
from the Indians and from the crown of England. John and his good wife, 
Mary, were the parents of three children: John (2), James (2), and Meribah. 
(2), (afterwards Renewed), whose descendants now are found in every state 
in the Union. The direct lineal ancestry of James Sylvester is as follows : John 
(1), James (2), Benoni (3), James (4), Job (5), Rufus (6), Samuel (7), 
Sylvester (8), James Sylvester (9). 

Samuel C. (7), grandfather of James S. Sweet, was born in Kingston, 
R. L, and married Miss Hannah Perry, a daughter of the famous Perrys of 
English and American naval history, and to this union was born Sylvester D. 
(8), the father of the subject of this sketch. 

Sylvester Damon Sweet was born in the county of Erie, in the state of 
New York, February 5, 1820, and died June 21, 1876, while on a visit to his 
relatives in Humphrey, Cattaraugus county, of the same state. His early educa- 
tion was obtained in the public schools of his own county, and he afterwards 
received the benefits of a higher course at an academy. His longing to come 
west brought him to settle in Walworth county, Wis., in 1843, and later to Fond 
du Lac county, where he took up considerable government land, owning at one 
time one of the finest farms in the county. In 1865 he moved to Ripon, where 
he was known as one of the most progressive and public spirited citizens, always 
taking an active part in social, moral, and religious affairs. He was known as a 
man of strict integrity, whose word was as good as his bond, and no worthy 
cause in charity was ever turned away from his door without a sympathetic 
hearing with his fullest measure of relief. His life was blessed by his union in 
marriage with Miss Julina Fairbank, daughter of Ellis Fairbank, a direct de- 
scendant of Jonathan Fairbank, the first emigrant of that name who settled in 
Dedham, Mass., in 1636, and whose original dwelling still stands, a monument 
to the memory of that early pioneer family. Mrs. Sweet passed to rest at San 
Diego, Cal., July 10, 1910, sweetly conscious of a life hereafter, and with an 
implicit faith that the Great Creator of all would still take care of her in the life 
beyond. She was a woman of excellent judgment in the affairs of life, kind and 
sympathetic to those needing assistance, and her deeds of charity were limited 
only by the resources at her command. Her friends were legion and her acts 6f 
kindness unnumbered. Such were the parents of James S. Sweet, and he for- 
tunately inherited many of the sterling qualities of his ancestors. 

His early life on the farm taught him the necessity of labor and the happi- 
ness that comes from a love of doing. In his early school life he was known as 
a prodigy in spelling and in figuring. His advancement was so rapid that he 
found himself in the classes with others so big that he had to stand on a chair 
in order to read from the same book. His one delight was to go to school and 
the age of seventeen found him with a teacher's certificate and qualified to teach 
in a district school. His first effort in that line called him to take charge of the 
old Towne school, where he first attended in his early bovhood days. This term 



77 6 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

was so successful that his services were afterwards always in demand, and it 
has been his boast that he never saw a time when he could not find employment 
at his profession. 

After completing his course at the first ward Ripon high school he entered 
Ripon College, and by teaching part of the time in district schools and by work- 
ing on the farm in the summer, he was enabled to secure means with which he 
laid a foundation for future educational work that has proved so valuable in 
later years. Besides his courses in the Ripon high school and in Ripon College 
he attended the state normal school at Oshkosh and later received the degrees 
of A. B. and A. M. from the National University of Illinois. His experience as 
an educator has been one of marked success and covering over forty years of 
actual work in the class room. His work on the Pacific coast began with the 
principalship of the Unionville public schools. Qnionville, Xev., after which he 
accepted the principalship of the Winnemucca schools, later filling a similar 
position in the Independence schools of Independence. Ore., where he remained 
three years. 

The onlv break in Air. Sweet's educational career came at the close of his 
term at Independence. At this time he accepted a place as traveling agent for 
the Northwestern Manufacturing and Car Company, of Stillwater, Minn. 
Although quite successful in this line of work, his chosen profession seemed to 
have greater attractions for him. and he accepted a call to the principalship of 
the Ashland public schools, at Ashland, Ore. After holding this position for 
three years, his success was so marked that the board of regents of the state 
normal school called him to the presidency of that institution. Here did he 
again prove his resourcefulness and ability as an educator, and the school pros- 
pered as never before. In three years the old building was filled to its capacity, 
and President Sweet asked the state legislature to make an appropriation suf- 
ficient to put up a new and modern building, large enough to accommodate the 
teachers who wished to secure the valuable training they so much needed. This 
the legislature refused to do and he immediately sent in his resignation and 
accepted a position as instructor in literature and the sciences in the Santa Rosa 
high school of Santa Rosa, Cal. 

After one year's work in the high school Mr. Sweet founded the Santa Rosa 
Business College, which institution has won a reputation for thorough and con- 
scientious work second to no other in the United States. Thousands of his 
students almost without exception are ready to testify, not only to his ability as 
an educator, but to his .life of industry, integrity and morality. His is a life of 
continual activity, and now he is publishing a line of commercial college text 
books of which he is the author, and which are used in hundreds of the business 
colleges of the United States and Canada. These books, consisting of texts on 
bookkeeping, arithmetic, business correspondence and spelling, are unique, and 
thoroughly illustrate the individual methods that have made Mr. Sweet's educa- 
tional career so successful. 

In his political sympathies Mr. Sweet has always espoused Democratic prin- 
ciples, although he never has sought or desired official position. However, in 
1898, he was nominated and elected mayor of the city of Santa Rosa. His first 
term was so satisfactory that he was again elected for a second term in 1900. 
During the latter year he was also a delegate to the National Democratic con- 
vention held in Kansas City, when William Jennings Bryan was for the second 




<* ~^L**i^_ 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 779 

time nominated for president of the United States of America. Fraternally Mr. 
Sweet is a charter member of Santa Rosa Lodge, No. 646, of the Benevolent 
and Protective Order of Elks. 

Mr. Sweet is compiling a genealogical history of the "Sweet Family in 
America" which he expects to have ready for publication in the near future. 
This work will be the crowning effort of his life and will undoubtedly be an 
invaluable record of the members of this pioneer family, whose long line of pos- 
terity is one of unbroken family pride. 



WILLIAM E. SMITH. 

Family traditions indicate the colonial settlement of the branch of the Smith 
family represented by this resourceful farmer of Sonoma county, who him- 
self owns Missouri as his native commonwealth and Ohio as the birthplace of 
his father, William, Sr., previous generations having been identified with regions 
still further east. The westward migration of the family kept pace with the 
agricultural development that constantly extended the limits of civilization into 
the wilderness and the prairie of the frontier. Born in 1840. William, Sr., fol- 
lowed the drift of emigration that characterized the middle of the nineteenth 
century and early in life he became a pioneer of Missouri, where he married 
at the age of about twenty years, his bride being a girl of eighteen. They became 
the parents of seven children, namely : Fillmore, who married Minnie Coles 
and had one daughter, Maude; William E., who was born in Marion county, 
Mo., in 1864, and came to California in 1875, settling in Sonoma county; Ira; 
Warner ; Cicero ; Alice, Mrs. Chester Hickok, who has four children, Burnelle, 
Lillian, Ruth and Donnie ; and Josephine, Mrs. Frank Phillips, who has two 
children, Charles and Fannie. The father of the family died in Sonoma county 
and the mother resides in Healdsburg. 

Aside from the removal from Missouri to California there was nothing of 
note to individualize the boyhood of William E. Smith, who received his primary 
education in the former commonwealth and later completed his studies in western 
schools. During 1898 he was united in marriage with Miss May Hayes, who 
is a native daughter of California, born in Flealdsburg in 1871, and educated in 
the local schools. Of this union there are two children, Haytivick and Jennie, 
born respectively in 1900 and 1903. Mrs. Smith is a daughter of James and 
Jennie (Brown) Hayes, pioneers of California, the former still a resident here, 
but the latter is deceased. Their family comprised three children, Bert, Clifton 
and May. The first-mentioned chose as his wife Miss Edna Jones, by whom he 
has two children. Clifton married Jacob Huffman and has a daughter, Dorothy. 

In their church affiliations Mr. and Mrs. Smith are Baptists, interested 
actively in the progress of that denomination, yet sufficiently broad and liberal 
to extend sympathetic co-operation to all religious organizations. The Demo- 
cratic party has had the stanch support of Mr. Smith ever since he attained the 
voting age, yet he has not been partisan in his references and has never been 
^solicitous of office for himself. In his relations with others he endeavors to 
follow the teachings of the Golden Rule and his life has been squared along 
principles of honor and integrity. Industry has guided his agricultural labors 
and economy has enabled him to attain a modest but well-deserved success. The 
farm which he owns and occupies lies near Flealdsburg in Mendocino township 



7 8o HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

and comprises one hundred and ninety acres, a portion of which is still in 
timber and pasture, while twenty acres is utilized for a meadow. Fruit cul- 
ture is made a specialty with every prospect of permanent success. Little by 
little trees and vines have been added to the original tract, until at this writing 
he has forty-five acres in vineyard and orchard. When the entire acreage 
comes into bearing the receipts from the property will be large, as indicated 
by the fact that six acres of orchard produced $700 in 1909 and about $1,000 in 
1910, while sixteen acres of vineyard realized $935 in 1909. Unquestionably 
fruit is adapted to this particular locality and the property owners are justified 
in their efforts at expansion since their experimental labors have proved the 
wisdom of the work. This entire orchard and vineyard was hewed out of the 
redwood timber, having been accomplished by degrees. He has found that 
redwood, fir and oak land heavily timbered, when cleared makes especially good 
land for apples and grapes, which do well in the black loam. The grapes grow 
to large size, as may be realized when it is said that one bunch of Rose of 
Peru grapes measured nine inches across and was twelve inches long. Mr. 
Smith's grapes have the reputation of being the finest brought to Healdsburg, 
and for them he receives the very highest market price. His leading apple is the 
Arkansas black, a large red apple marketable as late as April without cold 
storage. His apples on exhibit at the apple show at Watsonville in 1910 took 
first prize. It can be truly said that it is to such men as Mr. Smith that Sonoma 
county is rapidly taking her place among the counties of the state for her 
great success in the development of the apple and vineyard industries. He 
has demonstrated the fact and now others are following in his footsteps. 



ABRAHAM L. WOLFE. 

When Mr. Wolfe came to California and settled on a ranch in the vicinity 
of Santa Rosa, he brought with him a record as an agriculturist of over thirty- 
five years in several states to the east, an experience varied as it was useful, 
all of which has been invaluable to him, even though the manner of farming 
differs materially in the different sections of country. 

Abraham L. Wolfe was born in Franklin county, Ohio, April 7, 1848, the 
son of J. H. and Mary (Altman) Wolfe, the former born in Bavaria, Germany, 
in 1821 (dying in 1908), and the latter born in Westmoreland county, Pa., in 
1819, and passing away in 1863. When he was about seven years of age the 
parents removed to Indiana, and he was still in that state with his parents when, 
at the age of sixteen, he responded to his country's call for men to come to her 
aid in putting down the rebellion. Under General Baker, in the One Hundred 
and Fifty-third Indiana A^olunteer Infantry, he saw active service for ten 
months, after which he was discharged at Louisville, Ky., and mustered out 
at Indianapolis, Ind. From there he returned to his home and resumed farming, 
but in the fall of 1865 he sold out his interests there, and going to Illinois, re- 
mained there until removing to Iowa in March, 1866. His residence in the lat- 
ter state was of short duration also, for in the following year he disposed of 
his interests in Benton county, Iowa, and removed to Nebraska, in the latter 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 781 

state being associated with a Mr. Fritz for two years. Iowa once more claimed 
his attention for three years, after which he again returned to Nebraska and 
remained there continuously for almost thirty years, or until coming to Califor- 
nia in 1902. Having satisfied himself as to the possibilities and advantages of 
Sonoma county he shipped his household goods to Santa Rosa, and close to 
town he selected the ranch on which he has since lived, on Rural Route No. 5. 
His is one of the large ranches in this locality, comprising one hundred and 
forty acres, suitable for any crop the owner might favor, grains and fruits espe- 
cially, and he has fifty-five acres in grain. Much of the balance 'of the land is 
used for pasturage for the fine stock which he raises, in addition to which he 
raises hogs, horses and red-poll cows. One of the most valuable features about 
the ranch is the beautiful redwood grove that is on it, containing one thousand 
trees that are ready for mill, each tree being worth about $40. Another advan- 
tage of this ranch over many others is its proximity to the railroad, which 
simplifies the shipping problem considerably in doing away with the usual long 
hauls of produce to market. In the yard near the residence stands a large oak 
tree that in former days did service as a meeting house. According to local 
history the first religious services in Sonoma county conducted by white people 
were held under this tree, Rev. Mr. Hudson officiating. 

Mr. Wolfe's marriage, in 1872, was with Miss Flora Courtright, who was 
born in New York state in 1854, that state also being the birthplace of her 
parents ; both of the latter are deceased. The only child of the marriage of Mr. 
and Mrs. Wolfe is Avery Madison, born in 1873, and now associated with his 
father in the care of the ranch. Politically Mr. Wolfe is a Democrat, and has 
often been a candidate on that party's ticket for local offices, in each and all of 
which he has served efficiently, both in California and in other states that have 
claimed his citizenship. From his earliest boyhood he has been identified with 
the German Lutheran Church, the faith in which his father was reared, and he 
has never departed from his early teaching, being associated with the church 
of this denomination at Santa Rosa. 



GEORGE D. SANBORN. 

A prominent business man and one of the foremost citizens of Sonoma 
county, George D. Sanborn is widely known as one of the leading real-estate 
dealers of Sebastopol. A man of excellent judgment, progressive and public- 
spirited, he possesses in a marked degree those sterling traits of character that 
make him an important factor in advancing the welfare of the community in 
which he resides. 

Not only is Mr. Sanborn a native son of the state, but he is also a native of 
his home city, Sebastopol, born here in 1866, and educated in the public schools 
of this section also. His father, who was well known as a rancher in this part 
of Sonoma county, trained his son to a full knowledge of agricultural life, the two 
being associated in the maintenance of the home farm for a number of years, 
or until the son became interested in ranching on his own account. Purchasing 
a ranch in this locality, he carried on general farming and fruit-raising with 



7 8 2 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

splendid success for a number of years, or until 1899, when he changed the 
nature of his business entirely. It was in that year that he opened a real-estate 
office in Sebastopol, and the success that has followed his initial undertaking in 
this line is truly remarkable. More and more throughout the state of California 
the idea of dividing and subdividing the large ranch holdings held so long by a 
few comparatively speaking, is being accepted as the best method of solving the 
labor problem which more and more confronts the rancher who has to depend 
upon hired help. By dividing the land into smaller ranches such as a man and 
his family might possibly handle alone, this not only solves the problem men- 
tioned, but enables the man of small means to become a land-holder. Mr. San- 
born's efforts in the real-estate business have been exclusively of this character, 
buying large tracts or ranches, and after subdividing them, selling them in ten 
or twentv acre tracts. In this way, newcomers have been brought into the 
vicinity by the hundreds, and where formerly only one family resided, from 
eight to ten families now take pride in cultivating their ranches. Ten large 
tracts, all of them containing one hundred acres or more, have been thus pur- 
chased and subdivided by Mr. Sanborn, as follows : the Miller, Schuh and 
Atkinson ranches; Lankandt, Philbrook, James Elphick, Woodworth and Vol- 
kert tracts : and Elphick. Hughes, Robinson and McDonald ranches. In this way 
Mr. Sanborn has been instrumental in bringing over two hundred families into 
the vicinity of Sebastopol, all of whom have become good, dependable citizens, 
and while he has made a financial success of the undertaking, has at the same 
time been a benefactor to the town and county. 

Mr. Sanborn's accomplishments in the line above mentioned do not include 
all that he has done for the locality in which he lives. The financial circles of 
the town have benefited by his conservative judgment for many years, this being 
especially true during the two and a-half years that he was vice-president of the 
Bank of Sebastopol, now the First National Bank, of which he is still a director. 
He was filling the office of vice-president during the earthquake period and 
time of financial depression that followed, and it was owing in no small degree 
to his optimistic and conservative handling of the affairs of the institution that 
it passed through this troublous time unaffected by the conditions that prevailed 
so generally all over the country. 

Mr. Sanborn's marriage in 1897 united him with Miss Mary Graham, a 
native of Iowa, and one daughter. Elsie, has blessed their marriage. Mr. San- 
born's ability as a musician is too well known to need mention further than to 
say that he organized the Sebastopol band and for some time after its organization 
was its capable leader. Fraternally he belongs to the order of Elks, and socially 
he is a prominent member of the Native Sons of the Golden West. 



JOHN WILSON. 
The steps are long and weary that mark the immigrant's path from penury 
to prosperity and from self-sacrificing labors to contentment and competency. 
In the arduous struggle not a few are overcome by disaster and disappointment, 
but some there are who reap the reward of their painstaking efforts and enjoy 
the rich fruition of their unwearied efforts. It has been the privilege of Mr. 




!«■§ 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 785 

Wilson to work his way upward from adversity to a fair degree of success. His 
early years in America were filled with toil and the keenest hardships, but ever 
the rosy-hued rainbow of hope flung its glittering banner before him and from 
each disappointment he rose with new courage to resume the difficult duties of 
the day. 

Ireland is the native land of Mr. Wilson, and 1861 the year of his birth. 
He was the youngest in a family of eight children that gathered about the fire- 
side of his parents, John and Eliza (Blair) Wilson, both of whom passed their 
entire lives in the Emerald Isle. The father was a farmer all of his life, and 
when death came to him July 8, 1881, he was still mantaining a small farm in 
the country which had been his life-time home. With the exception of John 
Wilson and a brother who was killed as the result of a railroad accident, all 
of the children are residents of Ireland, four daughters and two sons. 

Until he was twenty-three years of age John Wilson remained in his native 
land, the years counting little toward the betterment of his welfare, for when 
he came to the United States in 1884 he was literally penniless. The vessel 
on which he sailed from Ireland landed him in the metropolis of New York, 
and for ten months thereafter he followed any honest employment that would 
provide him with the necessities of life. During this time he was enabled to 
lay by enough to pay his transportation across the country to California, going 
to Humboldt county and remaining there for five years. One year later he 
came to Sonoma county, and for about fifteen years he was employed as a farm 
hand before he purchased and undertook the responsibilities of a ranch of his 
own. The property which he selected consisted of two hundred and twenty 
acres of fine land near Santa Rosa, for which he paid $7,000. This was a part 
of a tract of four hundred acres for which the previous owner had paid $8,000, 
which shows the rapidity in the rise of real-estate values in a few short years. 
Shortly afterward Mr. Wilson sold the ranch at a profit of $4,000, and the 
present owners would not part with it today for $44,000. Subsequently Mr. 
Wilson bought twenty-five acres of the Coffee tract located three and a-half 
miles north of Santa Rosa, and here he makes his home. As rapidly as possible 
he is improving the ranch, at present having four acres in prunes, besides which 
he has two acres in pears, the remainder of the land being in barley and pasture. 
During the early years of his residence here he made a specialty of raising 
horses for the market. Politically Mr. Wilson is a Republican in national pol- 
itics, and in local matters he stands for the best man. 



SONOMA VALLEY WATER, LIGHT & POWER COMPANY. 

The Sonoma Valley Water, Light & Power Company was incorporated 
for the purpose of developing the water and power resources of Corriger creek, 
on Yulupa ranch, the property of L. L. Lewis, the president of the company. 

This ranch consists of about one thousand acres of land adjacent and above 
El Verano. Here he has built a reservoir of the capacity of twenty million 
gallons, fed by mountain springs ; the water being piped through El Verano to 
Sonoma at a pressure of one hundred and twelve pounds to the square inch, 
sufficient for domestic and fire purposes. A perpendicular fall of sixty-five 



7 86 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

feet in the canvon creek from the falls is being developed for light and power 
purposes. 

This property was purchased by Mr. Lewis many years ago with the water 
and light system in view and twelve years ago he came to live here, after a resi- 
dence of forty-seven years in Sacramento, coming here from New York state 
in 1859. 



JOHN BAILIFF. 

The record of the life of John Bailiff, who passed from the scenes of earth 
at his home near Santa Rosa, December 27, 1900, is a striking exemplification 
of the truth that industry, perseverance and determination, are uniformly re- 
warded by his success. Mr. Bailiff was one of the army of men who foresaw the 
result of patient application in the development of the boundless resources of 
California in the early days of the state, and from the beginning of his career 
adhered strictly to a well-matured plan to allow no opportunity to gain a com- 
petency to pass without an investigation. 

Mr. Bailiff was born on the Isle of Man, St. George's Channel, England, 
in 1824, a son of Abraham Bailiff, a native of France, and his mother was 
before her marriage a Miss Curphy, a native of the Isle of Man. Until he was 
sixteen years of age John Bailiff was a student in the common schools of his 
native locality, after which he was apprenticed to the trade of carpenter and 
joiner. At the expiration of his apprenticeship of four years he began work- 
ing as a journeyman, continuing thus until 1848, when he embarked for the 
United States as a passenger on the ship Erin's Queen. Nearly half of the 
ship's passengers had died of plague before the vessel reached New Orleans, 
but although Mr. Bailiff escaped the disease on shipboard, soon after his ar- 
rival in New Orleans he was taken ill and confined in a hospital for two months. 
As soon as he had sufficiently recovered his strength he began working at his 
trade, having secured a position in the employ of the United States govern- 
ment, building hospitals for the returning veterans of the Mexican war. Going 
to Vera Cruz, Mexico, in the fall of 1848, he was there engaged in carpenter 
work when he heard the news of the finding of gold in California. With a 
company of twelve other mechanics he started across Mexico for San Bias, a 
month's travel bringing him to that point. There they were joined by a num- 
ber of other immigrants, and together they purchased a schooner and embarked 
in it for San Francisco. During the first night's voyage a severe electrical 
storm swept over the sea, the vessel was struck by lightning, shivering the 
masts and destroying the sails and rigging, and many of the passengers and 
crew were severely affected by the electrical shocks. Relief came to the dis- 
tressed vessel the following morning and the passengers were taken back to 
San Bias. Paradoxical as it may sound, the disaster proved fortunate in that 
it averted a more serious disaster later on. In fitting up and provisioning the 
vessel before setting out from San Bias a German had been engaged as super- 
cargo, he being master of the Spanish language and familiar with the port. 
He reported the vessel fully provisioned and ready for the voyage, but just be- 
fore anchor was lifted he was missing. A reason for his sudden disappearance 
was discovered after the wreck, when it was found that there were provisions 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 787 

and water on board sufficient for a few days only. Another vessel was secured 
from Mazatlan, and from there they embarked for San Francisco, arriving there 
in August. 

On reaching the metropolis Mr. Bailiff found that skilled labor was in 
great demand and received excellent wages, so he wisely decided to accept the 
certainties of good wages rather than the uncertainties of mining. Going to 
Benicia, he entered the employ of the United States government in the con- 
struction of military barracks. It was there, in November of 1849, that a com- 
pany was formed, consisting of thirty mechanics and others, to build a mill in 
Sonoma county, near what is now Freestone. This was known as the Blume- 
dale sawmill, so named for William Blunie, the owner of the site. With Charles 
McDermott as president and John Bailiff as 'secretary of the enterprise, they 
installed a twelve-horse power steam engine which they purchased for $20,000. 
In the beginning the enterprise proved a tremendous success, lumber selling 
for $300 a thousand feet, but by the year 1852 the price of lumber had de- 
preciated so materially that it was unprofitable to continue the business. The 
mill was therefore sold, the company disbanded, and the engine was taken by 
the purchasers to the north fork of the American river. 

After the disposition of the milling business Mr. Bailiff took up land north 
of what is now Sebastopol and engaged in stock-raising with James Hayward, 
the latter taking charge of the ranch, while Mr. Bailiff followed the building 
business. Many of the buildings which he erected were for Mexicans, from 
whom he received his pay in cattle, which he sent to the ranch. It is worthy 
of mention that the first frame house ever erected in Santa Rosa was put up 
by Mr. Bailiff. Subsequently, in 1859, ne increased his holdings by the pur- 
chase of three hundred and eighty acres of land eight miles west of Santa Rosa, 
adding to this still later until he owned six hundred and nine acres altogether. 
Here he planted a vineyard of one hundred and thirty-five acres, fifteen acres 
of orchard, while the remainder of the land was devoted to stock and grain 
raising. This property is now in the possession of his son, John D. Bailiff, of 
whom a sketch will be found elsewhere. Besides the property in Sonoma 
county Mr. Bailiff owned a large tract of land in Humboldt county, upon which 
he raised sheep extensively. 

During the many years of Air. Bailiff's residence in Sonoma county he 
was a stanch supporter of all enterprises that would in any way advance her 
welfare, and politically he was a Republican, true to his party at all times, but 
never an aspirant for office. His interest in the welfare of the rising genera- 
tion was deep and well founded, as was witnessed in the interest which he 
showed in providing them with good schools, and for many years he served 
as school trustee. Mr. Bailiff's marriage in 1866 united him with Miss Jeanetta 
Ladd, a native of Missouri, and the daughter of John and Margaret, natives 
respectively of Virginia and Illinois, who came to California and became resi- 
dents of Sonoma county during the infancy of their daughter. Four children 
were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bailiff, two sons and two daughters. Margaret 
Geranie was born in Sonoma county, July 23, 1867, and upon reaching woman- 
hood became the wife of Charles Dillon, of Napa county, and a daughter, Grace, 
has been born of this union. Evangeline was born June 10, 1874, and died 
October 28 of the same year. Frank Ladd, born September 6, 1878, died 



788 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

November 29, 1882. A sketch of the other son, John D., will be found else- 
where in this volume. 

In 1905 Mrs. Bailiff Sr. took up the study of nursing in the San Francisco 
National Training School, graduating the following year. She followed the 
profession for about two years, when she gave it up to become the wife of Edwin 
Wallis Dyke, in April, 190S. Mr. Dyke is a retired stockman, formerly a resi- 
dent of Eureka, Humboldt county, but since their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Dyke 
have resided in Oakland, Cal. 



JAMES P. BLINE. 

The measure of a man's success is often the measure of his enthusiastic 
devotion to the city or county where such success has been made possible. 
Judged by this standard, sufficient reason will be found for the high opinion Mr. 
Bline entertains concerning the country around Santa Rosa, which he insists 
is the best in the entire state without any exception, claiming a soil that will 
grow the vine to its highest perfection and the various fruits as well. As he has 
traveled considerably through the state and has been a close observer of climatic 
conditions and soils, his opinion has not been formed without due considera- 
tion of the claims of other portions of the state. 

Mr. Bline was born in Licking county. Ohio, August 2, 1866, but when he 
was only one year old his parents removed to Illinois, settling in Crawford 
county, and there the father has made his home ever since. He is of southern 
ancestry and parentage, and was born in Virginia in 1831. In early manhood 
he formed domestic ties which continued until the death of his wife in 1891 : 
she was also of southern ancestry, born in North Carolina in 1831. The boy- 
hood, youth and young manhood of James P. Bline are associated with Craw- 
ford county, 111., in the schools of which locality he was educated. This was a 
farming community, and he early in life became familiar with the duties which 
the life of the farmer involved, for as the son of a farmer his services were made 
to count in the maintenance of the home farm. Altogether he remained in this 
part of the middle-west for twenty-six years, when, in 1893, he came to Cali- 
fornia and has since been associated with the upbuilding of this commonwealth. 
From the San Joaquin valley, where he first located, he subsequently went to 
San Francisco, and was associated with that metropolis and vicinity for about 
five years, when he came to Sonoma county, and has made this his home con- 
tinuously ever since. Pleased with the outlook as presenting advantages over 
any other part of the state which he had visited, he determined to make this his 
permanent home, and with this idea in mind he cast about to find an available 
property suited to his purpose. This he found in the property of which he is 
now the owner, near Santa Rosa, on Rural Route No. 2, and which has been 
the scene of his activities since 1900. Here he has twenty-six acres of fine land, 
well suited to the raising of grapes and prunes, to which his ranch is about 
equally devoted. The last crop which he gathered consisted of thirteen and 
one-half tons of dried prunes and twenty tons of grapes, all of which brought 
good prices in the market. He is also interested in the raising of poultry, and 
as one of the charter members of the Sonoma County Co-operative Poultry 




^ t J%ra*£i*l4 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 79 l 

Association has been an invaluable factor in his community in sustaining the 
price of eggs and in other ways benefiting the industry. He served as treasurer 
of the board of directors of this association until 191 1. 

In 1891 Mr. Bline was married to Miss May Vance, a native of Illinois, 
whose death occurred seven months later. In March, 1900, he married his 
present wife, who was formerly Miss Emily Connolly, a native of St. Louis, 
Mo. Five children have been born of this marriage, named in the order of their 
birth as follows : Dorothy, Grace, Jeannette, Elizabeth and James W., the three 
eldest children being students in the local schools. In national issues Mr. Bline 
is a Democrat, but in local matters he does not confine himself to the candidates 
of this party if the opposing party presents a man better qualified for the posi- 
tion in question. He has held a number of offices within the gift of his fellow- 
citizens, having held the office of tax collector for two years, and at the present 
time is school trustee of Monroe district. Fraternally he is a member of Rose- 
wood Camp, M. W. A., of Santa Rosa. As one of the live, progressive citi- 
zens of Santa Rosa, Mr. Bline is counted a distinct advantage to his commun- 
ity, whose welfare he is at all times willing and anxious to advance in every 
way possible. 



ADOLPHUS HARTSOCK. 

Notwithstanding the fact that many years have brought their Cycle of 
changes to Sonoma county since the late Adolphus Hartsock passed from the 
scene of his manifold activities he has not been forgotten by the surviving 
associates of his maturity and in their hearts his memory will remain green as 
long as life shall last. Sturdy principles for which the pioneers were noted 
formed a part of his nature. The evolution of the country from its primeval 
wildness to a condition of prosperity and an aspect of beauty constituted the 
task in the aiding of which his later years were passed. No desire for great 
wealth had ever laid its burden upon his soul, but in the simple life of the self- 
reliant pioneer he found his greatest happiness and in the society of family and 
friends he had his deepest joys. Fortunate indeed is the country founded by 
such men, the nation fostered by such ideals and the generations inheriting 
such a heritage of honor. 

Born in Marion county, Ind., near the city of Indianapolis, January 12, 
1834, Adolphus Hartsock was a son of Isaac and Susan (Ashpoe) Hartsock, 
natives of Pennsylvania, but residents of Indiana throughout many years of their 
useful lives. On the completion of the studies of the common schools Adolphus 
Hartsock began to earn his livelihood. At the age of eighteen years in 1852 he 
came for the first time to California, making his voyage via Panama. During 
1853 he returned to Indiana, but in 1856 he again came to the Pacific coast and 
for eleven years he engaged in mining in Amador and Placer counties. His 
first visit to Sonoma county was made as early as 1863, and in 1864 he came 
permanently to this locality, buying during September of 1876 a tract of land 
near Geyserville, where he remained until death. At one time the 
estate consisted of eighty-seven acres, but at his death he left seventy acres 
to his heirs. Horticulture has been made the chief industry of the place. A 

39 



792 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

splendid orchard is given the most assiduous care and cultivation. The im- 
provements begun by him have been carried forward by his. children and the 
property now ranks high in the list of fruit farms, its location eight miles from 
Healdsburg being favorable for the markets, while the soil and lay of the 
land have proved peculiarly favorable for fruit. 

The marriage of Mr. Hartsock was solemnized July 31, 1864, and united 
him with Miss Isabel Maria Freeman, a native of Illinois. The union was one 
of mutual helpfulness and its happiness was broken only by the death of Mr. 
Hartsock, which occurred June 16, 1885, his widow surviving him until June 
14, 1893. Their eldest daughter, Susan Emily, married George Thayer and the 
youngest daughter, Bonnie Prentice, is the wife of John W. Rouse. The re- 
maining daughter, Florence Adelia, acts as housekeeper for her unmarried 
brother, Freedom Earle, who is manager of the estate and a horticulturist 
of ability and skill. Mrs. Hartsock was a native of Greene county. 111., and a 
daughter of T. W. and Elizabeth (Fort) Freeman, natives respectively of Ste. 
Genevieve county, Mo., and Kentucky. During the year 1829, when Mr. Free- 
man was ten years of age, he accompanied his parents to Illinois and settled in 
Greene count)-, where he remained until some years subsequent to his marriage. 
The family crossed the plains in 1857 anc l settled in Solano county, Cal., where 
Mrs. Freeman died the following year. Later the family moved to San Joaquin 
county, where Mr. Freeman resided until his death. The Hartsock ranch lies 
eight miles from Healdsburg and Mr. Hartsock in his lifetime was well known 
in that town, where he was an active member of Curtis Lodge, F. & A. M., and 
an influential local member of the Republican party. To seek prominence in 
politics was foreign to his tastes and at no time was he willing to accept official 
honors, yet he gave freely of time and influence to aid friends who became 
candidates and he generously fostered movements for the part}- progress in 
his home countv. 



CYRUS ALEXANDER. 

Very early in the history of our country the Alexander family became 
identified with the settlement of Pennsylvania and aided in the development of 
that now prosperous commonwealth, and there the birth of Cyrus Alexander 
occurred May 15, 1805. When he was a child of six years, however, his father 
was seized with the western fever, and the year 181 1 found him settling with 
his family in St. Clair count}-, 111. There in the wild frontier country the son 
grew to a sturdy manhood, in the meantime helping his father with the felling 
of trees and preparing the soil for crops for the maintenance of the family. 

By the time he had reached his twenty-second year, however, Cyrus Alex- 
ander had become restless and craved adventure, and it was then that he de- 
termined to seek his fortune in the west. With all the means at his command 
he purchased ox-teams and mining implements and with these he started on the 
journey of four hundred miles to the lead mines of Galena, III The venture 
proved unsuccessful, but still undaunted, he pushed his way on to the far west 
and there invested in an outfit for trapping and fur trailing. Altogether he 
passed four years in the Rocky Mountain region, from the Yellowstone river to 
the Gulf of California, and during all this time he had not seen nor heard from an v 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 793 

of his relatives. It was therefore with considerable joy, many years afterward, 
when he had given up all expectation of again hearing from his people, that 
he met two nephews who had come from Illinois in company with General 
Fremont and were defending the fort of Sonoma in California, during the Mexi- 
can war. The year 1837 found Mr. Alexander at San Diego, Lower Califor- 
nia, with little indeed to keep him from starvation. Finally he found employ- 
ment that brought him $12 per month, and later he engaged- in killing sea-lions 
on the Guadaloupe Islands. All of these various occupations were but stepping 
stones to the larger duties which were in store for him, and in performing the 
lesser duties faithfully he was unconsciously preparing himself for the larger 
opening for -which his qualifications fitted him. Circumstances threw him with 
Capt. H. D. Fitch, who owned a ship and carried on trade between Lower Cali- 
fornia and Boston, Mass., in hides and tallow. Subsequently he became a 
partner with Captain Fitch in the cattle business, in the interests of which he 
traveled hundreds of miles, and after crossing San Francisco Bay, finalh 
reached Sonoma county, where, on the Russian river, near where Healdsburg 
now stands, he surveyed eleven leagues of land, known as the Sotoyome grant. 
This Captain Fitch stocked with cattle and Mr. Alexander took charge of the 
undertaking, subsequently receiving a part of the land and one-half of the stock 
as his share of the business. Before the division of the land, however, he 
erected an adobe house on the property, the nearest settlement being Sonoma, 
thirty-five miles distant. After the division of the land and the dissolution of 
the partnership, Mr. Alexander built trie first house in the country round about, 
both brick and adobe entering into its construction. It was into this home that 
Mi - . Alexander brought his wife, formerly Miss Ruphena Lucero, in 1844, the 
marriage ceremony being performed by Captain Sutter, who was then justice 
of the peace for the Mexican government. 

Here Mr. Alexander engaged in fruit-growing and also built the first grist- 
mill in northern California. Thus far he had been under Mexican rule, but the 
coming of the revolution in 1848 placed him under the Stars and Stripes. Close 
upon the heels of the revolution came the discovery of gold at Sutter's mill, an 
event which was destined to have a marked effect upon the life and affairs of 
Mr. Alexander no less than it did upon others of that time and place. Instead 
of being attracted to the mines as were the majority, he wisely saw that a for- 
tune could be made in raising and selling produce to supply the demand thai 
must of necessity result from the sudden influx of settlers from all parts of the 
country. For produce of all kinds which he sold at the mining camps he re- 
ceived exorbitant prices, two tons of onions netting him $1,200, while lambs 
brought $16 a head and hogs $50 each. 

No one in this part of Sonoma county was more deeply loved and vener- 
ated by all classes of citizens than was Mr. Alexander, and it was fitting that 
the 'locality in which he had lived so long and for which he had done so much 
should bear the name of its benefactor and Alexander valley was thus named in 
his honor. His hospitality was proverbial, and until a house of worship was 
constructed his home was used as a meeting place. Later he himself furnished 
the means to erect a church edifice and also a school house, besides which he 
paid the salary of the teacher. He believed firmly in giving the young every 
opportunity for acquiring an education, and not satisfied with what he had 



794 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

already done in furthering the cause of education, he founded Alexander Acad- 
emy at Healdsburg. In the community in which he had lived and labored for 
so many years his earth life came to a close on December 27, 1872, and here 
also his wife died March 16, 1908, at the age of seventy-eight years, she having 
been born in May, 1830. Nine children were born of the marriage of this pio- 
neer couple, as follows: William, who was born September 1, 1845, ar, d died at 
sea August 6, 1867 ; Margaret, born February 8, 1847 > Ellen, who was born 
August 12, 1848, and died June 28, 1856; Jane, who was born July 2, 1850, 
and died May 10, 1852; Joseph, born August 12, 1854; Albert, who was born 
August 15, 1856, died March 12, 1858; Caroline, born March 17, i860; Thomas, 
March 3, 1864; and George C, January 4, 1869. 



ABRAM C. SHELTON. 

Before the attractions of mining in California had made the overlanc 
journey such a common occurrence as to cause little comment, Sebert C. Shel- 
ton set out from his home in the middle west in 1846 going to Mexico and 
ialer to Utah, six years altogether being passed in these two sections. With 
him he brought his wife and son A. C, the latter six years of age, his birth 
having occurred in McDonough county, 111., December 8, 1840. The news of 
the finding of gold in California came to the elder Mr. Shelton when he was 
m Ogden, Utah, and the attraction proved so alluring that he determined to 
continue his journey westward and participate in the riches which seemed so 
easily obtained. The year 1850 found the family wending their way to Cali- 
fornia, arriving here July^ist of that year, and for two years thereafter the 
father followed mining at Murder's Bar, on the middle fork of the Ameri- 
can river. At that time A. C. Shelton was a boy of twelve years, and he dis- 
tinctly recalls his experience in digging gold from the river bed. 

In September of 1852 the family arrived at Stony Point, Sonoma county, 
where the year previous the father had purchased a squatter's title to one hun- 
dred and sixty acres. Here the father carried on agricultural pursuits through- 
out the remainder of his life. This was not long, however, for his death oc- 
curred in 1857. In the meantime the son, Abram C, had gained a good knowl- 
edge of agriculture under his father, and upon the death of the latter was 
well qualified to take his place as manager of the ranch, and for fifty-three 
years he has continued in this capacity, he now being the sole owner. It con- 
sists of two hundred and eighty acres of fine farming and cattle land, the cat- 
tle and dairy business being his chief lines of endeavor. Many fine blooded 
horses have been raised on Mr. Shelton's ranch, and as a lover of a fine horse 
no one could be happier than he in the work which has claimed his attention 
for so many years. Although his ranch is in the heart of the fruit-raising sec- 
tion Mr. Shelton has not given particular attention to this branch of agricul- 
ture except to supply family needs. This, however, has been done on a large 
scale, a fine orchard planted to all kinds of fruit and also a vineyard supplying 
the needs of the household bountifully. 

While enjoying the comforts of modern civilization on his fine ranch, Mr. 
Shelton often calls to mind the days of long ago, when he located in this sec- 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 797 

tion with his parents. Deer and antelope roamed the hills, and the land was 
covered with oak timber. No fences separated the ranches, and no roads 
marked the way to Sebastopol, which at that time boasted only one store, of 
which Dr. Miller was the proprietor, and he also acted in the capacity of post- 
master. Another contemporary of this period was Israel Brockman, the first 
sheriff of Sonoma county. Mr. Shelton also well remembers the heated de- 
bates caused by the change of the county seat from Sonoma to Santa Rosa. 
Probably no one in this locality would be better able to give authentic descrip- 
tion of happenings in the past half century than Mr. Shelton, for he has been 
a continuous resident on his present ranch for even a longer period, not having 
been away from it during all this time for more than a month at a time. All 
of the fences now seen were put up after he came into possession of the prop- 
erty, and the old house put up by his father a half-century ago stood heroically 
all the battling of the elements until 1902, when it was blown down in a severe 
wind storm. 

In 1870 Mr. Shelton was married to Miss Mary McLeod, a native of the 
south, whose father, Daniel McLeod, had brought his family to California in 
the year 1854. Eight children were born of this marriage, but one is deceased, 
those living being as follows : Rodney, a resident of Seattle, Wash. ; Ger- 
trude, the wife of Carl Bundchu, of Sausalito; Harold, a resident of Dayton. 
Ohio; Mabel, the wife of Galen Hill, of Oakland; Grace, the wife of Eugene 
Farmer, of Santa Rosa ; and Dorothy and Alfred C, the two latter still at 
home with their parents. For many years Mr. Shelton was school trustee of 
Stony Point, and he has a record of. the names of the trustees and teachers of 
the district for the last forty years. When in a reminiscent mood he takes pleas- 
ure in reading over the names of these pioneer workers and living over again, 
as it were, the events that have transformed this entire country from a wilderness 
to one of the garden spots of this whole western slope. Although he started 
to do a man's work when he was only a boy in years, Mr. Shelton is still hale 
and robust and takes the same interest in affairs here and elsewhere that he 
did fifty rears ago. 



WILLIS Y. WALKER. 

Throughout the state of California no name is held in higher repute than 
that of Walker, the labors and accomplishments of three generations, and 
their various branches contributing to its upbuilding in permanent and various 
ways. Long before the gold-seekers had been attracted to the west, members 
of this intrepid family had hewed their way to the Pacific coast, making sev- 
eral journeys between Oregon and California before they finally located in the 
latter state, being attracted finally by the finding of gold at Captain Sutter's 
camp in 1848. An interesting and detailed account of the family will be found 
in the sketch of John Walker elsewhere in this volume. 

A native son of the state, Willis Y. Walker was born near Sebastopol, 
Sonoma county, November 19, 1870, the youngest of the seven children, four 
sons and three daughters, born to his parents, John and Eleanor (Morin) Walker. 
By the time he had reached school age the educational advantages offered to the 
children of that locality were exceptional as compared with what they had been 



798 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

a few years previously, and he wisely made the best use of his opportunities. 
After completing his studies in the common school he received further advan- 
tages by attending a course in Santa Clara College. When his course in the 
latter institution was over he returned to the home ranch and helped his father 
in the care of this vast acreage, consisting of forty-three hundred acres of fine 
cattle and dairy land. This the father had purchased from the Joaquin Carrillo 
Rancho Company, the land at one time having been a part of an old Spanish 
grant. In the early days of the father's life on this property, many thousand 
head of cattle bearing his brand roamed the unfenced acres and brought their 
owner a handsome income. 

Willis Y. Walker continued on the home ranch with his father until attain- 
ing his majority, when his father gave him six hundred acres of fine land, upon 
which he raised cattle and sheep and also maintained a dairy business on his 
own account. Later he sold the property and purchased the Aaron Barnes 
estate on Main street, Sebastopol. The greater part of this property he retains 
today, and in the meantime it has increased in value fifty per cent. Recently 
he disposed of a portion of the land and bought the T. B. Miller ranch on Rus- 
sian river known as the Knob Hill ranch. This includes one hundred and fifty 
acres, of which seventy-five are in hops, which yield about forty-five tons annu- 
ally. He has sixty acres in the home place in Sebastopol, all in Gravenstein 
apples, which yield bountifully. He also has an evaporating plant on the place, 
in which some of the fruit is dried for the market. 

Mr. Walker's marriage united him with Miss Olive Ingram, a native of 
Monterey, Cal., and one son, Donald Ingram, has been born to them.. Politically 
Mr. Walker is a Democrat, fraternally is an Odd Fellow and socially a Native 
Son of the Golden West. 



GEORGE W. GRAVES, M. D. 

Over twenty years have come and gone since Dr. Graves departed this 
life, his death occurring May iG, 1890, but time has not dimmed the affection- 
ate regard in which he was held by those who we're associated with him either 
professionally or socially during the long period of his residence in Petaluma. 

A native of the south, Dr. Graves was born in Virginia, April 19, 1831, 
the son of parents whose financial condition did not make it possible for them 
to bestow man} advantages upon their son. As a consequence, all that he 
acquired in life was the result of individual effort, and his accomplishments 
out-distanced many times those of many other men who had had opportunity and 
advantages heaped upon them. Being an ambitious lad, George W. Graves 
determined to rise above conditions and make a name and place for himself 
in the world, and with this end in view he made every circumstance and oppor- 
tunity serve him to good purpose. He secured a fairly good education in the 
schools near his boyhood home in the south, supplementing this by well- 
chosen private reading, particularly in the line of medicine, for when quite 
young he had made up his mind to follow the medical profession. When he 
had accumulated the necessary means he entered upon a course in the medical 
college of Richmond, Va.. and from this institution received the diploma which 
permitted him to enter upon the practice of the medical profession. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 799 

In his native state Dr. Graves practiced his profession until the breaking- 
out of the Civil war, when he offered his services to the cause of the south. 
As a surgeon he enlisted under General Lee's command, in the Fifth Louisiana 
Regiment A. N. V., under the immediate command of Col. Stephen D. Pooh 
For four years, or the term of his enlistment, Dr. Graves rendered faithful and 
meritorious service, and after peace was declared he again turned his atten- 
tion to private practice, opening an office in Unicntown, Ala. He continued 
in that southern city about three years, when he determined to come to Cal- 
ifornia, and in 1868 his name was added to the citizenship of Petaluma, Sonoma 
county, and from that time forward until his death, May 16, 1890, he worked 
indefatigably toward the upbuilding of his adopted town and county. Soon 
after locating here he opened an office for the practice of his profession, and 
from the first his skill and ability attracted to him a patronage that was al- 
together worthy. As years passed by he became recognized by his professional 
contemporaries as one of the leaders of his profession in this section of the 
state, the result of a good fundamental knowledge of his profession, to which 
he constantlv added by research, which kept him abreast of the most ad-; 
vanced students of the science. ' 

On October 26, 1873, Dr. Graves was united in marriage with Miss 
Luella Baber, the daughter of Randall Gordon Baber, a California pioneer 
who crossed the plains in 1859. At that time he settled on a ranch near Santa 
Rosa, and there he lived and labored until his death in 1875. Two children 
blessed the marriage of Dr. and Mrs. Graves, as follows : Georgia, the wife 
of Fred A. Bordwell, of Mazatlan, Mexico ; and Hill B., a civil engineer in the 
employ of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company, having his headquarters in 
Ogden, Utah. 



HARRY J. BARNETT. 

A man of no little prominence and importance in the vicinity of Santa 
Rosa and Sonoma county is Harry J. Barnett, whose representation here dates 
from 1885, since then being very active in all that tends to promote the general 
welfare of his adopted home. Ohio is Mr. Barnett's native state, his birth occur- 
ring December 28, 1868, in the home of George A. and Loretta J. (Meyers) Bar- 
nett, the former born in New York in 1843, an d the latter born in Illinois in 
1842. They were married in Ohio, and in that state they passed the early part 
of their married life. During young manhood the father had volunteered his 
services in the cause of the Union, enlisting as a member of the One Hundred 
and Twenty-second New York Volunteer Infantry, Company F, Sixth Corps, 
in which he served for three and one-half years. At the battle of Petersburg 
he was wounded by being struck in the shoulder by a piece of shell, and was 
taken from the battle-field to Lincoln's hospital, and was an inmate there when 
he received the news of Lincoln's assassination. Subsequently he was removed 
to the state hospital at Rochester, N. Y., and finally, in 1865, received his honor- 
able discharge, after a service that was long and trying, but one which he gave 
willingly. 

Harry J. Barnett was a lad of seven years when, with his parents, he came 
to California, settlement being made in San Francisco, where he had an excel- 



800 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

lent opportunity to prosecute his studies. His school days were over at the age 
of fifteen years, for from that age dates the beginning of his experience in the 
world of business. His initial training was in the dairy business, following this 
as long as he remained in San Francisco, or until 1885, when the family removed 
to Sonoma county. Mr. Barnett bought twenty acres of fine land near Santa 
Rosa, paying for the same $3,500, and today the same property could not be 
purchased for $10,000. In fact, Mr. Barnett has recently disposed of ten acres 
for $6,500, and on the remaining ten acres is building a beautiful modern resi- 
dence. This and the surrounding country are in direct contrast to what he 
beheld when he came to this locality twenty-five years ago, when there was 
no habitation nearer than three miles away. The poultry business has received 
Mr. Barnett's special attention for the past eighteen years, and since reducing 
the size of his ranch he expects to run only about fifteen hundred chickens. 

In 1892 Mr. Barnett was united in marriage with Miss Grace Lentz, a 
native of Minnesota, whose parents immigrated from that state to California 
about the same time the Barnett family came to the state. All of the eight chil- 
dren born of this marriage are natives of California. Loretta, born in 1893, 
has completed the grammar course in the Santa Rosa schools ; Anita B., born 
in 1895, is a student in the high school; Marjorie, born in 1899, and George A., 
born in 1898, are attending the district school ; Dorothy, born in 1906, Helen 
and Harriet (twins), born in 1908, and Wilson Lee, born in 1910, complete the 
family. Politically Mr. Barnett is a Republican, but has never held nor had any 
desire to hold public office. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows, in which body he has passed through all the chairs of 
the subordinate lodge and the encampment ; he is also a member of the Inde- 
pendent Order of Foresters. Mr. Barnett's long residence in- Sonoma county 
has brought him prominently before the people, by whom he is universally re- 
spected. He has perhaps done as much as any one man for the building up of 
Sonoma county, and much credit is due him for the interest he has displayed in 
her welfare. 



CHARLES HENRY BUTLER. 

Though by trade a blacksmith, a calling which he has followed throughout 
the greater part of his life, Mr. Butler is no less gifted as an agriculturist, as 
he has demonstrated during the last six years that he has been superintendent 
of an orchard of one hundred and fifty acres in Sonoma county, near Healds- 
burg. Like many who have contributed to the citizenship of California, Mr. 
Butler is a native of one of the states to the east, his birth occurring in Fond 
du Lac, Wis., November 24, 1864. The primary education gleaned in the 
schools of Fond du Lac was enlarged upon in Healdsburg, Cal., whither Mr. 
Butler came with his parents in 1874, and for a number of years he carried on 
his studies in the schools of this place. 

With the close of his school training Mr. Butler prepared himself for a 
business in life by apprenticing himself to learn the blacksmith's trade, and 
his training completed, opened a shop and gathered about him a good trade, 
which he continued to follow for a number of years, or until 1904, when he 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 803 

gave it up to take charge of the property of which he is now the superintendent. 
This is a large ranch of one hundred and fifty acres, all in fruit, and that he is 
making a success of his latter-day calling, but a glance at the fine appearance 
of the ranch will prove beyond a doubt. 

In 1887 a marriage ceremony in Healdsburg united the lives of Charles 
H. Butler and Miss Mary E. Miller, the latter a native of the state and the 
daughter of James and Martha (Walters) Miller, the latter of whom is still 
living at the age of seventy-eight years. Six children were born to Mr. and 
Mrs. Butler, but of the number only four are living. The eldest of these, 
Aubrey C, a native daughter of Healdsburg, is now attending Berkeley Uni- 
versity; Grace V. is a student in the San Francisco Normal; Vernon M. as- 
sists his father in the management of the ranch, and Charles W. is also at home 
with his parents. 

Politically Mr. Butler is a Republican, stanch and true in his support of 
that party's candidates, and an active worker in the ranks of his party, but this 
activity has never been tainted with self-seeking, for he has never held nor 
had any ambition to hold public office. Fraternally he is identified with the 
Knights of Pythias of Healdsburg, the Foresters of America, and also with the 
Eagles. 

On the paternal side Mr. Butler is a descendant of a long line of New 
England ancestors, his father, James H. Butler, being a native of Vermont, 
and he passed away in Healdsburg, Cal., in 1896. The wife and mother, Sarah 
M. Billings in maidenhood, was born in Indiana, July 18, 183 1, and died March 
1, 191 1, at the home of Mr. Butler, at the age of seventy-nine years. 



SIDNEY FRANCIS SPURGEON. 

Petaluma has within its borders many enterprises and industries that con- 
tribute largely to the welfare and prosperity of the community. Its topograph- 
ical position in the state, its natural resources and salubrious climate all tend to 
increase and enhance its commercial value as well as to make the owning of an 
industry a profitable undertaking. 

Sidney F. Spurgeon, proprietor of the Petaluma foundry, a very enterprising 
and successful young man, was born in Norwich, Norfolk, England, a son of 
Robert Walter Spurgeon, who in turn was a scion of a long line of noble fore- 
bears. The father of Sidney F. Spurgeon resides at the present time in Brent- 
ford, a suburb of London, and is associated with the Beldham iron works. He 
was a first cousin of Rev. C. H. Spurgeon, the noted preacher. The wife of 
Robert Walter Spurgeon, Sarah (High) Spurgeon, a native of Norfolk, is 
also living. 

Sidney F. Spurgeon, of this review, is the third of a family of fourteen 
children, all of whom are living. At the age of fourteen years he was appren- 
ticed to the moulder's trade, working in the Beldham iron works, London. He 
served an apprenticeship of seven years in this institution, gaining during this 
time a complete knowledge of core-making and moulding. After the expira- 
tion of his apprenticeship he remained for two years in the employ of the firm. 
In the fall of 1905 he came to Brandon, Manitoba, where for one year he 



8o 4 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

worked at his trade. Leaving that section of the country he came to San Fran- 
cisco, Cal., arriving in that city three months after the fire. Being an expert 
workman and thoroughly conversant with the details of his trade, he experi- 
enced no difficulty in securing a position in that city, where he continued until 
1910. On September 25, 1910, he came to Petaluma and commenced the busi- 
ness in which he is now engaged. During the short time that the Petaluma 
foundry has been in operation he has built up a large business and receives a 
large patronage from the surrounding country. His brother, Cecil R., is work- 
ing with him in the capacity of moulder. The foundry is located on Fourth 
street in a well-equipped building. So complete are the facilities for moulding 
that castings up to the weight of sixty-five hundred pounds have been made. 

In Oakland, Cal., Mr. Spurgeon was united in marriage with Miss Emily 
Purdy, who was born in Foikstone, Kent, England. One child, Sidney William, 
was born of this union. Mr. Spurgeon is not identified with any fraternal 
organization, but is a member of the International Moulders Union of North 
America. He and his wife are members of the Episcopal Church, and have 
already endeared themselves to the hearts of many of the residents of Peta- 
luma. A promising future is in store for Mr. Spurgeon, as his present indefat- 
igable energy augurs well for a life of great usefulness and much achievement. 



WILLIAM ELDER. 

A period of about twenty years marks the span of Mr. Elder's life in Cali- 
fornia, dating from early pioneer davs, and as one of the typical pioneer settlers, 
sturdy, resourceful and energetic, he aided materially in the upbuilding and 
improvement of the section in which he settled, Sonoma county. He was born 
in Scotland in the year 1812, the son of parents who instilled into his young 
mind high ideals of life, with a right understanding of his duties toward God 
and his fellowman. It was with this wholesome training and a fair education 
that he set out from his native land at the age of sixteen years, making the trip 
across the Atlantic ocean to New York. He remained in that city from 1828 
until 1849, during these years being engaged in teaching and also working at 
his trade of wheelwright. In the last-mentioned year he came to California 
by way of Panama, making the trip by steamer to Aspinwall, and by the sailing 
vessel Harriet Rockwell to San Francisco, which city he reached in January, 
1850. 

Northern California was Mr. Elder's first place of settlement, in Grass Val- 
ley, Nevada county, which he found to be an excellent location for a general 
merchandise store, this being a supply station for those interested in the mines 
of the locality. With John Parker as a partner he established a business of 
this character under the firm name of Parker & Elder, an association which 
continued as long as he remained in that locality. From Grass Valley he sub- 
sequently went to San Francisco, engaging in business there for a short time, 
when, in 1854, he came to Sonoma county and made settlement at Petaluma. 
Though the settlers located here were few and scattered, he was not slow in 
recognizing the possibilities of a thriving town growing out of the small begin- 
ning, and with this thought in mind he established a general merchandise store 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 805 

under the name of Harris & Elder, his partner being George Harris. This 
association continued for a considerable period, when Mr. Harris retired from 
the firm, and thereafter business was conducted under the name of Elder & 
Hinman, M. M. Hinman becoming the junior partner. The business was begun 
on a modest scale, but was increased from time to time as demand made neces- 
sary, and during the years that Mr. Elder maintained the store, he not only had 
the satisfaction of noting his own growth and prosperity, but he noted with 
increasing pride the substantial growth and upbuilding of his home town, which 
he prophesied would be the case when he came to the little settlement years 
before. 

A man of energy and action, Mr. Elder was one who was not content to 
sit idly by and watch developments, but he was willing and anxious to take a 
part in bringing about better conditions, and the work which he accomplished 
in this respect has not been forgotten, though more than three decades have 
come and gone since his death. He was the first mayor of Petaluma, also the 
first chairman of the board of trustees, was secretary of the board of education, 
and later became president of the board. He was also one of the founders of 
the Congregational Church of Petaluma, in which both himself and wife were 
among the most active workers. In 1864 Mr. Elder went to Rochester, Minn., 
and engaged in the mercantile business for about four years, at the end of that 
time, however, returning to Petaluma and resuming his former business. He 
survived about eight years after his return to the west, his death occurring in 
Petaluma in 1876. 

In New York state, in 1838, Mr. Elder married Miss Sarah Clayton, their 
marriage resulting in the birth of four children, as follows : Alexander, who 
died in Oakland in 1891 ; James W., of Petaluma ; Mrs. Emma E. Cadv, also of 
Petaluma ; and Mrs. A. K. Munson, of Oakland. 



EDWARD BIRD. 

England has given to California no more enthusiastic citizen than is to be 
found in Mr. Bird, a rancher located four miles from Santa Rosa, on Rural 
Route No. 5. Born in Shropshire, England, in 1843, he was reared and educated 
in the locality of his birth, and the first employment which he followed after 
attaining mature years was as a farm hand. He had had considerable experi- 
ence along this line when, in 1865, at the age of twenty-two, he came with his 
brother James to the United States. The voyage across the Atlantic was accom- 
plished without incident worthy of note and the vessel finally landed its burden 
of human freight in the harbor of New York. For a short time the brothers 
remained in the vicinity of this metropolis, and then went to Pittsburg. Pa., 
remaining there altogether about three years, when they came west as far as 
Iowa. Two years were passed in that state, when they again took up the west- 
ward march, this removal taking them to South Dakota, Clay county profiting 
by their citizenship for about thirty years, or until 1895. 

In the year just mentioned Edward Bird came to California and located in 
Sonoma county on the property he still owns and occupies, four miles from 
Santa Rosa, on Rural Route No. 5. Flere he has fifty-five -acres of unexcelled 



806 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

land, well suited to the raising of the produce which he has planted it to. 
Thirty acres are in small fruits, prunes, grapes and berries, while the remainder 
of the land is in grain. Diversified farming is the wisest policy to follow in the 
opinion of Mr. Bird, for in the possible shortage or failure of one crop, the 
others will bring in an income and make any loss less apparent. He has been 
exceptionally successful, however, and during the season of 1909 he gathered 
six tons of grapes, about the same returns from his prune trees, and a large crop 
of luscious berries. 

In Clay county, S. Dak., Mr. Bird was united in marriage with Miss Mary 
Haver, who died three years later, in 1875. Two children were born of this mar- 
riage, both sons, but the elder one only, John E., born in 1873, is now living. In 
October, 1882, in Lodi, Clay county, S. Dak., Mr. Bird was married to his present 
wife. In maidenhood she was Miss Phebe Smith, born in Van Buren county, 
Iowa, in 1840, the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Prine) Smith, natives 
of Canada and Kentucky respectively. Her first marriage united her with 
Michael Harrington, who died in 1881, and in the following year she became the 
wife of Mr. Bird. She is an exceptionally broad and intelligent woman, inter- 
ested in the welfare of humanity, as is practically demonstrated in the work 
which she attempts and accomplishes in the cause of temperance. She is also 
especially interested in the Grange, in the work of which she has assisted greatly. 
She is also an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which she 
is a member, while Mr. Bird holds membership in the Episcopal Church. Both 
are held in high esteem in the best circles in Santa Rosa, to whose citizenship 
they have contributed in a marked degree. Politically Mr. Bird is a Republican, 
and while a resident of South Dakota he held a number of appointive offices in 
his community. 



GEORGE L. ABEL. 

Ever since becoming a resident of Sonoma county in 1893 Mr. Abel has 
been deeply interested in the material upbuilding of the region and in a quiet 
but practical way has promoted local progress. For twelve years he has occu- 
pied his present ranch near Santa Rosa, which in its appointments and produc- 
tiveness ranks with the best in the county. 

Records show that the Abel family is of southern origin, and the father of 
George L. Abel, George Abel, was born in Kentucky. The mother was born 
in Indiana, and the parents were living in the latter state, in Orange county, at 
the time of the birth of their son, December 7, 1863. When he was a child of 
two years the home of the family was transferred to the adjoining state of Illi- 
nois, settlement beng made in Louisville, Clay county. This was fortunate for 
the son, for it gave him an excellent opportunity to get an education that the 
country district in which he was born could not have offered. Altogether he 
remained in that state for twenty years, at the end of that time going to Ne- 
braska, where he continued farming, the same occupation that he had followed 
in Illinois after his school days were over. The move to Nebraska proved all 
that he had expected in every way, but after he had been there eight years the 
desire to come to California led him to dispose of his interests in Nebraska and 
that year, 1893. found him on his way to California. Coming direct to Sonoma 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 809 

county, he located on a ranch near Geyserville for three years, after which he 
cast about to find a suitable location in the vicinity of Santa Rosa, the result of 
which was he purchased the property which has been his home ever since, on 
Rural Route No. 4. Here may be seen a modest, well-kept ranch, which in every- 
way is indicative of the owner, method and orderliness being everywhere ap- 
parent. Thirteen acres of the ranch are in prunes and apples ; the trees in the 
orchard are from four to six years old, all in splendid producing condition, and 
during the season of 1909 he gathered three and one-half tons of fruit from his 
prune trees; the ranch is equipped with a drier, thus making it possible for the 
owner to make shipment of his produce direct to the market. Besides his 
orchard Mr. Abel has six and one-half acres in vineyard, the rest of the land 
being in melons, corn and similar commodities, besides which he has fifty very- 
thrifty walnut trees. The diversity of crops which Mr. Abel produces is a wise 
provision, for in the event of the failure of one or more, the chances are that at 
least one will prove successful and yield' an income. In keeping with the im- 
provements which Mr. Abel has made from time to time to bring his ranch up 
to its present point of excellence is the beautiful home which he has recently 
erected, at a cost of $1,500. 

In 1885 Mr. Abel formed domestic ties by his marriage with Miss Almina 
Walton, the ceremony being performed in Louisville, 111., in which state she 
was born in 1865. Her father, Daniel Walton, was a native of England, while 
her mother, Ellen Golden, was born in Illinois ; both are now deceased. No 
children have been born of the marriage of Mr. Abel and his wife. Politically 
Mr. Abel is a Republican on national questions, but he reserves the right to 
cast his vote for the best man for the office in minor elections. He has never 
had any ambitions toward public office, neither has he ever become affiliated 
with any secret organizations. In his own individual way, however, he has 
done and is constantly doing good for the community in which he lives, and all 
who know him esteem him highly. 



JOHN W. BAUER. 
Born in Oroville, Butte county, January 31, 1857, John W. Bauer is the 
son of Carl Lewis E. Bauer, who was born in Pottsdam, Prussia, and in his 
early manhood was a watch and clock maker in Rio Janeiro, Brazil, also follow- 
ing the same trade in Valparaiso, Chili. There he met his future wife, Sophia 
Harter, a native of Stuttgart, Wurtemberg, Germany, to whom he was united 
in marriage in San Francisco in 1855, they moving first to Oroville, and in 
1858 settling in Petaluma, where he remained till the day of his death, 1901, 
at the age of seventy-five years. Carl Bauer, unlike many of the early settlers 
who left all trades and professions behind them to enter new fields of labor in 
the golden state, believed in perfecting himself in his own trade and adhering to 
it, thus in his long useful life his labors were confined to his chosen calling, in 
which he was so proficient. Upon coming to Petaluma he bought out what is 
now the present site of Jones' candy store on Main street, then owned by Mr. 
McVicker, and still continuing in the jewelry business, he also entered in the 
hardware business with Conrad Temple, with whom he had become acquainted 
in Oroville, under the firm name of Temple & Co., but later on he bought out 



8io HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Temple's interest, and his son, John W., became manager, and the business is still 
continued on the same site, but in a large, modern building. Some years before 
his death he sold out his interests to his children and retired from active labor. 
His wife died in San Francisco about fifty years ago, leaving two children, 
John W. and Florentine, the wife of Henry Schluckebier, the latter being actively 
associated with Mr. Bauer in the business, and is the president of the company. 
The subject of this sketch was brought up in Petaluma, attending the public 
schools, and later graduating from the Pacific Business college in San Francisco, 
and after clerking in the city for two years he returned to Petaluma. 

He entered business with his father and showed a peculiar aptitude for his 
particular line of work. The business today, which is incorporated under the 
name of Schluckebier Hardware Co., of which he is vice-president, shows the 
strides that have been taken since its humble beginning in the early days. A 
progressive business man he keeps abreast of the times, and his diligence and 
attention to business have made the firm one of reliability. The Schluckebier 
Hardware Co. is among the largest dealers of heavy and shelf hardware, 
plumbing, agricultural implements, carriages and wagons north of the Bay. 
The store on Main street opposite the Plaza is 51x150 feet, three floors with 
galleries. In connection they have three large warehouses, the largest of which 
was built in 191 1 on Petaluma creek and D street, 99x162 feet, with a wharf. 

Mr. Bauer was united in marriage to Miss Amanda Belle Greening, born 
at Stony Point, she also being the daughter of a pioneer, W. W. Greening, now 
living in Petaluma. Two children have blessed their marriage : Ernest W., in 
business with his father, and Russel M., who is an electrician in Petaluma. 
Fraternally Mr. Bauer is connected with the Odd Fellows, of which he is Past 
Noble Grand : with the Encampment, of which he is Past Chief Patriarch, and 
is a member of the Canton and the Odd Fellows Hall Association, being treas- 
urer of each. He is also an active member of the Elks. These positions, as 
well as his connection with all these orders, show the esteem in which Mr. Bauer 
is held 'in Petaluma. and the confidence that is placed in him, a highly respected 
and progressive citizen. 



JOHN SANDBERG. 

A progressive and energetic Swedish-American citizen was added to the 
population of Sonoma county when John Sandberg took up his residence on a 
ranch near Santa Rosa in the early '70s. Although adversity and disaster have 
both laid a heavy hand upon him since he came to the United States, the first 
overtaking him soon after landing on our shores, and the last occurring since 
taking up his residence in California, still he accepted both philosophically and 
has not allowed them to change his naturally kind and wholesome disposition. 

Wexio, Smoland, Sweden, was the early home of John Sandberg, his birth 
occurring there May 3. 1843. The first twenty years of his life were associated 
with Stockholm, where he attended school and also learned the trade of tanner, 
a trade which his father also followed for a livelihood. No thrilling incidents or 
accidents marred the voyage of the young immigrant to the United States, the 
vessel landing him in the harbor of New York. Subsequently he went to that 
thriving city of the middle-west, Chicago, and was there during the memorable 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 811 

year 1871, when fire wiped out the business portion of that city. There he met 
his first disaster, losing $7,000 which he had invested in a grocery business. The 
year following he came to California, coming by the water route and landing at 
San Francisco. From there he came to Sonoma county, first going to Healds- 
burg, and subsequently purchasing and locating upon his present property in 
the vicinity of Santa Rosa. Upon coming to California Mr. Sandberg undertook 
work at the tanner's trade and had followed it for many years when he was 
overtaken with an accident that made work at his trade no longer possible. Tt 
was as a result of this that he purchased and located upon a ranch three miles 
south-east of Santa Rosa. The raising of chickens constituted his chief in- 
dustry, and the land not thus used was in hay. Altogether has had between five 
and six hundred chickens, all young stock, and his success more than met his 
expectations. Recently he sold this ranch and has since lived on a place of three 
acres which he purchased about one mile from Santa Rosa. 

Bv his first marriage Mr. Sandberg has three children, of whom one son 
and a daughter are residents of San Francisco. His second marriage united him 
with Miss May Newberg. Fraternally Mr. Sandberg is identified with the Odd 
Fellows order. At the time of his accident in the tannery when his leg was 
broken and he was incapacitated for work, the members of the lodge came for- 
ward and performed the noble service for which the order stands, relieving tem- 
poral distress in a sweet and wholesome spirit. Mrs. Sandberg is a member of 
the affiliated order of Rebekahs, being associated with Temple Lodge No. 19. 
Politically Mr. Sandberg is a Republican, but in the casting of his local ballot 
he votes for the man and not for the party. Personally he is honest and indus- 
trious, hospitable and kindly in his nature, and during the years he has passed 
in this neighborhood has won the respect and esteem of the entire community. 



JAMES F. BURGESS. 

What the walnut industry has meant to the financial upbuilding of the 
commonwealth of California it would be impossible to compute, but among the 
men who have aided in its development in Sonoma county, mention belongs to 
James F. Burgess, one of the largest walnut growers in this part of the state, 
and one of the most successful as well. When he purchased his present ranch 
in 18S9 it was all in grain, and he continued this same crop for about nine years, 
in 1898, however, making an entire change by planting sixty acres of the tract 
in walnut trees. Dating from the first year of their yield the returns have more 
than met the expectations of the owner and the recognition which is now ac- 
corded him as an authority on the subject of walnut-growing is one well merited. 

Records reveal the fact that the Burgess family is of southern origin, iden- 
tified for many years with Kentucky, where the birth of the parents of James F. 
Burgess occurred. Later years found them in Missouri, and at the time of the 
birth of their son. James F.. August 28, 1848. were living near St. Joseph, 
Buchanan county. The first six years of his life were associated with that lo- 
cality, the family then removing to Kansas, and it was in the latter state that 
Tames F. was educated, in so far as the district schools of that day may be said 



8i2 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

to provide educational facilities. When he was fourteen years of age he began 
to be self-supporting, his first position being as a mule-driver in the employ of 
the United States government. Subsequently he became interested in farming 
in Kansas, and it was with several years experience along this line that he came 
to California in 1872. While his association with Sonoma county dates from the 
same year also, it was not until 1889 that he purchased the ranch upon which he 
now lives, near Santa Rosa, on Rural Route No. 5. The previous owner had 
made a specialty of raising grain, and Mr. Burgess continued the policy of his 
predecessor for about nine years, when, in 1898, he made an entire change 
by planting sixty acres, or about two-thirds of the entire acreage, to walnut trees. 
Dating from the first year of their yield the returns have more than met the ex- 
pectations of the owner, and the recognition which is now accorded him as an 
authority on the subject of walnut-growing is one well merited. The trees 
which he set out were of the Franquette variety, all grafted stock. Some idea 
of the yield may be gathered from the following figures: In the year 1908 the 
crops brought $7,500, the following year were increased to $8,640, and it is the 
belief of the owner that this average may be maintained for the next fifty years 
with a continuation of the present care of the orchard. One special tree in Mr. 
Burgess' orchard has yielded him ten per cent returns on $600. This is an old 
tree, thirty years old, which four years ago was grafted with young stock, with 
the results above mentioned. Mr. Burgess' success does not end with his ef- 
forts as a walnut-grower, for he is equally successful as a hop-grower, although 
he has only half as much land in this commodity. His thirty-two acres of hops 
have often yielded an average of fifteen hundred pounds to the acre; his record 
for the year 1909 (which was not up to the average) was fifteen tons, which 
he sold for $400 a ton. 

In 1872 Mr. Burgess was united in marriage with Miss Sarah A. Forsythe, 
a native of Missouri. This marriage resulted in the birth of six children, five of 
whom are still living, two sons and three daughters. One of the daughters is 
still unmarried and is now attending a business college in Oakland. Mrs. Sarah 
A. Burgess died in 1890, and ten years later Mr. Burgess married his present 
wife, formerly Miss Jessarah Peter, a native of Solano county, Cal. No children 
have been born of this marriage. Fraternally Mr. Burgess is identified with a 
number of organizations, holding membership in Lodge No. 53, I. O. O. F., and 
Lodge No. 14, F. & A. M., both of Santa Rosa. Politically he is a Democrat, 
voting the regular party ticket in national elections, but in local matters giving 
his vote for the candidate which in his opinion is best adapted for the duties 
of the office in question. 



EDWARD ISAAC BEESON. 
A native son of California, Edward I. Beeson was born in Sacramento on 
March 1, 1858, the son of J. B. and Caroline Beeson, the former born in North 
Carolina in 1818, and the latter born in Connecticut in 1819. When the gold 
fever was at its height the elder Mr. Beeson came to California across the plains 
with ox-teams, in 1852, and settled at Sacramento, where he carried on mining 
for about seven years. Coming to Sonoma county at the expiration of this 
time, he settled on a ranch in Alexander valley, and about 1869 located in Healds- 




<?• 





HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 815 

burg and engaged in the mercantile business. In this undertaking he was asso- 
ciated with Aaron Hassett, under the firm name of Hassett & Beeson, an asso- 
ciation that proved remunerative and congenial, but was brought to a close by 
the death of Mr. Beeson in 1875. In Healdsburg his wife also died a number 
of years afterward, in 1882. 

Although Edward I. Beeson was born in Sacramento he has no remem- 
brance of his birthplace, for when he was nine months old his parents removed 
to Sonoma county, locating in Alexander valley, where the father purchased a 
ranch upon which he made his home until the removal of the family to Healds- 
burg in 1869. The primary education began in Alexander valley was continued 
in Healdsburg, and after his school days were over Mr. Beeson assisted his father 
in the store, and continued his connection with the business until about 1896, 
when with Neils Neilson he opened a saloon in Healdsburg, which has since been 
conducted under the name of Neilson & Beeson. 

Mr. Beeson's marriage in 1886 united him with Miss Emma Cooper Logan, 
a native of Cincinnati, and the daughter of Capt. R. S. Logan, who was born 
in Scotland. The parents of Mrs. Beeson are residents of Healdsburg. The 
eldest of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Beeson who are. now living is Edric 
Ives, who was born in 1890; he has received a splendid education in the schools 
of Healdsburg, and since his graduation from the high school has undertaken a 
course of study in an affiliated school in San Francisco. Elva Marie was born 
in Healdsburg December 17, 1893, and is now in the second year of the Healds- 
burg high school. Eda Josephine was born December 5, 1896, and is a student 
in the grammar school. 

Fraternally Mr. Beeson is a charter member of the Knights of Pythias, 
and he is also identified with the Foresters of America, and the Eagles lodge. 
Aerie No. 1776, at Healdsburg. Politically he is a believer in Republican prin- 
ciples. 



REV. JOHN M. CASSIN. 
Among Santa Rosa's beautiful buildings is St. Rose's Church, on B street, 
the handsomest thoroughfare in the city. It may be said that this edifice is one 
of the neatest Catholic Churches in the state. Constructed of stone, it is of 
English Gothic style tower and steeple. Its foundation is a deep bed of cement 
and the walls are reinforced with steel cables. In fact, Rev. J. M. Cassin, the 
pastor, must have had a premonition as he saw the ground broken for the cor- 
nerstone that June, 1900, of the great disaster of April, six years later. Albeit, 
he advised that the new church should be strongly built, and the wisdom of this 
was demonstrated when, on the morning of April 18, 1906, every other brick 
and stone edifice in Santa Rosa was badly injured and most of them totally 
destroyed. With the exception of a few stones from a cornice, St. Rose came 
through the dreadful ordeal unscathed. The cornerstone was laid by Arch- 
bishop Riordan with imposing ceremonies. Under it is a small stone from 
Bethlehem, an olive-wood cross from Jerusalem and a marble cross from the 
catacombs of Rome, all obtained by Father Cassin on his travels. Within the 
church is a picture of St. Rose of Lima. One of the beautiful windows is the 

40 



816 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

gift of the Ursuline Sisters, whose splendid college and grounds adjoin the 
church. 

John M. Cassin was born in New York City in 1847. He took his classical 
course in Gonzaga College, Washington, D. C, and the theological in All Hal- 
lows College, Dublin, Ireland, being ordained June 24, 1874, by Bishop Whelan, 
of Dublin. Returning immediately to California, after work in various parishes 
of the diocese, he was appointed pastor of St. Rose's Church at Santa Rosa in 
May, 1890. The celebration of the pastor's silver jubilee June 24, 1899, marked 
the beginning of St. Rose's new church. Under Father Cassin's ministry the 
church in Santa Rosa has prospered and the beautiful edifice well fulfills its 
sacred mission. It is interesting to chronicle that the city of Santa Rosa re- 
ceived its name from the baptism of an Indian girl on St. Rose's day (August 
30, 1837) by a missionary priest, Juan Amarosa, in the creek adjoining the 
town, and from that time the stream was called Santa Rosa creek by the Indians. 

The pastor is popular with his co-religionists, and possesses a host of warm 
friends among the membership of other denominations. It is the hope of his 
parishioners that he will continue to preside over their spiritual welfare for 
many years to come. 



WILLIAM HENRY BARNES. 

The name of Barnes needs no introduction to the people of Sonoma county, 
for the strong and admirable characteristics of the family are rooted in the 
upbuilding of the state, and are now finding expression through the medium of 
the second generation of workers, both sons and daughters, who are equally 
reliant, forceful and public-spirited. A native of Missouri, William Henry 
Barnes was born in Scott county, March 8, 1839, the son of parents who fol- 
lowed agriculture for a livelihood. Although the time and place did not offer 
the best of opportunities for an education, the son improved such opportunities 
as came his way and the habit which he then formed of utilizing advantages as 
soon as they were recognized, whether in an educational or business way, is 
undoubtedly the keynote of the success which has been his throughout life. 

When he was still quite a youth William H. Barnes undertook farming in 
his native state, following this and shoe-making, a trade in which he had become 
very proficient, until 1870. That year marks the close of his career in the east, 
and the beginning of his life in the commonwealth of California, for it was in 
that year that he came across the plains with his family. Settlement was first 
made in Ukiah, Mendocino county, where he followed his trade of shoe-maker 
for nine years, after which, in 1879, he transferred his citizenship to Sonoma 
county, and since that time he has made his home in Healdsburg. At the time 
he located here the town did not boast a shoe store, footwear then being one 
of the features of the general store only, and with the enterprise characteristic 
of his nature he grasped the opportunity to establish the first shoe store in 
the town. 

The marriage of William H. Barnes, June 25, 1861, united him with Miss 
Sarah Frances Grinsted, who, like himself, was born in Missouri. Nine children 
were born of this marriage, as follows: Mary Ida, the wife of James R. 
Miller, of Seattle, Wash.; Annie B. ; John T., of Oakland; Benjamin H., a 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 817 

resident of Healdsburg ; Nettie A., the wife of W. Chisholm, who owns and 
manages a ranch near Windsor; William G., a resident of San Francisco; Fan- 
nie G. ; Florence M., of whom a sketch will be found elsewhere in this volume; 
and Charles Frederick, a resident of Oakland. When Mr. Barnes came to 
Healdsburg forty years ago he was impressed with the thrift and enterprise of 
the young town and he threw his energies into movements for its progress with 
zest. His fellow-citizens were not slow in recognizing his abilities as a leader, 
and in making him president of the board of trustees of the town they had 
opportunity to ascertain that they had made no mistake in their judgment in 
this respect. He held this position for nine years, during which time his labor 
and influence were directed toward the organization of the Municipal Water and 
Lighting plant of Healdsburg, which is universally recognized as one of the 
finest plants of its size in the county. Fraternally Mr. Barnes is a devoted dis- 
ciple of Masonry, holding membership in the lodge of his home town, where he 
has gained the respect of a large circle of friends and acquaintances. 



HUBERT G. COMSTOCK. 

As far back as Revolutionary days the name of Comstock was associated 
with all that was upright and honorable in the community in which it was known, 
notably in Fairfield county, Conn., and two later generations of the family have 
taken equally high rank in the citizenship of California. The establisher of the 
name on the Pacific coast was William Comstock, who came to the west in the 
days of the gold excitement and after gaining considerable experience and some 
wealth in the mines, finally settled down to the life of the agriculturist in Sonoma 
county. On the ranch which is now the home of his son his earth life came to 
a close February 10, 1901, a wife and son being left to mourn his loss. (A more 
detailed account of the life of this California pioneer will be found elsewhere in 
this volume.) 

Hubert G. Comstock is a native of California, born in Sonoma county May 
5, 1863, not far from Santa Rosa, and in the schools of this city he received 
his early school training. Subsequently he was privileged to attend a business 
college in Stockton, but instead of turning his business training to account in the 
commercial world, returned to the home ranch in Sonoma county and lifted a 
share of its responsibilities from his father's shoulders. When he was about 
eight years old, in 1871, the father had purchased and removed to the ranch 
which was the home of the latter up to the time of his death. This consisted 
originally of two hundred and forty acres of land six miles from the court house ; 
and is now the home of his son. The latter has added to its acreage by the pur- 
chase of two hundred and twenty acres, owning at the present time four hun- 
dred and sixty acres of as productive land as can be found in Sonoma county. 
Ten acres are in walnuts, while the greater part of the remainder is in grain. 
Another department of agriculture which receives considerable of his atten- 
tion and is the source of a good annual income, is the raising of horses and 
sheep. He is regarded as one of the substantial ranchers and stock-raisers of 
his community, one whose opinion is considered an authority, for he has made 
a stud}' of the work and his success is proof that he is an adept. 



818 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

In 1899 Mr. Comstock was united in marriage with Miss Eppie Hoadley, 
a native of Sonoma county, whose father, Augustus A. Hoadley, was the first 
white child born in Trinity county, Cal. Her mother was also a native of Cali- 
fornia, the daughter of David Wharff, one of the early pioneers of the state. 
Of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Comstock five are living, as follows : Ruth 
Winnifred born in 1900; Wilma Catherine in 1902; Dorris Leona in 1907; Hubert 
George in 1908; and Grace Elizabeth, February 8, 1911. Politically Mr. Com- 
stock is a Republican, although he is not a supporter of the party's candidates 
unless in his opinion the candidate is the best man to fill the office in question. 
Mr. Comstock and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of 
Santa Rosa, as is also his mother, who is a welcome member of his household and 
at the age of seventy-four years is in possession of all her faculties and is in the 
best of health. 



B. D. ACKERMAN. 

A man of enterprise and pronounced business qualifications, B. D. Acker- 
man, owner and proprietor of the Sotoyome lumber yard of Healdsburg, is 
numbered among the most substantial of the younger generation of men in this 
city. A native of Wisconsin, he was born in Dodge county in 1858, and in that 
state his parents continued to make their home about eight years after the birth 
of their son, for in 1866 removal was made to Iowa. There, in Butler county, 
the father purchased a farm, in the duties of which he found an able assistant 
in his son, who continued with him until he became competent to manage a 
property of his own. Altogether he remained in Iowa until the year 1883, when, 
believing that a better opportunity awaited him in Kansas, he removed to that 
state, and there carried on general farming and stock-raising for the following 
thirteen years. 

During this time Mr. Ackerman had heard such favorable comments con- 
cerning California and its possibilities for young men of push and enterprise 
that he determined to come west and settle. Closing out his affairs in Kansas, 
he came to California in 1896, coming directly to Sonoma county, and near 
Healdsburg, settled upon a fruit ranch of twelve acres, which he rented. Here 
he readily adapted himself and his knowledge of farming to the changed con- 
dition of soil and climate to which he had been accustomed, and during the six 
years that he carried on the ranch he was very successful and had every reason 
to feel proud of his accomplishments. However, in the meantime he had be- 
come interested in the business opportunity offered in the lumber business and 
in 1902 he bought out the business and good-will of Joseph Price, who had 
maintained a lumber yard for some time. As a partner in the lumber business 
Mr. Ackerman was associated with G. R. Harrison, the association continuing 
for about four years, or until 1906, when Mr. Ackerman bought out his partner 
and since that time has conducted the business alone. At the time Mr. Acker- 
man purchased the business of his predecessor it was small and inconsequential, 
but he has put new life into the enterprise by increasing the stock, enlarging 
the size of the yard and erecting new sheds, until now it would hardly be taken 
for the same place. The Sotoyome lumber yard, as his plant is known, is one 
of the best equipped lumber plants in the county, and the thriving business 




OLJU*-^ 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 821 

which the proprietor now commands is constantly on the increase, his trade 
coming from all parts of the count)". 

While a resident of Iowa, in 1880, Mr. Ackerman formed domestic ties by 
his marriage with Miss Amelia R. Miller, a native of the state in which her 
marriage occurred. Four children have been born of the marriage of Mr. and 
Mrs. Ackerman, Merle, Charles. Roy and Ruth. Fraternally Mr. Ackerman is 
identified with two others, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the 
Modern Woodmen. 



JOHN JOSEPH ALVES. 

An authority on fruit-growing in the Vine Hill district, Sonoma county, 
is to be found in the person of J. J. Alves, superintendent of the now famous 
Vine Hill View ranch, of which A. B. Hills is the owner, and in addition to car- 
ing for this property he owns and manages a ranch of his own in close proximity, 
the two properties representing nearly four hundred and fifty acres under cul- 
tivation, grapes and the various fruits being raised in about equal proportions. 

The master hand responsible for the thrift and prosperity now visible at 
the Vine Hill View ranch is Mr. Alves. His adaptation for the work which 
he is so successfully following is inherited, no doubt, from his ancestors, who 
for many generations were natives of Portugal, where fruit-growing is the 
principal industry of the inhabitants. He, too, was born in that far-off country, 
in 1861, and was reared in his native surroundings until he was a youth of 
eighteen years. Coming to the United States at this age, he first located in 
Massachusetts, where his knowdedge of agriculture was put to good account, 
for two years working on a farm near Swansea. During this time he was gain- 
ing valuable experience, not only familiarizing himself with the English lan- 
guage, but also gaining practical experience in American methods of farming. 
It was with this added experience to his credit that he came to California in 
1881, going first to Alameda county, where for six years he was foreman of a 
ranch of five hundred and sixty acres. At the expiration of this time he went 
to Humboldt county and was interested in the dairy business for two years, 
after which he came to Sonoma county and has made this his home ever since. 
For the first three years he had charge of a ranch of one hundred and sixty 
acres for Mr. Bannister at East Windsor, after which he was in the employ of 
Ottson & Palmer in Santa Rosa for two years. Good fortune awaited him 
when he came to Sebastopol at the end of this time, for it was then that he 
assumed the management of the A^ine Hill View ranch for A. B. Hills, at Vine 
Hill. When he undertook the management of the property it was in a neglected 
condition, and in its restoration he has made a name for himself which has 
placed him high in the list of expert fruit-growers in this part of Sonoma county. 
His knowledge of grape culture was especially valuable to him, for of the four 
hundred and twenty-nine acres included in the ranch, two hundred acres are 
in vineyard, and the greater part of the balance of the ranch, or one hundred 
and fifty acres, are in fruits of all varieties. What he has been able to accom- 
plish has been truly wonderful, and today Vine Hill View ranch is conceded 
to be one of the most productive and best developed ranches in the county. In 
addition to this ranch he cultivates a ranch of his own of twentv acres, situated 



822 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

close to the former, his own property also yielding excellent crops of grapes 
and blackberries, the former averaging sixty-four tons to the acre, and the latter 
three tons to the acre. It is not an overestimate of Mr. Alves' accomplishments 
to say that he has entirely transformed the appearance and productiveness of 
ranches in this section of country, his success with his own and Mr. Hill's prop- 
erty lending zest to other ranchers, who have redoubled their own energy, and as 
a result the entire neighborhood has taken a long step forward agriculturally. 
In California Mr. Alves met and married his wife, who before her marriage 
was Miss Nellie McLaren, a native of the state. The five children born of 
their marriage are named in order of their birth as follows : John M., assistant 
cashier of the Pacific State Telephone and Telegraph Company of San Fran- 
cisco; Annie, who has recently won a prize as the most popular lady in a voting 
contest conducted by the Santa Rosa Democrat, the successful candidate being 
favored with a trip to the Yosemite valley; the remaining children in the family 
being William S., Frank S. and James H. While a resident of Alameda county- 
Mr. Alves served acceptably as road master for some years, and his interest in 
public affairs has shown no diminution since coming to Sonoma county. On 
political questions he is independent, but always does his duty at the polls, 
voting for the man best fitted for the office in question. Fraternally he belongs 
to one order only, the Independent Order of Foresters. 



THOMAS GILBERT COOK. 
. Whatever may be accomplished in future years by the agriculturists of Cali- 
fornia, whatever of success they may attain, whatever of prosperity they may 
enjoy and whatever improvements they may consummate on their country es- 
tates, a due share of praise for the advancement may be given to the native- 
born sons of the commonwealth, the men who were reared in the environment 
with which they are still familiar and who from their earliest recollections were 
trained to a knowledge of our climate and soil, together with the best methods 
of conducting agricultural operations under conditions existent in the west. 
A son of Isaac F. and Eliza (Hopper) Cook, both natives of Missouri 
and early pioneers of California, Thomas Gilbert Cook was born on the parental 
homestead in Sonoma county January 10, 1862. The district schools in the 
vicinity of his home gave him his first insight into books, and established the 
foundation upon which he has since added a worthy superstructure by reading 
and observation. The close of his school days marked the beginning of his 
career as a tiller of the soil, an occupation which he has followed continuously 
ever since, with the result that he is an expert in his calling and enjoys financial 
results in keeping with his efforts. Sonoma county was the field of his early 
operations, but after a time he transferred his interests to Mendocino county, 
where for thirteen years he carried on a ranch. At the end of this time he 
returned to Sonoma county, and near Santa Rosa purchased the ranch on which 
he now resides, on Rural Route No. 3. For a number of years, or until 1901, 
general ranching and cattle-raising formed his chief industries, but in later 
years he has turned his attention to fruit-raising, and raising grapes and hay, 
in all of which he is successful, thus proving his adaptability to any line of agri- 
culture to which he mis;ht wish to turn his hand. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 823 

During early manhood, in 1884, Mr. Cook formed domestic ties by his mar- 
riage with Miss Laura McCulloch, a native of California who passed much of 
his early life in Mendocino county. Two children were born of this marriage, 
a daughter and son. Maude E., born in 1886, is now the wife of Philo Phillips, 
and the mother of one child, Wesley, born in 1903. Grover Cleveland Cook, 
born in 1888, is at home. The mother of these children died in 1901, and in 
1905 Mr. Cook married his present wife, formerly Miss Annie Shaw, a native 
of Indiana. No children have been born of this marriage. Nominally Mr. 
Cook is a Republican, but in reality he does not belong to any party, for in the 
casting of his vote he is entirely independent, the fitness of the candidate and 
not the party which he represents being his guide in this matter. While he is 
not a member of any church organization, no one could be more interested in 
the welfare of his fellowmen than he is, and no opportunity to serve them or 
benefit his community in any way in his power passes his notice. His interest 
in the subject of good roads has led his fellow-citizens to elect him road com- 
missioner, and the result of his efforts may be seen in the fine condition of the 
Petaluma and Santa Rosa road, and the Cotati and Belleview road, both of 
which are a credit to the county and to the citizens also. Fraternally Mr. Cook 
is identified with but one order, the Ancient Order of Foresters of Willits, Men- 
docino county. He joined the order while living there and has never transferred 
his membership to his present place of residence. 



ALEXANDER E. BOYSE. 

Long identification with the agricultural and commercial possibilities and 
development of the west has given to Mr. Boyse a thorough knowledge of its 
resources and a sincere devotion to its welfare. Any study of his life-work is 
naturally divided into two parts. The first concerns his earlier years spent in 
the central west and includes his service in the Union army as one of the youngest 
volunteers in the ranks. The second embraces the activities of maturity, dealing 
wholly with his life in the west and including his association with public affairs, 
his connection with progressive projects and his accumulation of a competence 
through energetic and judicious application. To the inestimable and permanent 
advantage of the west there have been drawn to it men of acumen and energy, 
not the least among whom may be mentioned the name of Mr. Boyse, whose resi- 
dence in various parts of the Pacific coast region has given him an intimate famil- 
iarity with its enterprises, its growth and future possibilities. 

The Boyse family comes from southern lineage. Alexander E. was born 
near Jefferson City, Mo., on the 22d of February, 1849, being a son of George 
W. and Susan Jane (Eaton) Boyse, natives respectively of Kentucky and Ala- 
bama, the latter deceased during the year 1897. Sturdy principles of honor 
characterized the paternal ancestors, nor were the Eatons less upright in charac- 
ter, less industrious in temperament and less forcible in action. Supplementary 
to these inherited qualities the youth was given public-school advantages, and 
by study in boyhood laid the foundation of the broad fund of information he now 
possesses. When the Civil war broke out it was difficult for him to remain 
contented with his school tasks, for his heart was with the soldiers in camp and 



824 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

on battlefields. When only fifteen }ears of age he was accepted as a member 
of the Forty-eighth Missouri Volunteer Infantry and served until the close of 
the war in a company commanded by Captain Rice. Exposures on forced 
marches in inclement weather brought oil rheumatism, and he has been troubled 
with this disease ever since the war. 

Alternating work as a carpenter with farm labor the young ex-soldier passed 
the years immediately following the war, but in 1875 he severed all business 
relations in Missouri and came to the west. After a short sojourn at Reno he 
removed to the Goose Lake valley, Modoc county, Cal., and there continued to 
make his home until 1908, meanwhile engaging in ranching and also filling a 
number of contracts, among them those for the erection of two large mills. On 
leaving Modoc count)- he came to Sonoma county and bought a general mercan- 
tile business five miles west of Healdsburg, where he finds his time busily occu- 
pied in attending to the many details connected with such an enterprise. Of 
recent vears he has not engaged in the building business, but has limited his at- 
tention to his store. Business and kindred enterprises have occupied his time 
throughout active life to the exclusion of fraternal associations, and he is not 
identified with any secret orders. Stanch in the support of Democratic principles, 
he has been prominent in local party work, and during the administration of 
Grover Cleveland he filled the office of postmaster at New Pine Creek, Ore. In 
addition he served as justice of the peace in Modoc county. 

The marriage of Mr. Boyse in 1876 united him with Miss Rosina E. Rob- 
nett, a native of Oregon and a member of a family identified with the earliest 
settlement of the Goose Lake valley. The Boyse family, originally numbering 
seven children, still has all but one living. The eldest, Lawrence, born in 1877. is 
engaged in business at Lambert with his father. Annie, born in 1879, married 
Lester Vernon, a native of Missouri ; they have one son and one daughter and reside 
in Modoc count)-. Clarence, born in 1881, is a carpenter engaged at his trade in 
Modoc county. Leslie, born in 1887, lives in Modoc count)-. Lavona, born in 
1889, married Oscar Smith, a native of California, and they now reside in Lake 
county. Ore., their family consisting of a son and a daughter. The voungest 
member of the family is Varena, born in 1896. and now a pupil in the local schools. 



GEORGE B. DOCGLAS. 

One of the many worthy citizens and capable and progressive agriculturists 
of Sonoma county is George B. Douglas, whose ranch of one hundred and ninety- 
six acres south of Santa Rosa is admirably located for the cultivation of any 
crop the owner might choose, Mr. Douglas raising hay, wheat, oats and corn, 
besides which he raises stock, cattle and sheep. The admirable location of the 
ranch and its varied adaptability makes it especially suitable for subdivision, 
and with this idea in view Mr. Douglas has had it surveyed into tracts ranging 
from fourteen acres to five acres. 

Jones county, Neb., was the birthplace of Mr. Douglas, and March 22, 1862, 
was the date of his birth. His recollections of the locality of his birth are meagre 
indeed, for when he was a child of four years his parents went west as far as 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 825 

Utah, settling in Salt Lake City. This proved only a temporary residence, how- 
ever, for one year later they again took up the westward march, going to Ari- 
zona, which proved so satisfactory a location that they remained there for the 
following twenty-five years. The schools of that then sparsely settled territory 
furnished the only opportunity for an education that was destined to fall to the 
lot of George Douglas, but when one is determined to have an education even 
meagre opportunity proves no bar, but rather strengthens one's determination 
in its ultimate possession. Mr. Douglas has never ceased to be a student, and has 
thus made up for the lack of advantages in youth. In Arizona the elder Mr. 
Douglas engaged in the stock business on quite an extensive scale, and as soon 
as his son was old enough he had a valuable assistant in him. The association 
of father and son proved an invaluable benefit to both, for when the failure of 
the father's health made it necessary for him to relinquish duties from time to 
time his son readily assumed them, until finally, in 1883, the younger man was 
practically the sole manager of the business. The death of the father occurred 
the following year, in 1884. his birth having occurred in New York State in 
1824. His wife, who was a native of Ohio, survived him a number of years, 
having reached the age of eighty-two years at the time of her death in Stockton, 
Cal., in 1902. Besides George B. there was one other child born to these parents, 
a daughter, who is now a resident of Williams, Ariz. 

For about nineteen years after the death of his father George B. Douglas 
continued the business in Arizona, and then, in 1903, disposed of his cattle and 
other interests and removed to California. For a time he made Stockton his 
headquarters, subsequently however coming to Sonoma county, where his in- 
terests have been centered ever since. Soon after coming here he purchased what 
was known as the old Button ranch, located five miles south of Santa Rosa and 
consisting of one hundred and ninety-six acres. General ranching and stock- 
raising have been followed by Mr. Douglas ever since purchasing the property, 
but it is his intention to sell the property off in small acreages, and for this pur- 
pose has recently had the ranch surveyed and subdivided. 

Politically Mr. Douglas supports Republican candidates in national elections, 
but in local elections he casts his vote for the man best fitted for the office. 
Fraternally he is identified with but one organization, the Woodmen of the 
World. Personally Mr. Douglas is a man of good business principle, is broad- 
minded and liberal on all current subjects, and enjoys to an exceptional degree 
the good-will and appreciation of his neighbors and friends. 



EDWARD E. LAFRANCHI. 
This is the day when young men of energy and ambition are coming to 
the front in all the walks of life and are showing by their perseverance, close 
application and honest mode of conducting their business that success is assured. 
Among those who are making a name and a place for themselves among the 
vounger generation we find Eddie Lafranchi, who was born on the old home 
place near Duncan's Mills, October 15, 1885. His father was John Lafranchi, 
who is represented elsewhere in this volume. Our subject received a good edu- 
cation in the public schools, and from a boy was actively engaged on the home 
farm, learning the stock and dairy business, so he verv naturallv drifted into that 



826 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

vocation. Wishing to engage in business for himself he leased the Lafranchi 
place and established himself in his present business. In October, 1910, he bought 
all but a one-fifth interest in the place, while the business, the Lafranchi Creamery 
and Meat Company, is entirely his. He is operating a large dairy of seventy 
cows that graze on the ranch and from which he manufactures butter to supply 
his trade. He has established a modern meat market at Mesa Grande, from 
which he sends out three teams, making Guerneville, Monte Rio, Monte Cristo 
and Sheridan, and doing a large and extensive business in meats and dairy 
products. His place, which was formerly his father's, comprises five hundred 
and sixty-five acres on the Russian river, just across from Duncan's Mills, and 
for many years was the terminal of the Northwestern Pacific Railway. It is 
a valuable and beautiful ranch and abounds in redwood, pine and oak. There 
are numerous springs from which water is piped to the house and barns, thus 
making the most convenient arrangement. Mr. Lafranchi is a splendid judge 
of cattle and sheep, and is thus able to procure the best quality of meat for his 
many customers, and has an up-to-date slaughtering plant on the ranch which 
enables him to do a wholesale as well as retail business. 

In San Francisco, May 12, 191 1, Mr. Lafranchi married Hazel June Moore, 
who was born at Duncan's Mills and is the daughter of Thomas and Emogene 
(Richardson) Moore, the former born in Canada and the latter in Sonoma 
county. The father has been engaged in blacksmithing in Duncan's Mills for 
many years, being one of the old settlers of the place. Mr. Lafranchi is a very 
liberal, public spirited and enterprising young man, every ready to do his part 
for the upbuilding and good of the community, and both he and his wife are 
greatly esteemed and popular in social affairs. 



Dr. R. E. PERKINS. 

There are many doors of opportunity open for the individual who has a 
great desire to advance in life and amount to something. There are those who 
are content to plod along the highways of tradition, walking in the footsteps of 
their forebears without thinking of the wonderful possibilities that lie within 
their reach. There are those who endeavor to accomplish something in the world 
of achievement, but because of faulty application of principles governing such 
cases, or because of the fickleness of Dame Fortune, they have to abandon the 
quest for a life work that is distinct, and these fall back into the mass of medioc- 
rity. The third and last class comprises those who find that by the exertion of 
mind and body they can reach out and attain success, in spite of seeming defeat 
and failure ; to this class belong those splendid, strong characters that have made 
our nation one of the best in the history of Time. In studying the life work 
of Dr R. E. Perkins we are forced to admire this courageous man for the success 
that is his along the specific lines of work that he has chosen, for we well know 
that achievement such as his comes not without much effort and the exercise of 
those large qualities of mind and heart that are the hall mark of the true man. 

Dr. R. E. Perkins was born in Cleveland, Ohio, December 5, 1858, a son of 
R. E. and Harriette (Standish) Perkins. The former, a native of Massachusetts, 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 827 

was a shipbuilder and architect in Cleveland, and he designed and built the 
Michigan and Sherman, the first gunboats built for fresh water ; during the 
Civil war he served in an Ohio regiment and died in 1873. Dr. Perkins' mother, 
who is now a resident of Detroit, Mich., was born in New Hampshire. Dr. Per- 
kins is the second oldest of a family of four children and received his primary 
education in the public schools of Cleveland. When he was thirteen years old 
his father moved to a farm near Parma, where the young boy found that he could 
study and associate himself with horses to his heart's content. Pie soon began 
studying with Dr. Stephens, a very successful veterinary surgeon, and after- 
wards began the practice of veterinary surgery on his own account. Still later 
he attended and was graduated from the Veterinary Science Association of 
Ontario. In 1875 he removed to Kansas, and after practicing in Rooks county 
for four years, returned to Cleveland, and in 1882 he removed to Albion, Boone 
county, Neb., where he accepted a position as foreman for Clarke Brothers, ex- 
tensive breeders of Durham cattle. 

In 1895 Dr. Perkins removed to Cloverdale, Cal., and eight months later 
he became manager of the John Brown Colony Company, but they failed in one 
year and he then located in Madera, Cal., and from there he went to Salinas. 
There he remained until the gold rush to the Klondyke in 1898, when he and 
three others set out to seek their fortune in the great Arctic expanse of Alaska. 
Crossing the Chilcoot Pass, they arrived in Dawson with fourteen hundred pounds 
of food between them. In Dawson Dr. Perkins was manager for the Arctic 
Meat Company and also practiced veterinary surgery and was interested in min- 
ing. This latter enterprise was successful and he returned to Salinas in 1900. 
Two years later he came to Petaluma and established what is today the largest 
and most complete veterinary hospital in Northern California, the location being 
on the old Brink Ranch, five miles out of the city. Here the enterprising sur- 
geon soon had a large and lucrative practice, his fame and ability spreading to 
adjacent counties. In 1905, so large had his practice grown, he found it neces- 
sary to seek new quarters and forthwith purchased the present place on Main 
street, Petaluma. Here buildings have been erected, the land improved and ad- 
ditions to the equipment have been made until now Dr. Perkins has the finest 
equipped veterinary hospital in the Bay region. No expense has been spared 
to make this institution perform a work for humanity in caring for the beasts 
of burden. A part of the equipment consists of an operating table and all the 
latest instruments for the performance of surgery. The place has accommoda- 
tions for thirty head. Green alfalfa is raised in the adjoining field and five crops 
per annum are reaped and the product given to the sick animals. Dr. Perkins 
owns two fine stallions : Oseto W., by Wayland W. of the Wilkes strain, is the 
finest standard-bred stallion in the county; he also has an English Shire stallion, 
five years old and weighing nineteen hundred pounds. In addition to these he has 
several fine drivers. The practice of this versatile man extends to Sonoma, 
Sebastopol and almost to Santa Rosa, and he receives numerous cases from 
San Francisco. 

Dr. Perkins has also originated and compounded a Wonder Salve that has 
proven very efficacious in the curing of eczema and sores from varicose veins, 



828 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

having cured many persons that were pronounced incurable, and thus being a 
benefactor to humanity in the alleviation of suffering. 

Dr. Perkins was united in marriage with Miss Bessie Nicholas, a native of 
Parma, Ohio, and two children were born to the union : Cora, now Mrs. Jack- 
son of Petaluma ; and Nettie at home. Dr. Perkins is a member of the Petaluma 
Camp No. 515, Woodmen of the World, holding the position of manager of the 
same. Politically he is a Republican and adheres to the institutions of his native 
land. He and his wife are well respected in the community and have many 
friends. They are progressive, sociable and kindly in disposition and the future 
holds even a greater measure of success in store for these two people than has 
been theirs in the past. 



DAVID WALLS. 

The virile qualities that for generations untold have given strength to the 
Scottish clans in the highlands of their native country have brought them success 
in whatever part of the world destiny has directed their footsteps. In the sunny 
climate of the Pacific coast, no less than on the stern and rock-bound shores of 
their own land, they have displayed the energy and independent spirit that brings 
to a man the respect of associates and the esteem of friends. The region where 
David Walls spent the maturity of his useful existence was far removed from 
the humble home in Lincolnshire, Scotland, where he was born December 15, 
1840, and where his parents, William and Grace Walls, earned a scanty liveli- 
hood by the most arduous and unceasing toil. Impelled by a hope of bettering 
their condition, the family bade farewell to the companions of a lifetime and 
crossed the Atlantic to the United States, proceeding westward from New York 
City to Michigan and settling upon a tract of raw land in Oakland county near 
the city of Pontiac. There the head of the family entered from the government 
a claim of eighty acres and entered upon the task of transforming the bare prairie 
into a productive farm, which responsible undertaking engaged his attention 
until his demise in 1872. Eight years later his wife also passed from earth. 

Out of the parental family of seven daughters and six sons (all of whom 
except one son attained mature years), David Walls was the only one to seek a 
home in California, and it was during i860 that he took passage from New York 
City for Panama en route to San Francisco, where he landed January 20, 1861, 
after a voyage lasting exactly one month. Immediately after debarking from the 
vessel he proceeded to the mountains in Nevada county and began to work at 
placer mining, which engaged his attention almost uninterruptedly until his re- 
turn to Michigan in 1866. Meanwhile his luck had been that of most miners, 
excellent at times and discouraging on other occasions. When he took out $70 
worth of gold in one day he felt that he was singularly fortunate, but such inter- 
vals of prosperity were rare. However, he had accumulated a neat sum through 
his mining ventures when he took passage in March, 1866, from San Francisco 
for the isthmus and thence to New York City, and from there to Michigan. His 
visit with relatives came to an end in August, 1866, when he started once more 
for the west, landing in San Francisco on the 12th of September and immediately- 
proceeding to the mountains in Nevada county. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 829 

Going to San Francisco in February of 1867 Mr. Walls made a brief so- 
journ in that city, and on the 18th of March he hired out to the Contra Costa 
Steam Navigation Company as an employe at Haystack wharf on the creek be- 
low Petaluma. At the expiration of four years he resigned his position with 
the company and purchased a livery barn and business in Petaluma. After 
having conducted the business for six months he sold it to the former owner, 
and he then took charge of the railroad company's wharf at Donahue. Six 
months were devoted to that work, and he then returned to Haystack Landing 
to act as the agent of the steamboat company and also as manager of their 
ranch. Subsequently the business passed into the hands of different owners, 
but Mr. Walls was retained as agent without intermission until his death, filling 
the position with characteristic fidelity. During 1883 he bought the Haystack 
ranch comprising one hundred and fifty-six acres of upland and eighty acres of 
marsh land. As early as 1868 an orchard had been planted on the farm, and now 
there is a gratifying annual income from the sale of pears, apples and plums in 
the markets of Petaluma and San Francisco. In addition to fruit-growing spe- 
cialties are made of dairying and stock-raising, and in each department of agri- 
culture the land has proved to be an excellent investment for the owners. Mr. 
Walls passed away April 18, 1907. 

Fraternal societies had the encouragement and active co-operation of David 
Walls, who was identified with seven lodges in Petaluma. The first society which 
he joined was the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, with which he became 
connected in Grass Valley as early as i860. Afterward he become interested in 
other organizations. Twice married, his first union occurred in 1873 and gave 
him as a wife Miss Mary Donnelly, who died in 1887, leaving three children. 
January 30, 1888, he married Mrs. Alma R. Hynes, daughter of Freeman Parker, 
an old settler of Sonoma county. Two children were born of this union, but one 
of them is deceased. The only daughter of the first marriage, Grace, is the wife 
of George Drennon, and the mother of three children, David, Lloyd and Alma. 
The sons, Charles B. and James A., who are honored young agriculturists of 
the county, reside at the old homestead, to which they are devoted by ties extend- 
ing back to their early recollections. Charles B. Walls married Miss Pearl Rode- 
haver. Both are prominent in social affairs in the community, and both enjoy 
an enviable standing and excellent reputations for probity, integrity and energy. 
They are adding to the prestige of the family name and are proving themselves 
worthy successors to an honored father. Charles B. Walls is a member of the 
Odd Fellows order and Encampment, while James A. is a member of the Elks 
and the Red Men. 



JAMES P. CLARKE. 
Among the native sons of the state the name of James P. Clarke stands 
prominent as one who has practically made his way unaided to a leading posi- 
tion among the ranchers of Sonoma county, his property in Penn Grove town- 
ship, not far from Petaluma, representing his efforts of many years. He was 
born in San Francisco November 12, 1856, the son of James Clarke, who was 
born in the north of Ireland in 1821 and came to this country prior to the mem- 
orable year of 1849. He landed on these shores in the harbor of New York 



8 3 o HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

and had worked as a farm hand in the east in order- to secure the means for 
his transportation to the Pacific coast, which was his ultimate destination. 
When he had secured the necessary means he embarked on a vessel bound for 
the Isthmus, and after crossing this narrow neck of land he re-embarked on 
another vessel that finally landed him in San Francisco. Mining was then the 
chief attraction to all immigrants, and Mr. Clarke was no exception to the 
rule, and for two years he followed the fickle fortunes of the miner in Placer 
county. From there he came to Sonoma county in 185 1, and from then until 
his death, about 1895, he contentedly followed the life of the agriculturist. In 
his political leanings he was a Democrat, and for a number of years he served 
his fellow-citizens in the capacity of road-master. By his marriage with Miss 
Mary Smith, who was born in Ireland in 1831, eight children were born, four 
sons and four daughters, as follows : James P., Thomas, William, Lawrence, 
Margaret, Mary, Julia and Ellen. By her marriage with John McGolrick Mar- 
garet became the mother of two children, Charles (deceased) and Mary. 
Thomas chose as his wife Bridget Mallon, and they have five children, James, 
Thomas, Mary, Margaret and Llewellyn. 

At the time of the birth of James P. Clarke his parents were living in San 
Francisco, but two years afterward, in 1858, they took up their permanent resi- 
dence in Sonoma county, and this has since been the home of Mr. Clarke. Here, 
in Penn Grove township, near Petaluma, he has a ranch of two hundred acres of 
land, where he maintains a dairy of thirty cows, raises horses to some extent, 
and also raises turkeys, having three hundred at this writing. For twenty 
years, under Democratic as well as Republican supervisors, he has been the 
road overseer of the Sonoma mountain road, an office in which he has shown 
excellent judgment, and his work is appreciated by the officials. While Mr. 
Clarke is very energetic and superintends his ranch, which takes nearly all of 
his time, he still appreciates the necessity of healthful sport and recreation, and 
this he finds in hunting and fishing, a pleasure which he allows himself as often 
as home duties will permit. His father before him was a lover of out-door 
sports, and in the early days took great delight in hunting with his pack of 
hounds in the forest. Although still a middle-aged man Mr. Clarke is one of 
the very oldest settlers in this section, having lived here since 1858, and has 
seen the great growth and development of a country wild and unfenced. In 
the early days he could ride across the country to Sacramento without being 
hindered by fences. Since that time the plow and ax have made Sonoma county 
one of the greatest agricultural and horticultural counties of the state. 



HENRY GEORGE SINCLAIR. 
As superintendent of one of the largest landed tracts in Sonoma county, 
and as manager not only of the broad acres but also of large droves of stock, 
Mr. Sinclair occupies a position of recognized importance and varied respon- 
sibilities. The task is one to which a man of inferior abilities would never be 
summoned, and from which a man of small courage would shrink by reason of 
its irksome cares. While Lakeville, one of the oldest postoffices in the county, 
is his headquarters, his vast ranch or series of ranches extends for miles in 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 831 

every direction, so that a swift rider on horseback might easily grow weary ere 
the estate is left behind in the animal's rapid flight. Experienced sportsmen insist 
that here is to be found one of the most attractive hunting grounds in the entire 
county, and during the season the skilled marksmen delight to frequent the 
place in their effort to secure choice game. 

The estate of which Mr. Sinclair has charge is not unlike many to be 
seen in his native England, where vast holdings are retained under one land- 
lord, but in our own country the custom has inclined toward small holdings, 
so that a tract of eleven thousand acres under the ownership of one man is 
quite out of the ordinary. Mr. Sinclair, the superintendent, was born in Dover 
county, Kent, England, May 18, 1857, but has been a resident of the United 
States since about 1870, and has held his present position for some time, mean- 
while gaining the experience and varied knowledge that renders his occupancy 
of the post advantageous to the owner. Many years ago the property was 
transferred by Mr. Bihler to James B. Fair, from whom it came to the present 
owner, Mr. Foster, a resident of San Rafael, Marin county. 

Mr. Sinclair is the fifth oldest of a family of nine children born to Henry 
George and Sarah (Clarinbould) Sinclair, the former born near Glasgow, Scot- 
land, the latter in St. Pierre, France. The Sinclair family is among the old- 
est Highland families in Scotland. However, the father chose a sea- 
faring life and was a marine engineer until he retired, his demise occurring 
in Portsmouth, England, January 19, 1910, when he was eighty-three years old. 
The mother died in Folkestone in 1897. 

As a boy Mr. Sinclair was educated in the common schools, but at the age 
of nine and a-half years he went to sea on the Pathfinder, of the London-Chat- 
ham Company, on which he continued as an apprentice for five years. He then 
ran on the Allan Line between Liverpool and Montreal as able seaman for eigh- 
teen months, after which he spent three seasons on Lakes Ontario, Superior, 
Huron and Michigan. In 1877 he quit the lakes and followed farming in La- 
Porte county, Ind., until 1884, when he came to Sonoma county, Cal., and en- 
tered the employ of Mr. Bihler, then the owner of the Lakeville ranch, and in 
1896 he became foreman of the home ranch, continuing in that capacity until 
he was made superintendent of the whole ranch. Since then he has superin- 
tended the setting out of all the orchards, trees and vineyards, built up all of 
the buildings except two small ones, has established seven different camps, all 
well equipped and well built, as well as all of the roads. 

Out of the large holdings fifteen hundred acres have been put under culti- 
vation and are utilized for the raising of crops adapted to the soil and climate. 
During the season of 1910 nine thousand sacks of grain were threshed and 
five thousand tons of hay were cut, some of the crop being sold and the balance 
fed to the stock. One of the ranches forms a sheep camp for the herding of 
the flock of four thousand sheep. Another ranch has three hundred head of 
horses, mostly of the blooded English shire strain. To aid in the building up 
of a splendid herd of horses, there have been kept on the place at different times 
sixteen imported stallions of unexcelled quality. The cattle business also has 
been followed with success, and there are now fifteen hundred head of such 
stock on the estate. The lower ranch, known as Fairville ranch, contains a 



832 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

valuable rock quarry, from which stone for building purposes is quarried and 
shipped to Bay points, and a crusher is used for the purpose of crushing the 
rock. A large output of this is sold for street paving and similar purposes. On 
the home place there is a vineyard of three hundred acres, maintained with the 
greatest care by the manager and producing at times as high as nine hundred 
tons, which finds a ready sale at $14 per ton. There are three wharves on the 
ranch, one at Fairs landing on Petaluma creek; the one on Midshipmans Slough 
is one of the oldest landings in Sonoma county, and in the early days was a 
natural rodero ground used by the stock men, both Spanish and Americans, 
and in years past hundreds of thousands of cattle were slaughtered and shipped ; 
the third wharf is on Sonoma Creek, and each and every one is used exclusively 
for shipping' the produce of the ranch. When Mr. Sinclair came here the 
ranch was just an open country, and now, by his indefatigable energy and over- 
sight, it is well tilled and improved with buildings, fences and roads. His mar- 
riage occurred in Santa Rosa, when he was united with Miss Carrie Thorsen, 
who was born in Ottawa, 111., and was educated at the Baptist college in Ottawa, 
Kan., coming to Sonoma county, Cal., in 1886. To them have been born two 
children, Esther and Donald. Mr. Sinclair was made a Mason in Santa Rosa 
Lodge No. 57, F. & A. M., and raised to the chapter in Santa Rosa, No. 47, R. 
A. M. He is also a member of Santa Rosa Commandery No. 14, K. T., and 
Islam Temple, N. M. S., of San Francisco. He is also a member of Petaluma 
Lodge, I. O. O. F. Mr. Sinclair is a man of varied knowledge, with a fair in- 
sight into all the intricacies of ranching, and possessing a love of stock as well 
as of horticulture, so that he is admirably qualified to take charge of a vast 
property entailing many diverse responsibilities. 



GEORGE KINSEY BELL. 

Over half a century has come and gone since Mr. Bell came to Sonoma 
county, and during that time he has been continuously engaged in agricultural 
and horticultural enterprises not far from Healdsburg. In response to the 
promptings of advancing age, he has relinquished the management of his ranch 
to younger hands, and since May, 191 o, has been living retired in Healdsburg, 
enjoying a well-earned rest in the city which he has seen grow from a mere set- 
tlement to be one of the thriving centers of activity in this prosperous common- 
wealth. 

The blood of a long line of southern ancestors flows in the veins of George 
K. Bell, his ancestors for many generations being natives of Kentucky, and in 
that state both his father and mother were born and reared. Later years, how- 
ever, found the parents in Missouri, and at the time of the birth of their son 
George K, in 1836, were residents of Jackson county. Educational advantages 
of that time and place were so meagre as to be unworthy of the name, and all 
that Mr. Bell ever acquired in this direction has been the result of his own indi- 
vidual efforts. His father was a farmer, and with the other children in the family 
he contributed his efforts towards its maintenance until the year 1854, when as a 
youth of eighteen years he started for the west with two of his brothers and 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 833 

another lad. Their course was the one generally in vogue at the time, across the 
plains with ox-teams, the brothers taking with them a band of cattle, which the 
lad above-mentioned assisted in driving as part payment for his transportation. 
The journey was not without its hardships and trials, but these were no longer 
remembered when they heard that the party that immediately preceded them were 
massacred by the Indians. 

The journey ended, Mr. Bell came to Sonoma county and near Mill creek 
engaged in the stock business on land upon which he squatted, the land at that 
time not having been surveyed for apportionment to settlers. Later, when 
the land had been surveyed and the government could give title to land, Mr. 
Bell purchased three to four hundred acres near Healdsburg, from which he sold 
off portions from time to time, until now he has only fifty acres, of which thirty 
acres are in grapes, which he sells to the winery. The portion of the ranch not in 
vines is in pasture and woodland. As has been stated, in May, 1910, Mr. Bell rented 
his ranch to a tenant, and has since resided in Healdsburg, free from all anxiety 
and care. 

In 1866 Mr. Bell was united in marriage with Miss Martha E. Bice, a native 
of Missouri and the daughter of Cornelius and Mary Jane (Koger) Bice. Mr. 
Bice bought his family to Sonoma county and settled near Healdsburg in No- 
vember, 1853. At the age of eighty-four years the mother still lives on the ranch 
three miles south of Healdsburg, in the house which her husband built, preparing 
the lumber by hand. Mr. Bice died in 1875. Fi ye children were born of the 
marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Bell, but of the number two died in childhood. Mar- 
guerite E. became the wife of William Kelley, a rancher, who with his family 
recently removed to Healdsburg in order that the daughter, Irene, may receive 
good school privileges. Mary Ellen became the wife of William Stein, and they 
have one son, William Kinsey. The only son is Charles K. Bell. Politically Mr. 
Bell is a believer in Democratic principles, and although he has always been 
actively interested in all the activities of the community in which so much of his 
life has been passed, he has still had no ambitions for public-office holding, neither 
has he ever allied himself with any secret order. It must not be gathered from 
this statement that Mr. Bell's life has been a narrow or selfish one, on the con- 
trary no one has been more interested in the upbuilding of county and state than 
has he, every measure of this character meeting with his hearty support and co- 
operation. 



GEORGE H. WINKLER. 

Closely associated with the material development of Sonoma county through 
his efficient service in the capacity of surveyor, was the late George H. Winkler, 
who occupied an enviable position as a resourceful and able young man, and 
who was a distinct addition to the citizenship of the state. No one had a greater 
faith in the county's future than he, and none contributed more to its per- 
manent advancement along those lines of the greatest value to future progress. 

Ever since the frontier period of Sonoma's history the Winkler family 
has been identified with the county's history, Clayton Winkler having come 
here as early as 185 1 and settling in the Green valley, where he married Miss 

41 



834 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Martha Brain, a native of Pennsylvania. He himself was a Kentuckian by birth 
and ancestry. For years he engaged actively in ranching pursuits, and at his 
death, in the year 1901, he left to his heirs a valuable property. The son, 
George H., was born in Green valley June 5, 1872, and received a thorough 
education in the Oak Grove grammar school, the Santa Rosa high school and 
the University of California. In the last-named institution he took a course 
in civil engineering and gained an expert knowledge of the occupation. After 
leaving the university he was employed as assistant engineer in the Sonoma 
mines. 

Joining the engineering corps of the United States during June of 1898, 
Mr. Winkler went to Honolulu to engage in government engineering, and con- 
tinued in that capacity until he was honorably discharged in November of the 
following year. His next business association took him to Mexico to aid in 
location and construction work on the Kansas City, Mexico & Orient Railroad, 
with which he continued from June of 1900 to January of 1906, and then re- 
turned to his boyhood home in California. Elected county surveyor in Novem- 
berfollowing his return to this county, he filled the office with marked efficiency 
and wise judgment. At the election, November 8, 1910, he was chosen for a 
second term. As a county official he proved loyal to the local welfare and 
devoted to the local advancement. As a civil engineer his record was one of 
thoroughness and skill. As a soldier in the Spanish-American war and as ser- 
geant of Company I, Second Regiment, United States Volunteer Engineering 
Corps, his record was most enviable, including the making of the survey of 
Pearl harbor and assistance in the building of the Banex. His labors in the 
army were along engineering lines, and his knowledge and experience enabled 
him to serve his country with unusual discernment. 

The marriage of Mr. Winkler was solemnized February 29, 1908, and 
united him with Miss Maybe! Parker, who was born at Freestone, this county, 
September 15, 1879, being a daughter of Isaac Parker, an honored pioneer of 
the early '50s. After having engaged in farming at Freestone for a consider- 
able period, Mr. Parker removed to Sebastopcl, and later established his home 
in Dry creek valley. There he built up a ranch of such productiveness as to be 
known for miles around in every direction. To this day the place is known 
as the Parker ranch. While he always took an active part in politics as a Re- 
publican, Mr. Parker steadfastly refused to accept public offices. In his com- 
munity he was well and favorably known. None of the pioneers enjoyed a 
larger circle of warm personal friends than did he; in fact, his friends were 
as numerous as his acquaintances. His family consisted of five daughters 
and two sons, and these grew to maturity on the homestead in Dry creek valley. 

Various of the fraternal organizations received the support of Mr. Wink- 
ler, who was identified with Sebastopol Parlor, Native Sons of the Golden 
West; also the Santa Rosa Lodge of Elks and the Santa Rosa Camp, Wood- 
men of the World. In religion he was in sympathy with all efforts for the 
spiritual upbuilding of the human race, and his views were broad and liberal. 
In attendance and contributions he perhaps favored the Methodist Episcopal 
denomination, but all church work and missionary enterprises received his intel- 
ligent sympathy. Besides his comfortable home on Third street, Santa Rosa, 
he owned fifteen acres inherited from his father's estate. This land is in hops. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 835 

producing an annual revenue varying from $1,500 to $3,000, and forming a 
tract of considerable value. The county workers in the Republican party had 
the co-operation of Mr. Winkler in all their undertakings and his intelligent aid 
was most helpful to the furtherance of the party's local success. After a long 
and persistent struggle with ill health Mr. Winkler passed away July 23, 191 1, 
mourned alike in public and private circles, as an honorable and upright official 
and as a sympathetic friend and well wisher. 



CHARLES CHESTER OLIVER. 

Added to a long and worthy record in the business annals of Sonoma county 
the name of Oliver has gained distinction in the state through its high standing in 
fraternal circles, indeed it is a characteristic of all the male members of this 
family to attain the highest rank in the Masonic order. Their business ambition 
has been no less lofty, and in attaining it they have retained their self respect and 
the highest respect and esteem from those with whom they have come in con- 
tact. The name was established in Sonoma county by J. R. H. Oliver, who was 
born in McDonald county, Mo., in 1835 and came to California overland with 
ox-teams in 1857. Six months were consumed in the journey, a short stop being 
made at Chico, but otherwise the journey was continuous, long though it was. 
His acquaintance with Sonoma county began in 1865, when he came back to the 
settlement that later became Forestville and established himself in the black- 
smith business, his shop being the first in this section of the state, and natu- 
rally it received a large patronage, as those were the days before the coming 
of the railroad and horses were in constant use. From that time until his death, 
in 1889, he continued to maintain the blacksmith shop, besides which he owned 
a fruit ranch of forty acres. As one of the early settlers in this community and 
a man of unusual progress and perseverance he took the lead in upbuilding 
movements and throughout his residence here could always be counted on to 
assist in any project that was for the good of the community or the comfort of 
his fellow-citizens. He was the owner of the only boat that ever navigated the 
Russian river, the current of this river being so rapid now that it would be im- 
possible to venture upon it with a row boat. As has been intimated, he attained 
the highest rank in the Masonic order, as did also his sons. His wife is still liv- 
ing at Forestville, at the age of seventy years. 

Charles Chester Oliver is one of the four children of the parental familv 
now living, the others being daughters. Charles Oliver was born on the old 
family homestead in Sonoma county, in 1867, and was here reared and educated, 
attending district school in what is now Forestville. In those days it was no un- 
common sight to see all kinds of wild game, but all this is now changed, and what 
was then rough, uncultivated land, is now tinted with the hues of bud, blossom 
and fruit. Mr. Oliver is now proprietor of the old home place, which is known 
by the euphonious name of Wildwood, so named no doubt in memory of the old 
pioneer days, when indeed it was a wild wood. This is now all under cultivation 
to orchard and vineyard. Not only is Mr. Oliver a great lover of stock, but he 
is also an extensive breeder of high-grade stock, as well as horses, among 



836 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

other horses owning a fine blooded mare, Chilano, with a record of 2.17. Since 
1904 he has maintained a livery and sales stable in Forestville, a venture which 
is remunerative and at the same time one which is interesting, inasmuch as he 
is unusually fond of horses. 

Politically Mr. Oliver is attached to neither of the great parties, but never- 
theless is a good citizen, and does not fail to do his duty at the polls, voting 
for the man best qualified for the office. Fraternally he is as active and influen- 
tial as have been his predecessors, his affiliations including membership in the 
Odd Fellows' Lodge at Forestville, and the various" Masonic organizations at 
Sebastopol, besides which he has attained the Knight Templar degree in the Santa 
Rosa Lodge. 



WILLIAM H. M. AYERS. 

Among those born and reared in the state of California and who have wisely 
appreciated the advantages offered the man willing to put his shoulder to the 
wheel and carve out a place for himself where he may make a comfortable liveli- 
hood for himself and family and also be of some note in his own community, 
the name of W. H. M. Ayers is worthy of mention. Born in San Joaquin 
county, CaL, in 1859, he is a son of Samuel and Rebecca M. (Bigham) Ayers, 
natives of Missouri and Tennessee, respectively. Both are now deceased, the 
father passing away in 1862 and the mother in 1880. When the son was a child 
of six months old the parents removed to Mariposa county, and it was there the 
father passed away when he was comparatively a young man and when his son 
was only three years old, too young to remember his parent. After the death of 
the father the mother brought her family to Santa Cruz county, settling first in 
Watsonville, later in Soquel, going from there to Vacaville, Solano county, and 
finally coming to Sonoma county in 1865. Later, however, the family passed 
some time in Stanislaus and Tuolumne counties until 1868, since which time 
they have lived in Sonoma county, and here the death of the mother occurred. 

It is now forty-two years since Mr. Ayers came to Guerneville, in 1868, 
and cast in his lot with the other settlers of the little town, and with them, too, 
he has watched its growth as well as the surrounding country into a thriving 
agricultural center. As a boy he attended the common schools of the localities 
where his mother lived, and later in Guerneville, but his school training was of 
short duration, as he early in life realized the necessity of becoming self-support- 
ing. His first work of an independent character was in the timber business, this 
being followed by teaming, which occupation he followed continuously for about 
thirty years, or until purchasing and locating upon the ranch he now occupies 
near Guerneville, in 1906. Here, two miles from town, he has two hundred and 
twenty-one acres of land, of which he has eighteen acres in prunes and apples, 
and the remainder is in timber and pasture. As rapidly as is consistent with good 
judgment he is clearing the land of timber and placing it under cultivation to 
fruits, and in time he will undoubtedly have one of the finest ranches in this sec- 
tion of the county, judging by what he has accomplished in the short time he 
has made his home upon the property. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 837 

In the same year in which his mother died, in 1880, Mr. Ayers formed family 
ties by his marriage with Miss Margaret Brown, a native of Tulare, Cal., and of 
the four children born to them, only three are living, one having died in infancy. 
The eldest of the children living is Henry Clyde, who is married and has a family 
of five children ; George is married and has one child ; while the only daughter. 
Laura, is still at home with her parents. All of the children were born in Sonoma 
county and have continued residents of their native county. On the paternal 
side Mrs. Ayers comes of southern ancestors, her father, Richard Baker Brown, 
being a native of Georgia, while her mother, Susan Whitemore, was born in 
Texas ; the latter is still living, although the father has been deceased since Octo- 
ber, 1908. Politically Mr. Ayers is a Republican, voting for the candidates of 
this party on national issues, but in local elections he is guided in the casting of 
his ballot more by the fitness of the man for the position than by the name of the 
party he represents. Aside from school offices he has never filled public office, 
and has never had any desire to. Fraternally he is associated by membership with 
a number of orders, belonging to Redwood Lodge, I. O. O. F., at Guerneville, 
also the Rebekahs, and was made a Mason in Mt. Jackson Lodge No. 295, F. 
& A. M., also of Guerneville. Mrs. Ayers is also a member of the Rebekahs.. 
Personally Mr. Ayers is a man who is popular with all who know him, and as 
one of the old-time citizens of Guerneville and Sonoma county he is respected 
and esteemed by the many who with him have labored in the upbuilding of the 
community. 



MARTIN SCATENA. 

The Roma Wine Company of California and New York has maintained a 
steady and rapid growth during the entire period of its history, its present splen- 
did standing being due to the conservative judgment of its founder, Martin Scat- 
ena, assisted by the enthusiastic co-operation of his son, Frank M., the traveling 
salesman for the firm. The senior partner is an Italian by birth and ancestry, 
and his parents were lifelong residents of sunny Italy, but he, fired by ambition 
and love of adventure, left the old home at the age of eighteen years, in 1870, 
and crossed the broad ocean to the new world, proceeding direct to San Fran- 
cisco, since which time he has built up financial success and an enviable busi- 
ness reputation in the west. The beginning of his career was lowly. No special 
training had been given him in books, and no work had been undertaken by 
him save in connection with agriculture. Coming to this country alone and 
without money, he accepted the first work offered and that was the running of 
a vegetable wagon. For two years he drove through the streets of San Fran- 
cisco and sold his vegetables as opportunity offered. From that humble begin- 
ning he branched into the commission business and meanwhile, frugally saved 
his earnings with painstaking care. 

The inauguration of the wine business dates back to the year 1884, when 
Mr. Scatena bought a ranch near Healdsburg and started a very small wine 
cellar at his home, manufacturing solely for the family trade. The wine was 
shipped to a store in San Francisco and sold to family trade until 1889, when 
he embarked in the wholesale business. During that year the farm was sold 



838 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

and a tract was purchased near Healdsburg, where a small winery was started. 
A partnership was conducted with another man until 1906, when the association 
was dissolved, and the son, Frank M., was admitted to the firm. Today the 
company owns and operates one of the largest wineries in the state, and main- 
tain a branch house at No. 507 West Broadway, New York. During 1909 they 
bought out twenty-nine other wineries, and it is their plan to buy more as op- 
portunity is afforded. The output of the Healdsburg winery is about four hun- 
dred thousand gallons per year. A larger amount than this is bought in order 
to satisfy the demands of the trade. The winery is supplied with the very 
latest improved machinery, and is operated by electricity, with steam for use 
in case of an emergency. In 191 1 they erected a new storage department ad- 
joining the other plant; it is built of re-inforced concrete one hundred and 
thirty-five feet square, and has a capacity of one million gallons. The building 
has frontages on three streets, and a spur track runs along side of the main 
buildings, on the Northwestern Pacific Railroad. 

After having lived in San Francisco for many years in 1908 the family moved 
to Healdsburg, where they erected and now occupy one of the finest homes in 
the city. In addition to the homestead and the various wineries, they own and 
control several valuable tracts of land in San Francisco. The junior member 
of the firm travels much of the time in the interests of the business, while the 
father remains closely identified with the management of the business, and su- 
perintends the shipment and manufacture of all wines. Neither fraternities 
nor politics have interested the father, but the son enjoys the diversions occa- 
sioned by identification with secret orders, and belongs to various social and 
fraternal bodies, including the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks No. 646 
at Santa Rosa. 

The marriage of Martin Scatena and Josephine DeMartini was solemnized 
in 1881, and resulted in the birth of seven children, of whom Flora, Humbert 
and Eda are deceased. Frank M., the eldest now living, was born in 1884, and 
received an excellent education in the San Francisco high school, since which he 
has been engaged in business with his father. Laura V., born in 1882, married 
James Razzetto, of San Francisco, and they have one son, born in 1907. Hum- 
bert (named after his deceased brother) was born in 1892 and now attends the 
Healdsburg high school. Eda, born in 1897, is a pupil in the grammar-school 
at Healdsburg. Mrs. Scatena was born in California in 1867, and received her 
education in her native city of San Francisco, where she lived until her removal 
to Healdsburg. With her is now living her widowed mother, Mrs. Magdalena 
DeMartini, seventy-four years of age, but still quite active and hearty. The 
family has a high social standing in Healdsburg, and also enjoys the warm 
friendship of a large circle of acquaintances in San Francisco, in both of which 
cities the firm has won pre-eminence in the line of its specialty. 



ALBERT SLEEPER HALL. 
The far-off state of Maine has given a valuable contribution to the citizen- 
ship of California in Albert S. Hall, who identified himself with this western 
commonwealth in 1863, and since 1888 has made his home in Petaluma. In a 
typical New England home in South Thomaston, Knox county. Me., he was born 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 839 

October 17, 1840, the son of sturdy, God-fearing parents who in training their 
children to lives of usefulness, realized not only their duty, but also their privi- 
lege in giving to the world men and women of stout hearts and unassailable prin- 
ciples, an equipment which would enable them to withstand any temptations 
that might confront them. These parents were George D. and Mary A. (Sleeper) 
Hall, born near South Thomaston, Me., and the former a carpenter by trade. 
The father died in Maine, and the mother passed her last days in California. Our 
subject's paternal great-grandfather, Caleb Hall, served in the Revolutionary 
war, while his maternal grandfather, Jesse Sleeper, participated in the war of 
1812. 

In coming to California in 1863, by the Panama route, Albert S. Hall was 
following the lead of an elder brother, Andrew B. Hall, who had made the same 
trip in 1858 and located on a government claim in Sonoma county near Peta- 
luma. Here the brothers were re-united, A. S. Hall finally securing work as a 
ranch hand in the vicinity. He continued thus occupied for about a year, when 
he went to San Francisco, and having secured work at teaming in the metropolis, 
remained there for about three years. Returning to Petaluma at the end of this 
time, with the means which he had accumulated in the meantime he purchased 
a ranch of one hundred and forty acres two miles west of town, adjoining his 
brother's property. The purchase was a fortunate one in that it enabled the 
brothers to unite their efforts, and for many years they maintained a dairy on 
a large scale, their herd of cows usually numbering seventy-five. For twenty- 
five years their interests were mutual, the association proving mutually profitable 
and agreeable, but at the end of this time the partnership was dissolved, each 
thereafter maintaining his own property. It was at the time of the dissolution 
of the partnership, in 1888, that Albert S. Hall removed with his family to 
Petaluma, upon a small ranch of eight acres, on D street, which is still the home 
of the family. Mr. Hall still owns the ranch in the country, this and the home 
ranch bringing in sufficient income to enable him to provide all the comforts of 
life to his family. 

Before the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hall, which occurred in San Fran- 
cisco October 20, 1880, Mrs. Hall was Miss Mary E. Swain, a native of Peta- 
luma, and the daughter of Capt. William C. Swain. From Australia Captain 
Swain came to California in the vessel Henry Chauncy, of which he was one- 
third owner and also the master. At Panama he sold his interest and afterward 
he came to San Francisco, in 1852. In the fall of that year he located in Peta- 
luma and engaged in fanning, and continued to make his home here until 
his death in 1863. He was a native of New Bedford, Mass., and from early man- 
hood followed the sea, engaging in the New Zealand and Australian trade, as 
well as whaling. Before her marriage Mrs. Swam was Miss Sarah Carpenter, 
a native of London, England, and her marriage to Captain Swain occurred in 
Sidney, Australia. She is now living in Amador county, Cal. 

Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hall, all living, as follows : 
Nellie M., Albert W., Osborn W., Arthur L., Alma E., Lynwood and William 
T. As a successful and enthusiastic rancher it is in keeping that Mr. Hall should 
be interested in whatever tends to create or maintain a high standard of excellence 
in agricultural affairs, and his membership in and efforts in behalf of the State 



840 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Grange demonstrate this beyond question. He is ever alert to do his part as a 
good citizen, and in his political affiliation he is a Republican. 

Andrew B. Hall, the brother of Albert S. Hall, previously mentioned, was 
born in South Thomaston, Me., May 26, 1837. In 1858, at the age of twenty- 
one, he came to California by the Panama route, and from San Francisco, he 
came direct to Sonoma county. Near Petaluma he bought a quarter-section of 
land, deed to which was issued direct from the United States government and 
signed by Abraham Lincoln. As had been previously stated, a few years after 
this his brother, Albert S. Hall, purchased property adjoining, and here the 
brothers carried on an extensive dairy enterprise for a quarter of a century. 
After the dissolution of the partnership Andrew B. Hall carried on his ranch 
alone until 1906, when he removed to San Francisco to make his home with his 
son, and there his death occurred September 28, 1908. Two children, Effie M. 
and Charles A., were born of his marriage with Miss Effie Young, a native of 
Maine. Politically Mr. Hall was a Republican, stanch and true, although he was 
never ambitious for office. 



HIRAM L. TRIPP. 

Ably maintaining the various positions which have become his since his resi- 
dence in Sonoma county Hiram L. Tripp has won the good opinion of thoughtful 
citizens and the trust and confidence of those who have watched his quiet but 
effective work. He is now filling the position of postmaster in Santa Rosa, to 
which he was appointed by President Roosevelt in 1906, and reappointed by 
President Taft in 19 10. Not unlike many others who are filling positions of 
trust and responsibility in this thriving city of the west, Mr. Tripp is a native 
of the far east, his birth having occurred in Chestertown, N. Y., April 9, 1848. 
At the age of twenty years he took up the responsibilities of life by accepting his 
first position in the business world, having in the meantime gained a fair edu- 
cation in the schools of his home town. 

At the age just mentioned Mr. Tripp went to Glens Falls, Warren county, 
N. Y., and accepted a position with a mercantile firm in that city, and so eagerly 
and diligently did he apply himself to his duties, that during the years that he 
remained with these employers he gained a valuable insight into the business, 
an insight which proved a working basis for many years following. It was with 
his recently acquired knowledge as a stimulus that he came to California in 1875, 
confident that the west held forth greater promise of success for young men of 
ambition than the older and most thickly settled east in which he had been reared. 
San Francisco was his objective point on coming to the state, and for three years 
he was engaged in the clothing business in the metropolis with very fair success. 
It was with this practical experience along a special line of merchandising that 
he came to Santa Rosa in 1878 and opened the only exclusively gentlemen's 
clothing and furnishing goods store in town. A thriving business was carried 
on under his name until 1884, when J. D. Barnett bought an interest in the busi- 
ness, this association continuing until May 1, 1888, when Mr. Tripp assumed en- 
tire control of the business through the withdrawal of Mr. Barnett. Mr. Tripp's 
proprietorship was destined to be of short duration, however, for he soon took in 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 841 

George S. Thurston as partner, and this association continued one year, when he 
again became sole owner and would undoubtedly have continued until the 
present time, had the business not met with total destruction in the earthquake 
and fire of April, 1906. The stock carried by Mr. Tripp was the most complete 
of any similar enterprise of the kind in the city and the business transacted made 
it one of the busiest centers of activity and contributed immeasurably to the 
commercial importance of the town. It was during the same year in which this 
disaster occurred that Mr. Tripp received his first appointment as postmaster of 
Santa Rosa, and so ably did he perform the duties of his first term that he re- 
ceived reappointment at the hands of President Taft in 1910, and at the present 
time is ably filling the office for which he is so well fitted. Previous to his first 
appointment in this capacity he had been elected to the state legislature, in 1905, 
on the Republican ticket, and for one term he rendered earnest and faithful serv- 
ice to his fellow-citizens. 

In Santa Rosa, September 24, 1884, was celebrated the marriage of Hiram 
L. Tripp and Mrs. Mary (Crane) Weymouth, who was a native of Ohio and 
had been a resident of California for a number of years. Fraternally Mr. Tripp 
is identified with the Masonic order, in which he has attained the Knight Templar 
degree, and is also a Shriner. He has served as master of Santa Rosa Lodge No. 
57, F. & A. M., as high priest of Santa Rosa Chapter No. 45, R. A. M., and as 
commander of Santa Rosa Commandery No. 14, K. T. Mr. Tripp is a man who 
has the entire respect and esteem of all who know him, a wide circle of friends 
ready to speak of the many qualities which have made him a citizen of worth to 
Sonoma county. 



A. F. STEVENS. 

A native of Michigan, A. F. Stevens was born in Detroit, March 16, i860, 
a son of Amos and Margaret (Brennan) Stevens, the former born in Steuben 
county, N. Y., and the latter in the north of Ireland, but was brought to New 
York by her parents when she was only three years of age. She was reared 
and educated in New York City and died in Plymouth, Mich., at the age of 
eighty-four years. The father was engaged in the furniture manufacturing 
business in Detroit until 1870, when he located on a farm near Plymouth, Mich., 
and passed away there in 1876. 

A. F. Stevens was educated in the public school of his locality and in the 
Detroit high school. After completing his studies he went to northern Mich- 
igan in 1880 and there became a clerk in the general store of the E. K. Wood 
Lumber Company at Stanton, and was later employed in their stores in Mc- 
Brides and Mecosta. It was during these years that he became familiar with 
the lumber business in all of its details by making himself useful about the 
yards and mills. In 1887, when the timber was practically all cut, he went with 
the company to the Pacific coast and at Grays Harbor, Wash., he was engaged 
as book-keeper and tallyman. His efficiency in the discharge of his duties was 
rewarded by advancement, and in 1895 he went to San Francisco and became 
interested in the concern, being elected vice-president and one of the directors, 
and took an active part in the management of their affairs. He gave the busi- 



842 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

ness his undivided attention for several years, or until resigning in 1908 to en- 
gage in business independently, having purchased a lumber ) r ard in Healdsburg, 
Sonoma county, to which he has since devoted his time and attention. His long 
experience of twenty-eight years had given him a thorough knowledge of every 
branch of the industry, and when he embarked in it for himself it was with a 
determination to bring it to such a state of perfection that it would be second 
to none in the state. How well he has succeeded will be shown by a visit to his 
well-equipped planing mill and lumber yard in Healdsburg. 

Here Mr. Stevens owns four acres of ground, located adjacent to the tracks 
of the Northwestern Pacific Railway, and he carries a well-selected stock of 
lumber, general building material and builders' hardware. The mill was built 
by him for the manufacture of all kinds of building material, and is one of 
the most modern in the county. The office of the plant is one of the finest in 
finish in the state, and was designed especially to show what can be done with 
natural wood. It is of six-foot elm panels with plate rail and battens of Doug- 
las fir, with beam ceiling and walls of the same material. In its setting, each 
panel gives one the impression of a beautiful picture. It has attracted such 
notice and favorable comment that people of the most esthetic tastes have visited 
it and have had their bungalows finished in the same style. 

Mr. Stevens was one of the founders of the Ferry Drug store at No. 20 
Market street, San Francisco, which was afterwards incorporated as the Ferry 
Drug Company with Edward L. Baldwin as president and manager and A. F. 
Stevens, vice-president. He was likewise one of the organizers of the Celery 
Soda Company of San Francisco, of which he is a director, and his long-time 
friend, Mr. Baldwin, is president and manager. They are engaged in the man- 
ufacture of Cel-So, a celebrated compound for the alleviation of stomach trouble 
and headache, and it has already become widely and favorably known, and such 
is the increased demand that the company have had to quadruple their capacity. 

Mr. Stevens was united in marriage in Greenville, Mich., with Miss Emma 
Gibbs, a native of that city, and they have two children, Margaret and Russell. 
Mr. Stevens is a member of Sotoyome Lodge No. 123, F. & A. M., of Healds- 
burg, and the Lodge of Perfection in Santa Rosa. Since locating in Sonoma 
county he has become thoroughly identified with its enterprises and upbuilding, 
and is counted one of the progressive and wide-awake men of his adopted city. 
It has often been said that if there were more men of his stamp in the county its 
growth and development would be more rapid and assured. 



ANABEL McG. STUART, M. D. 
To attain to so honored a place in the community as has Dr. Anabel McG. 
Stuart, of Santa Rosa, is to live worthily and to improve the opportunities 
within reach of one's ability and industry. Without doubt the training and 
surroundings of her girlhood had much to do with formulating those principles 
of uprightness, courage and honesty of purpose which have been such noticeable 
characteristics in her later career. A native of West Virginia, she was born in 
Martinsburg May 4, 1840, the eldest of the children born to her parents, Hugh 
F. and Jane (Walker) McGaughey, both of whom were born and reared in Penn- 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 843 

sylvania. Throughout his active years the father was a well-known figure in 
railroad construction circles, one of the most notable projects with which he 
was identified being the construction of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. When 
their eldest child was nine years old the parents went to the middle-west and 
settled in Macomb, 111., where parents and children lived happily together in the 
close bonds of love and comradeship until 1863, when the home was made deso- 
late by the death of both father and mother. 

Miss McGaughey's girlhood had been uneventfully passed in Illinois, and 
her education had been acquired in private schools and in McDonough College, 
Macomb. It was in Doddsville that she met the gentleman who was later to 
become her husband, Absalom B. Stuart, and in September, 1859, their mar- 
riage was celebrated. At the time of their marriage he was a promising young 
physician of that community, and early in the history of the Civil war he volun- 
teered his services. August 2, 1861, he enlisted (see his sketch) as assistant 
surgeon in the Tenth Missouri Infantry, and from this date and circumstance 
it may be said, his wife received her first impetus toward relieving sick and suf- 
fering humanity. Not wishing to be separated from her husband, she accom- 
panied him to the field of battle, and it so happened that during his service of 
over two and a-half years she was able to be with him much of the time, nursing 
the sick and assisting him in many ways. 

Resigning in January, 1864, Dr. Stuart and his wife returned to Macomb, 
111., and two years later removed to Winona, Minn., where the doctor opened an 
office and rapidly gathered about him a large and influential practice. How- 
ever, his unwearying service in the Civil war had made inroads upon his con- 
stitution from which he was never able to completely recover, and believing 
that by becoming a co-worker with him in his profession she could relieve him 
of much of his practice, his wife entered upon her studies with zest. After 
studying for some time with her husband Mrs. Stuart became interested in 
research, and in 1876-77 took a course of lectures at the Woman's Medical 
College of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia. In the meantime Dr. Stuart's health 
had not improved and he had come to California in 1876. It was for the pur- 
pose of joining him that in the summer of 1877 she came to California and met 
him at Santa Barbara. In the fall of that year Mrs. Stuart entered the Medical 
College of the Pacific, now Cooper Medical College, and on November 5, 1878, 
she was graduated from that institution. The health-giving climate and sun- 
shine of California proved beneficial, and prolonged the life of Dr. Stuart un- 
doubtedly, and after her graduation husband and wife were associated in the 
practice of their profession for nearly ten years, or until the death of the hus- 
band in Santa Rosa in 1887. 

Since the death of her husband Dr. Stuart has continued the practice of her 
profession in this city, keeping abreast of the times in methods of treatment of 
diseases by study and by association with and membership in various medical 
associations, among them the State Medical Society of California, which she 
joined in 1879; the American Medical Association, being the first woman west 
of the Mississippi river to become a member, and that same year, 1885, a dele- 
gate from California to their annual meeting; and the County Medical Society, 
of which she has served one term as president, passing through the various 



844 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

offices in the society with the exception of secretary. In the midst of her profes- 
sional successes Dr. Stuart has been called upon to suffer keenly, not only in 
the loss of her husband, but in the death of their three beloved children, two of 
whom died in infancy; each being the only child in their household when taken 
away. Mary Stuart lived to the interesting age of twelve years, and as the light 
and joy of the household her death was an irreparable loss, and undoubtedly 
the death of her father was hastened thereby. Dr. Stuart has tasted deeply of 
the joys and sorrows of life, and all have contributed to the full, rounded char- 
acter which she is today, as she goes upon her errands of mercy in the relief 
of sickness and suffering. 



LOUIS WALKER CLARK. 

There is probably no place in the world where the raising of chickens has 
attained such large proportions as it has in Sonoma county, Cal., particularly in 
the vicinity of Petaluma, and among those who have contributed to this fame is 
Louis Walker Clark, proprietor of the Petaluma hatchery. A native son of the state, 
he was born in Grimes, Colusa county, March 6, 1865, the son of A. J. Clark, an 
early pioneer settler in that county, who, however, did not long survive to enjoy 
the results of his early efforts. He passed away in 1865, when his son Louis 
was an infant. The whole responsibility of his training and education thus fell 
on the mother, who nobly did her part to make up for this loss to her child. In 
addition to providing him with a good education in the public schools of Colusa 
count} and Pierce Christian College at College City, he was also given a good 
musical training. His mother bore the maiden name of Martha Grimes, was 
born in Virginia and is a sister of Cleaton Grimes, the founder of Grimes, Grand 
Island. Cal., and a second cousin of Gen. U. S. Grant. She is now the widow 
of H. D. Strother and resides in Berkeley. 

Mr. Clark's earliest efforts at self-support were as a teacher in his home 
county, following this for some time, after which he engaged in ranching in the 
same vicinity for two years. Plis identification with Petaluma dates from the 
year 1900, as does also his interest in the chicken business. He began in the 
business on a small scale, first raising chickens for the market, but later installed 
a hatchery and thus began the nucleus of the large business of which he is the 
proprietor today. To one less far-sighted than was he the undertaking would 
have seemed venturesome indeed, as when he had his plant installed he found 
himself heavily in debt, but this has long since been forgotten in the successful 
years that have followed. Whereas in the beginning of the enterprise he hatched 
out about five thousand eggs, his capacity is now fifty thousand eggs at one time, 
the output of his hatchery for. nine months amounting to four hundred thousand 
chicks. This entails the use of over one-half million eggs. The chicks are sold 
and shipped when one day old, shipment being made in cases containing one 
hundred chicks, which are so constructed as to insure safety to the stock for a 
three-day trip. It is no uncommon occurrence for Mr. Clark to make shipments 
as far as Seattle. Wash., and Salt Lake, Utah, and in nearly every instance they 
arrive in perfect condition. However, the largest part of his patronage comes 
from the country in and around Petaluma, supplying poultry raisers with the 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 845 

young chicks which they raise for the market or for the purpose of egg supply. 
Mr. Clark has a special contract with poultrymen which insures a first-class 
stock of eggs for his hatchery, and it is the fact of an unvarying high standard 
of stock which has placed the name of the Petaluma hatchery high up on the 
list of those engaged in the chicken industry in this vicinity. He makes a 
specialty of White Leghorns. At the state fair held in Sacramento in September, 
1910, Mr. Clark received the first premium for newly hatched chickens, his 
exhibit consisting of one thousand chicks one day old. The hatchery has been 
enlarged from the plant as originally started in 1900, and is now one of the 
finest and largest in the county, and by this is meant the largest in the world, 
for this county ranks first in this industry in the world. The plant is modern 
and well equipped with all the conveniences which this special industry demands. 
The hatchery has twenty-four uniform incubators, each with a capacity of two 
thousand and ninety-six eggs, heated by hot air, generated from gas burners, 
all placed in one large building. 

On October 11, 1899, Mr. Clark formed domestic ties by his marriage with 
Miss Irene I. Howe, who was born in Santa Cruz, Cal., the daughter of Ira and 
Mary A. (Hoag) Howe, both natives of New York state. The father came to 
California across the plains and followed mining in Trinity county until return- 
ing east. After his marriage he returned to California by way of Panama about 
the year 1857. He died in Lake county, and his widow is a resident of Colusa. 
Two children, Dorothy and Truman, have blessed the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. 
dark. 



EDWARD F. WOODWARD. 

Foremost among the citizens of Santa Rosa who won themselves a place 
of note by years of honest and zealous labor, mention should be made of the 
late Edward F. Woodward, whose death, September 11, 1910, was the cause 
of general mourning in the community in which he had lived for nearly three 
decades. During this time he was not only associated with business interests in 
Santa Rosa, but he was also prominent in political and administrative affairs 
in Sonoma county, serving first as city treasurer of Santa Rosa, subsequently 
as mayor, and still later as treasurer of the county, to all of which he was 
elected as candidate of the Republican party. Still greater honors were be- 
stowed upon him by his fellow-citizens when they elected him to represent 
them in the state senate, where for one term he gave his constituents faithful 
service. 

Mr. Woodward was a native of the middle west, his birth having occurred 
in Dubuque, Iowa, January 1, 1853. During young manhood he cast in his lot 
with the great west, locating first in San Francisco, and from there coming to 
Santa Rosa in 1882. Here he became a member of the real-estate firm of 
Proctor, Reynolds & Co., and upon the death of the senior member, the firm 
became known as Reynolds & Woodward. Not only was Mr. Woodward en- 
dowed with splendid business ability, but he also possessed a personality that 
made a friend of everybody with whom he was brought in contact, and no one 
held a higher standing as an upright, honorable business man than did he. Dur- 



846 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

ing his early residence in Santa Rosa he became interested in political matters 
in the count}', and so faithfully did he serve the interests of his fellow-citizens 
in the capacity of city treasurer for two terms that they elected him for a 
similar period to the office of mayor. It was during his incumbency of this 
latter office that the city established the municipal water plant, which was largely 
the result of his own personal efforts. It is the history of progress that it wins 
its way only by gaining supremacy over opposition, and Mr. Woodward found 
no easy road to the successful accomplishment of his plan for municipal owner- 
ship of the city water plant. With the other members of the council he was 
made defendant in a number of lawsuits over the matter, but in all cases the 
council were victorious. 

After the expiration of his office as mayor Air. Woodward was elected 
county treasurer for two terms of four years each. Subsequently he was elected 
state senator, serving in this capacity for one term, at the end of which time 
he received the appointment of collector of the port of San Francisco, and it 
was while serving his second appointment in this capacity that he was called 
from the scenes of earth, September n, 1910. Among his personal friends 
Mr. Woodward claimed such men as Senator George C. Perkins, and Congress- 
man Duncan McKinley, besides many other men who have held high rank in 
political and business circles. Mr. Woodward was financially interested in the 
Perkins-McKinley Paint Company, besides which he was president of the Union 
Trust Savings Bank of Santa Rosa, an institution of which he himself was the 
organizer, and of which he continued president from the time of its organiza- 
tion until his death. Among his large real-estate holdings was a ranch near 
Woolsey station, which he made his country residence, and upon which he raised 
general farm produce, making a specialty, however, of raising hops, in which 
he took great pride. 

In his wife, Mr. Woodward had a faithful co-laborer and help-mate. Be- 
fore her marriage, which occurred February 7, 1881, she was Miss Lizzie L. 
Frear. the daughter of Rev. Walter Frear, a well-known clergyman of the 
west, and whose field of labor for years has been in the Hawaiian Islands. The 
only son born of the marriage of Mr. Woodward and his wife is deceased. 
Two daughters survive, Mrs. -Mian J. Wallis, of Dubuque, Iowa, and Miss 
Bessie Woodward, the latter of whom makes her home with her mother. Fra- 
ternally Mr. Woodward was identified with but one organization, being a mem- 
ber of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of Santa Rosa. 



william Mcelroy. 

Many changes have been wrought in the material aspect of Sonoma county 
since Mr. McElroy first came here during the year 1861, at which time he began 
an association that has continued to the present and has given him a deep af- 
fection for the scenes so long familiar to his eyes. Of all his kindred he is the 
only one residing in California and doubtless he would not have migrated to this 
part of the country had he not been the possessor of a roving disposition and a 
love of adventure. When, however, he had arrived in the west he found himself 
delighted with the region and in all the ensuing epoch never once has he lost 
faith in California's future as one of the best states in the Union, the peer of any 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 847 

commonwealth in resources and character of population. The impression gained 
in early days was deepened by a -visit to the east about twenty-five years ago, 
when he renewed the associations of youth, but returned to the Pacific coasL 
with a deepened devotion to its interests and an enlarged conception of its pos- 
sibilities. 

Born in Chapinvill'e, Conn., January 24, 1837, William McElroy is of 
Scotch ancestry through his father, a shoemaker by trade, who lived to be 
eight} years of age, and of German ancestry through his mother, who likewise 
attained the age of four score years. Though not so well educated as the boys 
of the present generation, he had the advantage of a thorough apprenticeship 
to the mechanic's trade, at which he worked in the east for nine years. Mean- 
while he had heard much concerning California and when a period of enforced 
idleness came at his trade he decided to jcin a party bound for the western 
coast. As a member of this expedition of forty-four he found his way safely 
to the mines of the west,- where he easily found employment. At different times 
he was engaged in mining in the Columbia river region and the Salmon river 
locality, making the trip to the latter mines by boat to Portland, Ore., thence 
to Washington on horseback, and returning to California overland with an In- 
dian pony. 

In search of work Mr. McElroy went from San Francisco to Napa, whence 
after a short interval spent in breaking up sod ground with a plow, he proceeded 
to Sonoma county for the purpose of visiting the old fort. The country he 
found to be rough and sparsely settled. In the midst of the crude conditions a 
successful industry had been established by Dresel & Co., wine-manufacturers, 
who had planted a vineyard in t86i and were beginning to erect a winery at the 
time of Mr. McElroy "s arrival. It was easy for him to secure employment in 
the construction of the building and later he aided in the development of the 
vineyard, making a scientific study of the treatment of diseases of the vines and 
becoming familiar with the best modes of cultivation. As foreman of the vine- 
yard he had charge of one hundred and fifty acres and from five to twenty-five 
men. It is significant of the mild and tactful disposition of the man that, while 
he held the position for thirty-three consecutive years, he never once had any 
misunderstanding or dispute with his proprietor and employer, the relations be- 
tween the two being unusually harmonious and satisfactory. Had the tract been 
his own he could not have been more faithful to its cultivation than he proved in 
the interests of his employer. Many a night he stood guard against the deer and 
wild hogs that frequently attempted to enter the vineyard and always he con- 
sidered the welfare of the work rather than his own convenience. 

Upon finally severing his long and honorable identification with the wine 
manufacturers Mr. McElroy bought a ranch containing considerable meadow, as 
well as twenty acres in prunes and twenty-five acres in grapes. For nine years 
he managed the property, but the limitations of advancing age induced him to 
sell out and retire, since which time he has occupied a cottage erected for him 
in Sonoma. His wife, formerly Louisa Brill, of San Francisco, has shared with 
him the good will of the neighborhood and the esteem of acquaintances through- 
out the valley. They are the parents of two daughters, Mrs. Lucinda Skinner, 
of Sonoma, and Miss Edna, both of whom were given the educational advan- 
tages offered bv the Sonoma schools. 



848 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Those who have known Mr. McElroy only in his advancing years, quietly 
pursuing the even tenor of his way, could scarcely realize his early enjoyment 
of travel and adventure. When he first came to the west he drifted about from 
place to place, with no home and with his entire possessions packed on his back, 
yet he was happy and contented, taking all of his hardships with the calmness 
of a philosopher. On one occasion, when he crossed the Blue mountains with 
flour worth $1.25 per pound, he became short of rations and for nine days had 
nothing to eat but a small piece of bacon and two "slap-jacks" a day. When 
night came he cut brush which he piled above the bottomless drifts of snow and 
wrapping himself in his blanket he slept soundly until morning. That trip, as 
well as many others scarcely less exhausting, ended without ill fortune to him- 
self. When the railroad was built he hauled produce to Embarcadero. In pio- 
neer times he was very active in promoting the building of schools and roads 
and gave liberally of his time and means to aid such movements, but he never 
identified himself with fraternities nor has he been a politician, his sentiments, 
indeed, leading him to maintain an independent attitude in party affairs. 



ABSALOM. B. STUART, M. D. 

One of the most engaging and striking personalities in the medical and 
surgical science in Sonoma county was that of Absalom B. Stuart, whose death 
July 30, 1887, was a distinct loss to the profession and a blow to family and 
friends that time has not healed. A long and trying experience as physician 
during the Civil war worked ravages in his constitution from which he never 
fully recovered, but only those near in kinship knew of his suffering, his fine 
genial nature making him an ideal physician and companion at all times. 

A native of Williamsburg. Pa.. Dr. Stuart was born August 27, 1830, a son 
of James and Mary Ann (Boyles) Stuart. His education was acquired in the 
public schools of Williamsburg and at Lewisburg University, his medical train- 
ing being received in Berkshire Medical College and Bellevue Medical College, 
of New York. After his first graduation he located in Westhampton, Mass., 
and from there he afterward located in the middle-west, first in Doddsville, 111., 
and then in Macomb, same state, and it was in the latter town that he was mar- 
ried in September, 1859, to Anabel McGaughey. The breaking out of the 
Civil war soon after their marriage took the doctor and his wife to the scene 
of battle, and between the date of his enlistment, in August, 1861, and the date 
of his retirement from the service, in January, 1864, is a record of bravery 
and devotion to country and humanity which history can never do justice to. 
At the time of his enlistment he was assistant surgeon of the Tenth Missouri 
Infantry, and in the spring of 1862 he was appointed by General Rosecrans 
medical superintendent of the hospitals of Iuka, Miss. The duties which thus 
devolved upon him were discharged fearlessly and nobly and merited the pro- 
motion which followed in April, 1863, as surgeon of a company raised in Ala- 
bama in command of northern officers, and known as the First Alabama United 
States Cavalry. Overwork, both in the line of his professional duties and out 
of it, led to his physical breakdown, and in January, 1864, he and his wife, who 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 849 

in the meantime had been his almost constant companion, returned to their home 
in Macomb, 111. Subsequntly they removed to Winona, Minn., where, as his 
health gradually improved, he built up a large and flourishing practice. Aside 
from his private practice he was instrumental in organizing the state board of 
health in 1872, becoming its first president ; was a member of the County Med- 
ical Society and its president in 1872 ; was secretary of the section on state 
medicine and public hygiene in 1873 ; and first vice-president of the Minnesota 
State Medical Society in 1874 and 1876. Other honors -were his in 1872, when 
he was elected teacher of surgery in the Winona Preparatory Medical School, 
and the year following he served as president of the school. In 1876 he was a 
delegate to the International Medical Congress at Philadelphia. 

During all this time Dr. Stuart's health had not been all that he could 
desire, the cold, long winters taking from him any gain that had been made in 
the warmer months of the year. It was this condition of affairs that brought 
him to California in 1876. From Los Angeles, where he first settled, he went 
to Santa Barbara, and finally, in 1880, came to Santa Rosa, where the remainder 
of his life was passed. In the later years of his practice he had the invaluable 
assistance and co-operation of his wife, who had become a medical practitioner, 
and since his death has continued the practice of her profession. With his 
wife Dr. Stuart bequeathed $10,000 to the California Baptist College, in recog- 
nition of which the college perpetuated the name of their beloved daughter in 
Mary Stuart Hall. Dr. Stuart and his wife had been soreh tried in the death 
of their three children, two in infancy and Mary at the age of twelve years. 
She was born in Winona, Minn., October 31, 1871, and died in California August 
23, 1883, four years before the death of her father. Fraternally and socially 
Dr. Stuart was identified with the Masons and the Grand Army of the Re- 
public. The literature of the medical profession was enriched from his pen in the 
"Annual Report of the Minnesota State Board of Health for 1873" I ar >d "The 
Upper Epiphysis of the Radius," published in the "Transactions of the Minne- 
sota State Medical Society" in 1876. The mortal remains of Dr. Stuart were 
buried in Santa Rosa, the funeral services being conducted by Rev. E. H. Gray, 
of Oakland, who was chaplain of the United States senate when Abraham Lin- 
coln was assassinated, and who was pastor of the Baptist Church of which Dr. 
Stuart was a member for many years. 



WESLEY ANDERSON PRICE. 
A more encouraging or delightful ranching enterprise could hardly be 
conceived of than that owned and managed by Wesley A. Price, near Santa 
Rosa, on Rural Route No. 5. No resemblance to its present condition was pre- 
sented by this ranch at the time of purchase, May, 1903, for it was unimproved, 
but today a modern house shelters the family and the land is in a splendid 
state of cultivation. Certainly no ranch in the vicinity can produce at harvest 
time such a choice grade of prunes, apples, pears and plums, all of which are 
of a superior quality and kind. The greatest system and industry prevail on 
this ranch, the genial and popular owner having given much thought and study 
to the work which is to him not only congenial, but successful. 
42 



850 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

A native of Indiana, Wesley A. Price was born in Carroll county March 
30, 1848, being one of the eight children, six sons and two daughters, born to 
his parents, the latter natives of Ohio. When he was a youth of sixteen years 
the home of the family was transferred to Gilman, Iroquois county, 111., and 
continued there until the first migration to California in 1867. Woodland, Yolo 
county, was their first home in the state, after which they went to Mendocino 
county and continued there for seventeen years. The following five years were 
passed in the east, after which they again came to California and for four 
years thereafter were residents of Los Angeles. Another period of five years 
was spent in the east, after which Wesley A. Price sold out his holdings in that 
part of the country and came to California for the purpose of making it his 
permanent home. It was at this time, in May, 1903, that he came to Santa 
Rosa and purchased the ranch on which he now resides, one and a-half miles 
from town. Not only is the ranch advantageously located as to transportation, 
being on a railroad, but the soil is of superior quality and yields large harvests 
of all commodities grown. Half of the ranch, or ten acres, is in prunes, which 
during the season of 1909 yielded $500, a large part of the remainder of the 
land being in apples, pears and plums, besides which there is one acre of vine- 
yard and some pasture and hay land. Scattered about through the vineyard and 
orchard may be seen fifty stands of bees, a part of which came from Texas 
and the remainder from Los Angeles. There is perhaps no part of his ranch- 
ing enterprise that is so interesting and enjoyable to the owner as the work 
among his bees, the profits from which are about $50 a season. 

In 1873 Mr. Price was married to Miss Sarah A. David, a native of Can- 
ada, and of the nine children born to them, two are deceased, as follows : Viola 
Jane, who was born in 1875, became the wife of James Lewis in 1894 and 
passed away the same year, and Willard Wade, who died in 1879, the same year 
in which he was born. The eldest of those living is Charles Oscar, born in 
1877, in Mendocino county; by his marriage with Anna Moore in 1901 he is 
the father of six children. William Martin, born in 1879 (twin brother of 
Willard Wade), went to Alaska in 1900, and when last heard from was in 
Dawson. Mabel L., born in 1882, became the wife of Owen Dugan in 1901, 
and two children have been born to them. George W., born in 1885, is at home 
with his parents, as are also the other children, Belle L., born in 1888, Laura 
Ethel in 1890, and Walter Franklin, born in 1892. All of the children are Na- 
tive Sons and Daughters. In his political sympathies Mr. Price is a Repub- 
lican. While he has no taste for public office, yet he has held a number of school 
offices, and in a quiet way has done considerable to enlarge the usefulness of 
the community in which he lives. 



JAMES AUSTIN. 
Although sixteen years have come and gone since James Austin passed from 
the scenes of earth, his life and accomplishments during the long period of his 
residence in Sonoma county are still fresh in the memory of those_ who were 
privileged to know him. As one of the leading agriculturists and viticulturists 
of Santa Rosa township, he was the owner of one of the finest estates in this 
part of the county, in fact, throughout the entire Rincon valley no more beautiful 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 851 

or picturesque home dotted the landscape. As early as 1871 Mr. Austin came to 
the county and laid the foundation of his future prosperity by purchasing from 
Gen. John B. Frisbie a quarter interest in eleven hundred and seventy-eight 
acres of land, and as time went. on and he was prospered in his ventures, he ac- 
quired title to the whole tract. After acquiring his large holdings Mr. Austin 
inaugurated the plan of selling off much of his land in small ranches, after con- 
verting them into orchards or vineyards, and in so doing offered encouragement 
to many young ranchers eager for an opportunity to get a start. Eight small 
ranches were thus set off and sold, after which he still had ten hundred and 
seventy-seven acres in his homestead, one hundred and twenty-five acres in vine- 
yard, while the remainder of the property was devoted to grazing, general farming 
3nd stock-raising. 

A native of Quebec, James Austin was born December 2, 1824, and he re- 
ceived his early education in the common schools of his birthplace. Greater 
educational advantages awaited him, for at the age of nineteen he was sent to 
the Derby Center Academy in Vermont, and at the expiration of his second term 
he accepted a position as teacher. After one term as instructor he entered the 
academy at Sheffield, Canada, where he studied for two terms, then entered St. 
Hyacinth College. After the completion of his college course he became instruc- 
tor of English in Beloeil College, where in turn he acquired a splendid knowl- 
edge of the French language. In 1848 he returned to his father's home, and the 
following year settled down as a farmer in Bolton, Canada, making his home 
there for twenty years. During this time he became one of the influential citizens 
of the locality, among other important positions which he held in his community 
serving as mayor of the township for ten years, as such being one of the crown's 
magistrates, and for ten years was one of the directors of the Stanstead, Shef- 
ford & Chambly Railroad Company, with which he had previously been officially 
associated. At the expiration of his term as mayor of Bolton township he im- 
migrated to the United States and from the year 1868 until his death, January 
19, 1894, was a resident of California. Upon first coming to the state he settled 
in American Canyon, Green Valley township, Solano county, but three years 
later he removed from there to Santa Rosa, Sonoma county, and from that time 
forward until his death this was his home. It was after locating here, in Septem- 
ber, 1871, that he purchased the large holdings in the Rincon valley previously 
mentioned and carried on the management of this vast estate up to the time of 
his death. Not only was he a successful business man, but better still he was a 
man who was loved and honored alike by old and young, and his death was 
lamented as a loss common to all. Politically he was a stanch Republican, an ac- 
tive politician, and in his church affiliations he held membership in the Episcopal 
Church. 

Mr. Austin's marriage, May 22, 1849. united him with Miss Anna Peasley, 
who was born in the province of Quebec January 6, 1828, the daughter of Osgood 
Peasley. Eight children were born of this union, and of them we make the 
following mention: Lyman P. was born October 22, 1850, and died July 10, 
1876; Howard J., born September 3, 1852, died April 13, 1884; Herbert W. was 
born August 2, 1854, and is a well-known rancher of this community, an account 
of whose life will be found elsewhere in this volume ; Osgood E., born March 



852 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

25, 1856, died January 14, 1861 ; Florence Ann, born June 7, i860, died January 
24, 1861 ; Malcolm O., born July 25, 1863, is a physician in San Francisco; Sewell 
S. was born May 21, 1865; and Ashton E. June 29, 1874. The mother of these 
children survived the death of the father and husband about six years, her own 
death occurring on the home ranch in January, 1900. She too was a member 
and faithful attendant of the Episcopal Church. 



EDWARD LEE WALKER. 

Few names are better known in Sonoma county than that of Walker, repre- 
sented by that noble pioneer, John Walker, who came to this section and located 
in Santa Rosa valley in 1850. He was born in Jackson county, Mo., February 
5, 1826, the son of Joel P. Walker. When a youth of twenty-two years he 
came overland to California, reaching his journey's end in September, 1848. 
Going at once to the mines of the American river, he remained there until June 
of the next year, when with the means he had in the meantime accumulated he 
located on the present site of the city of Sacramento and established the Mis- 
souri house, which for four months served as a lodging place for weary travelers 
in the days of '49. An uncle, Capt. Joseph R. Walker had come west as early 
as 1840, making the journey in company with a party of traders in the interests 
of the American Fur Company. From Oregon he finally came south into Cali- 
fornia, his advent into the state dating from October 19, 1841. Later years 
found him interested in gold mining, and in a prospecting trip to the southern 
part of the state he passed through country which he had traversed many years 
before, a portion of which still bears the name of Walker's Pass. It was to join 
his uncle in this expedition that John Walker gave up the management of the 
Missouri house after it had been established only four months. Three months 
of prospecting satisfied his ambition in this direction, and after a short time 
passed in Napa county, where his father was located, he came to the Santa Rosa 
valley, in 1850, as previously stated. He immediately set about building a house 
for his family, this being the first redwood house in the valley, and near the 
present location of Sebastopol. The following year, 1851, he opened the first 
mercantile establishment in this part of the country, being associated in the en- 
terprise with Joseph Morgan Miller, and the first postoffke in the country for 
miles around was kept in the old house now standing in the rear of the family 
homestead in Analy township, Mr. Walker serving as postmaster. Subsequently 
Mr. Walker became interested in general farming and stock-raising, a business 
which made him a very wealthy man. At his death, February 16, 1895, he owned 
four thousand acres of land, the income from which was enormous. The mar- 
riage of John Walker. November 6, 1851, united him with Miss Eleanor Morin, 
and four sons and three daughters were born to them, as follows : Harriet Jane, 
Mary J., Joel M., John L., Ella D., Edward Lee and Willis Y. 

Next to the youngest of the children in the parental family, Edward Lee 
Walker was born in Sebastopol January 19, 1866. Brought up on the large home 
ranch, he had an excellent opportunity to acquire a thorough knowledge of the 
business in all of its branches, and after completing his education he gave his 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 853 

entire attention to agriculture. Upon attaining his majority his father gave him 
five hundred and twenty-nine acres of land, a part of the old home place, which 
he leased, and continued to give his attention to the care of the homestead. Upon 
the death of the father Edward Lee and his brother John were made adminis- 
trators of the estate, the duties of which involved considerable work, as the 
estate was large, containing five thousand acres of land, valued at $76,000. In 
1895 Mr. Walker disposed of his large stock farm, retaining, however, the home 
now occupied by the family. This comprises about fifty acres devoted to the 
raising of fruit, principally apples and berries. It has a magnificent location on 
Alto Crest Hill, permitting an almost unbroken view of the Santa Rosa valley. 

Though Mr. Walker was always intensely interested in his agricultural en- 
terprises, he by no means neglected his duty as a good citizen, and in him the 
Democratic party had a stanch ally. On the ticket of this party he served as 
constable of Sebastopol for four years, but any other honors of a public nature 
he declined to accept. 

The marriage of Edward Lee Walker and Miss Mary F. Fannin was cele- 
brated April 18. 1894. Mrs. Walker was a native of Forest Hill, Placer county, 
Cal., the daughter of Michael and Marion (Broughan) Fannin, the former 
a native of Ireland, and the latter a native of Georgia and the representative 
of an old southern family. Mr. Fannin was a well-known pioneer settler in 
Placer county, where he was known as a successful business man, the owner of 
mines, stores and mills. At his death in that county he left three children, Rose, 
Mary F. (familiarly known as Dolly), and Alice F. The mother of these chil- 
dren is still living in San Francisco, the widow of Dietrich Bahten, who was 
formerly well known in mining circles. Of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. 
Walker two are living, Marion Eleanor and Lee F'annin, who are at home with 
their mother. The death of Mr. Walker, November 5, 1903, left a blank in the 
home circle, taking away a kind husband and father, and removing one of the 
best citizens Sebastopol has ever known. 



KURT URBAN, M. D. 

One of the leaders of the medical profession in the Bay region is Kurt 
Urban, M. D., a man of keen intellect and high educational advantages. Born 
in Berlin, Germany, he was the only child of August Urban, who was an attor- 
ney, but who followed journalism as a profession, being the editor of the Ber- 
liner Tagebladt, one of the leading papers in Germany, until his death. Dr. 
Urban's grandfather, August Urban, Sr., was a capitalist and owned a large 
and valuable estate near Berlin. 

It was in the public schools of Berlin that Dr. Urban received his early 
educational advantages, and from there entered the Frederick William Uni- 
versity, Berlin, from which he was graduated in 1881 with the degree of A. B. 
and then entered the medical department of the same university, and two years 
later received the degree of M. D. Coming at once to San Francisco, he began 
the practice of medicine, and at the same time entering the medical department 
of the University of California, where another degree was conferred upon him. 



854 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

For ten years he was located in San Francisco, and in connection with his pri- 
vate practice he was chief surgeon at the Emergency hospital for two years 
and assistant health officer for two terms and' later secretary of the board of 
health for a term. 

On account of his daughter's ill-health, Dr. Urban located in Sonoma 
county, spending about one year at Occidental, and from there went to Tomales, 
where for eight years he practiced medicine and surgery, his practice reaching 
to Duncan Mills, Point Reyes and half way to Petaluma. In 1900 he spent 
the year traveling in the east, doing graduate work in Chicago and New York. 
The following year he located in Petaluma, where he soon entered upon a large 
and lucrative practice of medicine and surgery. 

Fraternally Dr. Urban is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of 
Elks, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Redmen, Herman Sons, Sonoma 
County Medical Society and the State Medical Association. Petaluma is indeed 
fortunate to have a man of such distinction and professional ability as is Dr. 
Urban, for with the heritage of a fertile brain he has left no field unopened 
whereby he can improve himself in his profession. He is a great student and 
ever alert to the advancement in surgery and medicine, and now, just in the 
prime of life, he has an enviable position in the professional world which his 
conservatism and keen judgment have merited him. Socially he is a favorite, 
his sincerity and frankness, as well' as his genial manner, having won for him 
hosts of friends. 



HARRISON MECHAM. 

Noteworthy among the early pioneers of Sonoma county was Harrison 
Mecham, who came here in an early period of its settlement and at once identi- 
fied himself with the interests and progress of this part of the state. Com- 
mencing life without other capital than his strong hands and resolute will, he 
obtained an assured position, socially and financially, and was held in high re- 
spect as a citizen of honest worth and integrity. A native of New York state, 
he was born in St. Lawrence county June 20, 1833, the son of Joseph and Hannah 
(Tyler) Mecham, natives respectively of New Hampshire and Vermont. When 
he was a child of one year the family removed to Pennsylvania, and from there 
in 1840 went to Columbus, O. The following year found the family moving 
still further westward, Indianapolis, Ind., being their next stopping place, their 
arrival there being co-incident with the completion of the first turnpike road 
built from that city to Springfield, 111. In 1843 tne y located in Lee county, Iowa, 
near Keokuk, and two years later removed to Atchison county, Mo. 

It was while the family were living in Atchison county, Mo., that Harrison 
Mecham, then a lad of fifteen years, developed an interest in the west that 
proved a turning point in his life. This interest was awakened by a chance meet- 
ing with some old Californians who were acting as guides to Commodore Stock- 
ton to the east ; their stories of the wild western life, of bronchos, bears, elk and 
other wild animals, fired the ambition of the youth and made further interest in 
his home surroundings in Missouri impossible. On the return trip of the Cali- 
fornians just mentioned, in the spring of 1848, their number was increased by 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 855 

one, Harrison Mecham having determined to make the westward trip with them, 
this, too, without the knowledge or consent of his parents. When the party had 
reached old Fort Kearney, on the Missouri river, Mr. Mecham accepted an offer 
from a man by the name of St. Clair to drive an ox-team for the balance of 
the way to California, another duty being to stand guard half of every third 
night. Their route was by way of Fort Hall and across the desert to the Truckee 
river, up that river, crossing it twenty-seven times, and arriving at Donner and 
Cambal camps, where the Donner party were killed by the Indians. After cross- 
ing the mountains they arrived at Johnson's ranch in the Sacramento valley, 
and on the evening of the day of their arrival they were brought in close con- 
tact with the Indians. That evening an old pioneer of the valley, Nicholas Car- 
riger, came to Mr. Mecham's tent and told him that two of his best men had been 
killed and asked his assistance in capturing the slayers. The entire party entered 
upon the search, and when the Indian camp was found, surrounded and the old 
chief taken prisoner, word was left that the chief would be hung if the murder- 
ers were not delivered up at a certain hour the following morning. The chief's 
life was spared, but the four murderers were hung one by one and then turned 
over to the Indians, who burned their bodies according to custom. 

Mr. Mecham learned of the discovery of gold in California through some 
Mormons returning to Salt Lake City, and with some friends he went to the 
mines on the Yuba river, and in company with others purchased a claim. 
The prices paid for the outfit and for the necessaries of life were fabulous, a 
rocker costing them $300, picks $64 each, and two wooden buckets $20 each. 
For flour they were compelled to pay $1 a pound, the same for a pound of salt 
pork, and beef was cheap at $25 a head. It is safe to presume that the mining 
venture was not a success, for in the spring of 1849 Mr. Mecham and several 
others united in the purchase of the Johnson ranch on Bear river for $6,000, 
the ranch consisting of three leagues of land, about three thousand head of cattle 
and six hundred head of horses. 

After giving up mining Mr. Mecham removed to a ranch near the junction 
of the Feather and Sacramento rivers and in July, 1853, removed to Sonoma 
county, and upon a portion of the ranch upon which he then settled, he passed 
the remainder of his life. Here he engaged in dairying, farming and stock- 
raising, the raising of grain, however, being his chief industry. The highest 
amount of grain which he produced in one year was one hundred and three 
thousand bushels, and it was his custom to have from one thousand to two thou- 
sand five hundred acres in potatoes. From five hundred to one thousand head of 
cattle and about twenty-five hundred hogs were usually sent to market from his 
large ranch, which will give some idea of the magnitude of the business carried on 
under Mr. Mecham's immediate supervision. In the meantime his children had 
reached ages when the facilities of the local schools no longer met their needs, and 
in 1864 the family removed to Petaluma, Mr. Mecham at this time renting his 
ranch to a tenant. The latter experience proved unsatisfactory, and he therefore 
took it back into his own control, stocking it with sheep, horses and cattle, and 
managed the ranch personally from the city until the completion of the fine family 
residence on the ranch in October, 1885, after which he returned to the ranch 
and made his home thereafter until his death, which occurred April 8, 1909. 
Besides the home ranch of about five thousand acres, he also owned a ranch 



856 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

of twenty-six hundred acres in Vallejo township, as well as a fifth interest in 
the Juanita ranch of twenty-seven thousand acres in Santa Barbara county. With- 
out doubt he was at the time of his death one of the wealthiest men and largest 
landowners in the county, and at the same time he was one of the most influential, 
most popular and highly esteemed residents of the section in which he lived. 
Mr. Mecham's marriage, April 17. 1853, was celebrated in Fremont, Yolo 
county, and united him with Miss Melissa Jane Stewart, a native of Indiana and 
the daughter of Abel Stewart. Six children were born of their marriage, but 
of the number only four are now living, as follows : Franklyn A., of whom a 
sketch will be found elsewhere in this volume ; Loretta ; Harriet ; and Belle, the 
last-mentioned the wife of Walter S. Fritsch, of Petaluma. 



SAMUEL A. NAY. 

Distinguished as one of the early and most respected settlers of California, 
Samuel A. Nay was first identified with Marin county as a large land-holder and 
extensive raiser of sheep and cattle, but for the past forty years his life and 
labors have been associated with Sonoma county, where his varied interests have 
brought him into prominence in almost all of the various avenues of agriculture. 
Until recently he occupied a ranch of fifty-five acres in Petaluma township, de- 
voted to fruit-growing and the raising of poultry, twenty-five acres being in 
Newtown pippins, besides which he raised many kinds of valuable fruits. His 
poultry yard was conducted along scientific lines, and was one of the most profit- 
able and up-to-date establishments of the kind in the county. He is now living 
retired in Petaluma. 

A native of New Hampshire, Samuel A. Nay was born in Hancock, Hills- 
boro county, February 18, 1830, the son of Gardner and Amelia (Simonds) 
Nay, and following in the footsteps of his father in the choice of a life-work 
he became a farmer and carpenter. During his youth the home of the family was 
transferred from New Hampshire to Illinois, and it was in that state that the 
death of the father occurred in 1861. Subsequently the mother came to Califor- 
nia to join her sons who had located here in the meantime, and here her earth 
life came to a close in 1878. All of the eight children born to the marriage of 
this worthy couple grew to maturity with the exception of one child who died in 
infancy. Samuel A., who was the fourth in order of birth of his parents' family, 
started out to make his own way in the world at the age of twenty-one years, 
working at the carpenter's trade, which he had learned from his father. He 
was thus engaged when he heard of the finding of gold in California, and as 
did thousands of others, he laid aside everything to come to the west in an en- 
deavor to make his fortune. In the spring of 1852 he took passage at New 
York City on the ship Georgia, but before reaching Cuba the ship sprang a leak, 
and from the island to Aspinwall the voyage was continued on the ship Ohio. 
After crossing this narrow neck of land they embarked on the Pacific side on 
the ship Panama, and after a sail of thirty-six days hove in sight of the Golden 
Gate April 1, 1852. After three days spent in the metropolis Mr. Nay went to 
Marin county, where he hired out to work at teaming for $70 for the first month. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 857 

$90 for the second month, and $100 for the third month's work. Later he 
worked in a sawmill in that locality, and while there was importuned by his 
former employer to resume teaming for him with the promise of $125 per month, 
but as he had discontinued the work on account of its being too laborious for his 
strength he was not persuaded to accept it, even though it meant an advance 
of $25 a month over what he was receiving in the mill. Subsequently he rented 
land in Marin county and engaged in raising potatoes, but as this commodity 
proved a drug on the market that year he found himself $300 in debt, besides the 
loss of his time and labor. During the season of 1855, however, he fared better, 
raising a record crop for which he received four cents a pound. From 1855 
until 1858 he was engaged in the cord wood business near San Rafael in part- 
nership with his brother William J., an association that proved profitable and 
amicable as long as it continued. Still later they were in partnership in the dairy 
business in that locality, but in 1863 Samuel A. Nay bought out the interest of 
his brother and continued the business thereafter alone. Upon disposing of his 
interests in Marin county in 1871 he came to Sonoma county and purchased the 
ranch of fifty-five acres near Petaluma which claimed his close attention for so 
many years. Besides this ranch he was also interested with his brother in a 
sheep ranch of eighteen hundred acres near Guerneville, upon which, when it 
was sold, he realized a profit of $5,000. To Mr. Nay belongs the credit for 
being the first man in Petaluma to make a success of chicken-raising, and he 
may well be proud of his accomplishment, for it was the means of developing 
the greatest poultry industry known anywhere in the world today, Petaluma 
being the world's center in this industry. During all the years that Mr. Nay has 
lived in the county he has speculated in land, buying and selling ranch property 
principally, and in almost every instance he has doubled on his investment. 

While a resident of Marin county, in 1855, Mr. Nay was married to Miss 
Sarah E. Winans, a native of Ohio, and the daughter of James and Martha 
(Ashby) Winans, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Indiana. Mr. Winans 
was a farmer who crossed the plains in 1854 alone, but in 1856 returned east 
for his family, finally locating in Marin county, and there his death occurred 
in 1893. Their children were as follows: David M., a rancher of Petaluma 
township; Sarah E., Mrs. S. A. Nay; Mrs. William Nay; and Mrs. Hannah 
Beerbauer, a resident of Humboldt county. Three children were born of the 
marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Nay, Charles J., Heber L. and Frank G. Fraternally 
Mr. Nay is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Felllows, and politically 
he is a believer in Republican principles. 



CHARLES PRESTON NOLAN. 
More than forty years have brought their transitions of weal and woe, 
of prosperity and adversity, into the varied experiences of Charles Preston 
Nolan, an honored pioneer of Sonoma county, since he relinquished all interests 
in the east and cast in his lot with the people along the Pacific coast. From the 
home of his boyhood to the scenes familiar to his mature years the width of a 
continent intervenes, while his change in occupation likewise has been radical, 
the arduous calling of a seafaring man having given place to the quiet round of 



858 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

horticultural and agricultural duties. When he came to the west he was entirely 
without means, nor did he enjoy the friendship of people of wealth and in- 
fluence. The modest degree of success rewarding his efforts he owes to his 
own unaided exertions. Its significance is not limited to the personal element, 
but embraces the thought that the county offers large opportunities for men of 
purpose, energy and zealous application. 

The early memories of Mr. Nolan center around the rock-bound coast of 
Maine. Near the coast of the Atlantic ocean, in Lincoln county, he was born 
November 3, 1841, being a native of Damariscotta, a village whose inhabitants 
principally worked in the mills, although a large number preferred to go to 
sea. The latter occupation was chosen by Mr. Nolan when at the age of 
fifteen years he discontinued his studies in the local schools and took up the 
task of earning a livelihood. For four years he followed the sea with ocean 
vessels and in February, 1863, volunteered in the United States navy. His 
service of thirty-one months was passed on board the Princeton and the Semi- 
nole, under Admiral Farragut, in the Western Gulf Blockading squadron, and 
among other engagements in which he participated was the battle of Mobile 
bay. After the fleet had taken all the forts in Mobile bay the harbor was dragged 
for torpedoes. This was accomplished by a tug dragging a circle with a large 
hawser, and Mr. Nolan with twenty-six others would wade out and haul it in. 
The first time they secured three torpedoes, the second time five, and the third 
time three torpedoes. This last experience nearly cost Mr. Nolan his life. In 
raising the middle torpedo to untangle the chains it slipped from the ones who 
handled it and struck one of the caps, causing all three torpedoes to explode. 
Fortunately Mr. Nolan and a comrade walked about thirty feet away, at the 
suggestion of his comrade Richard Hand, which saved their lives, all of the 
rest being killed. He had not thought it dangerous. When the fleet captured 
the rebel ram Tennessee he secured a piece of the flag and carried it for many 
years, giving small pieces of it as souvenirs to comrades, and what is left is 
now in the possession of his son Walter. 

On receiving his honorable discharge with a record for fidelity and courage, 
Mr. Nolan settled in Boston, Mass., and for two years engaged in the trucking 
business, after which, in 1867, he came to California. Since then he has 
remained in the west. His friends and kindred in New England have become 
scattered or are dead. His father, Patrick, a native of Nova Scotia, and his 
mother, a native of Maine, both have passed into the silence of the grave. The 
ties that once bound him to the east are broken never to be reunited on earth and 
all of his interests are now associated with his western home. 

For some time after coming to California Mr. Nolan worked on the Gualala 
river, but his principal occupation has been the cultivation of the soil. At this 
writing he owns thirty-five acres of valuable land situated near Occidental. 
Twenty-four acres have been placed under cultivation to fruit, mostly apples, 
Gravensteins, Spitzenbergs, Jonathans, Roman Beauties and Belleflowers, in 
the raising of which he is regarded as a local authority. The sale of his orchard 
products brings him a large income each year and enables him to enjoy comforts 
justly merited by long years of labor. When he came to the west he was un- 
married and it was not until some years later that he established domestic ties. 
During 1875 he was united in marriage with Josephine Chenoweth, a native 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 859 

of California and the daughter of western pioneers now deceased. Two sons 
comprise the family of Mr. and Mrs. Nolan. The elder, Walter, was born in 
1876 and since about 1898 he has engaged in teaching, but recently his work 
has been interrupted by his determination to study for a university degree. At 
this writing he is a senior in the State University at Berkeley. The younger son, 
Albert Wallace, born in 1878, is a successful school teacher in his native county. 
Mr. and Mrs. Nolan are active members of the Methodist church at Occidental. 
The political affiliations of Mr. Nolan bring him into sympathy with Republican 
principles and he supports that party in the national elections, but in local cam- 
paigns he gives his support to the men whom he deems best qualified to represent 
the people efficiently, irrespective of their partisan ties. 



JO SI AH HOWE WHITE. 

From the year 1880, when he became a large landed proprietor of Sonoma 
county through the purchase of a ranch of about fifteen hundred acres in Vallejo 
township, until his demise at his residence in Alameda September 23, 1897, Josiah 
Howe White was inseparably associated with the agricultural, horticultural and 
material development of the county, whose progress his intelligence and capital 
aided and whose resources his keen discrimination grasped with unerring in- 
tuition. The possibilities of grape culture appealed to his imagination and he 
planted a vineyard of twenty acres, from which until his death he sold grapes 
each season with large profits. Stock-raising was also engaged in, the broad 
meadows furnishing hay of first-class quality, while the pastures gave support 
for the months of grass. During 1884 he purchased at quarantine in New York 
a large herd of Holstein Registered cattle, which he exhibited at various fairs and 
always won prizes. On the ranch he also carried many fine horses from Elec- 
tioneer-Wilkes stock, at the head of which was Hernani. In addition to the other 
activities pursued on the ranch a dairy was established with one hundred cows 
and for years the butter was shipped to Arizona, where the highest market prices 
were obtained. 

The life of this honored citizen began in Westminster, Worcester county, 
Mass., February 3, 1838, and in that region his early years were happily and un- 
eventfully passed. The common schools gave him his primary education and at- 
tendance at an academy completed his course of study. At the age of fourteen 
years he went west as far as Illinois and visited relatives for eight months, after 
which he returned to New York state and remained in Jefferson county for seven 
months. Next he spent two years in Lancaster, Mass. Returning to Illinois 
during the fall of 1855, he secured employment in the engineering department 
of the Jacksonville & St. Louis Railroad and continued to fill the same position, 
until the panic of 1857 practically stopped all construction work. Next he served 
for one term as surveyor of Jersey county and after he came to California in 
i860 he also followed surveying, his practical work being done in and around 
Sacramento. Next he secured a contract to build seven miles of the Central 
Pacific Railroad in Nevada. 

When the great flood of 1.861 broke the levee around Sacramento and im- 
mediate steps were necessary for the protection of the city, Mr. White took 



86o HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

the contract for the rebuilding and that important task he discharged with marked 
success. Other contracts in the state kept him busily engaged and from 1864 
until 1876 he made his headquarters in San Francisco, from which city he did a 
large business in surveying. Mining interests also engaged his attention to some 
extent. During 1877 he became interested in The Contention quartz mine at 
Tombstone, Ariz., and for years held a position . as superintendent, meanwhile 
developing the plant into a very profitable investment and giving to it a large 
part of his time. He superintended the building of the quartz mill for that com- 
pany at Contention City on the San Pedro river. In mines as in survey work his 
judgment was excellent, his foresight unerring and his decisions prompt and ac- 
curate. Nor was he less forceful and efficient when he turned his attention to 
horticulture and agriculture. There seemed, indeed, no line of activity in which 
he was not interested and for which he did not possess ability in some degree. 
For several years he served as president of the Sonoma and Marin District Agri- 
cultural Society that held its annual fair in Petaluma. These positions he held 
with characteristic ability. An ardent Mason in fraternal connections, he identi- 
fied himself with the blue lodge in San Francisco and Mount Olivet Commandery, 
K. T., at Petaluma, and both of these organizations received the benefit of his 
philanthropies. 

The family of which Mr. White was a member became identified with 
American history during the colonial and Revolutionary eras and contributed 
much to the early agricultural growth of New England. His parents, John and 
Lucy (Howe) White, were natives of Massachusetts, the former born in 1800 
and the latter in 1806. Mr. White was married at Lakeville, November 14, 1879, 
to Miss Annie Daniels, who was born at Milton, Saratoga county, N. Y., the 
daughter of Seneca and Sarah (Starr) Daniels, both natives of that county also. 
During the early days Mr. Daniels brought stock from New York state to Cali- 
fornia across the plains, arriving at Sacramento in i860. On the way Mr. Daniels 
had several encounters with the Indians, and the first winter was passed in Salt 
Lake, under the wing of Brigham Young, who gave Mr. Daniels a fine mare that 
remained in the possession of the family until she died. Mr. Daniels' herd con- 
sisted of fine Devon cattle, which he brought to Oakland and located on one hun- 
dred acres of land which he had purchased on the east side of Lake Merritt. In 
1864 he traded this property for two hundred and ten acres at Lakeville, where 
he engaged in raising Devon cattle. Mr. Daniels died in 1876, and in 1880 his 
widow sold the ranch to Mr. White, thereafter making her home in Alameda, 
where her death occurred in 1903. Five children were born of the marriage of 
Air. and Mrs. White, as follows : Josiah Howe, Jr., member of the Hall- White 
Lithographing Company of Oakland; Edwin Dean, of the firm of Brown- White 
Company of San Francisco (he married Miss Edith Lewis of Petaluma and 
has one child, Edwin, Jr.) ; Alden Parsons, engaged in the timber business in 
Amador county ; Edith, who graduated from the University of California in 
1907; and Helen, who graduated from the Stanford University in 191 1, the two 
last-mentioned now at home. After a life of mutual helpfulness and happiness 
Mrs. White was left a widow, since which time she has resided at Alameda, 
where she has all the comforts rendered possible by her ample means and where, 
surrounded by her children and ministered to by their affection, she is rounding 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 86 1 

out her useful and active life. She still owns and superintends the Lakeville 
ranch, besides attending to her other interests. In 1904 she built a large residence 
on the ranch, beautifully located on a hill in the vineyard, a spot which years 
ago the family had selected as a site for a residence. She has also set out a 
new vineyard of twenty-five acres of resistant vines. 



DAVID BARTON ENGLISH. 

One of the thrifty and enterprising agriculturists of Sonoma county is 
David Barton English, who though a recent settler on his property near F'orest- 
ville, has been a resident of the state since 1853. He was born in Platte county, 
Mo., April 14, 1837, but he has little or no recollection of his parents, for death 
robbed him of their love and guiding care when he was a small child. How- 
ever, he remembers with kindly feeling his foster-parents, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew 
Tripple, who after the death of his parents took him into their home and reared 
him as one of their own children. 

David B. English was a youth of sixteen years when with a family by the name 
of .Stewart he started on the overland journey to California, setting out on May 
8, 1853, and reaching his destination five months later. The journey was a 
difficult one for the young traveller, for he was compelled to walk most of the 
distance as well as drive one of the teams. As soon as he reached his journey's 
end his fatigue was forgotten in the excitement of his mining prospects, but 
here, too, he was destined to reap his reward only after the hardest exertions. 
He undertook placer mining in Eldorado county, and as there was no water near 
the mine he had to carry the dirt in gunny sacks a considerable distance to the 
stream, where he worked it with a rocker. Notwithstanding the difficulty under 
which he had to labor, he continued his efforts in the mines for two years, after 
which he came to Sonoma county and hired out as a herder of sheep for some 
time. 

• After giving up sheep-herding Mr. English went to Napa county and was 
employed at farming until 1855, when he came to Sonoma county and pre- 
empted one hundred and sixty acres near Guerneville ; later he took up a home- 
stead claim of one hundred and sixty acres adjoining, and made it his home for 
twenty-five years. Still later for five years he occupied a ranch he owned near 
Guerneville ; this he sold and later returned to the home place, where he lived 
previously, until 1909, when he came to Forestville and took possession of the 
home he now occupies, consisting of the home and over an acre of land in the 
village. 

In 1866 Mr. English was united in marriage to Miss Emily Beaver, a 
native of Indiana, theirs being the first marriage ceremony ever performed in 
Guerneville. No children were born of their marriage, but they have adopted 
two children, Ernest G. and Susie R., who bear their name and are the recipients 
of all the love and affection that natural parents could bestow. Politically Mr. 
English is a Republican, and twice he cast his' vote for Abraham Lincoln. No 
one could be more enthusiastic for the advancement of Sonoma county and Cali- 
fornia than is Mr. English, this being especially noticeable along educational 



862 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

lines, for he is a firm believer in furnishing the best possible advantages for the 
rising generation. For five years he has acted in the capacity of school trustee 
of Miram district. Fie contrasts the advantages which the school boy of today 
has with those of his own school days, when he trudged to the log schoolhouse in 
Platte county, Mo., and conned his lessons sitting on the puncheon seat. Not 
only was the housing poor, but the instruction was meagre in the same propor- 
tion, the teacher, more often than not, being incompetent and unfitted for the 
task which he had undertaken. If there is one thing that stands out more clearly 
than another in the life of Mr. English, it is his uniform adherence to the Golden 
Rule in every transaction, whether large or small, reflecting an inner fineness of 
character and broad humanitarianism that .places his fellow man on an equal 
footing with himself. 

Mr. English has the distinction of building the first house on the site of what 
is now Guerneville in the summer of 1861, the structure being erected for R. E. 
Lewis, who has been dead a number of years. The following poem was written 
by Mr. English in 1907 and published in a newspaper in Guerneville: 

REVERIES OF AN OLD MAN. 

The recent snow storm reminds an old-timer of his childhood days, 
And how he one time enjoyed the snow in so many ways; 
Of when he climbed the hill that he might go down sliding; 
And of the many times, tucked in robes, he went sleigh riding . 

Then for a change, by a short time, patiently waiting, 
The ice would form on lake and river. Oh ! what fun a-skating ! 
But time to the old man, now, has worked a mighty change, 
Which he sometimes thinks quite wonderful and strange. 

Behold the old man now ; his steps are feeble, his head is bending low. 
Ask him what he finds, now, in the cloud-driven snow, 
That, now, he's grown quite old, with his blood running slow? 
Perhaps he will tell you he no longer delights in the snow. 

Yet, while those desires have fled from him, others seem to enjoy 
Them about the same as he did, when he was a farmer's boy; 
And for their sakes he hails again, with returning joy, 
The falling snow, that gave him such pleasure when a boy. 

Now, hearken, while he tells of his boyhood days once more, 
When he had naught but childhood's griefs in his heart's store ; 
How, then, he rode on horseback, upon a sack of corn, 
And on his way to mill, almost wished he'd never been born. 

With pants too awful short, his shins so cold and bare. 
His pants and socks did not meet — neither had length to spare. 
With coarse brogans, all run down and over at the heel, 
Imagine, if you can, how comfortable one would feel. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 863 

He suffered most between sock and pants, of course. 

Where each were drawing from each other as if trying for divorce. 

And yet he sat his steed in calm, stately repose, 

While the frost was fearfully biting his defenseless nose. 

Now he's living life o'er again, which was not complete, 
For he suffered much, in those days, with frostbitten feet. 
Now let this soliloquy end ; let the curtain fall 
While he still believes that a boy's life might be the best of all. 

He's watching now, with interest, the progressive boy of today, 
And he's marking how different he's doing from that old way. 
He's watching his progressive steps, and of his increasing desire, 
While upon the rounds of ladder-fame he's climbing higher and higher. 

And, too, he's questioning self, why he did not study while in school, 

But he'd rather sit in idleness upon the dunce's stool. 

Now he's reminded of some wise saying, belonging to the past, 

The truth dawns upon him : The last shall be first and the first shall be last. 

Then, in his enthusiasm, he loudly proclaims with joy: 
What would I not give to be again a simple farmer's boy ! 
That I might live my life o'er again, and improve the past, 
For I have, by experience, found the philosopher's stone at last ! 

I've found that it is not he that wills, but he that joins the race 
And fights manfully with obstacles in the way, face to face ; 
If great things one would achieve, he must not disdain to toil, 
For many of our Presidents, when young, were tillers of the soil. 



HENRY PHILIP LICHAU, Jr. 

The childhood memories of Mr. Lichau are associated with the county of 
Sonoma, but he is of eastern birth and German extraction. His father, whose 
name he bears, was born in Hesse-Cassel, Germany, February 22, 1826, and died 
in California March 12, 1909, at the ripe old age of eighty-three years. During 
the temporary sojourn of the family in Massachusetts the elder son was born 
at Greenfield January 21, 1855, and the younger son, Albert E., was born April 
18, 1856, after the arrival of the parents in California. The mother, who bore 
the maiden name of Mary Hockey, was born in England in October of 1830, 
but came to the United States at an early age. Albert E. married Mary E. Bee- 
son, who was born in Australia in 1851. They became the parents of five 
children, Chester, George R., Charles, Mabel G. and Annie E. George R. mar- 
ried Annette Ribbley and Mabel G. is the wife of Frederick Mitchell and the 
mother of three children. Claude, Frank and Fern. 

Early in the year 1856 the family arrived in San Francisco after a tedious 
voyage from New England via the Isthmus of Panama, which they crossed on 



86 4 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

the backs of mules. A brief sojourn in San Francisco was followed by removal 
to Sonoma county, where land was taken up near Petaluma, but during the spring 
of 1869 removal was made to the northern extremity of Vallejo township, where 
the father remained until death and where his son and namesake still resides, 
occupying the old homestead nestling at the foot of the Sonoma mountain. When 
he was a boy he found one of his greatest pleasures in hunting and to this day- 
he retains his fondness for the sport, although game is far less abundant now 
than in the pioneer era. Deer, Pacific wild cats, coons and bears were the ani- 
mals most frequently seen. At one time Mr. Lichau and his dogs chased an 
animal that had molested the turkeys. After running almost a mile the creature 
took refuge in a tree, perching on a branch one hundred and fifty feet above the 
ground. An old gun, bought in i860, brought down the game, which proved to 
be a lynx weighing thirty pounds. One reason for the abundance of game was 
the fact that water always could be found on the ranch, there being not only three 
streams, but also forty-nine springs of pure water, an item of no small value in 
considering the attractions of the place. 

The first home of the family was constructed out of hewn redwood timber, 
framed, mortised and pinned together without the use of nails. In this cabin, 
built in 1858, many social gatherings were held. Here was celebrated the first 
marriage performed in the neighborhood, the clergyman on the occasion being 
Rev. Noah Burton, who in 1880 united in marriage Henry Philip Lichau, Jr., 
and Emma Hockey at the same place. In 1882 Mr. Burton was appointed chap- 
lain of San Quentin prison, which at that time contained nineteen hundred in- 
mates, and he continued there as chaplain until his death. Near the Lichau 
ranch was a cemetery of two acres, donated by General Vallejo and containing 
all that was mortal of many of the earliest settlers. 

Miss Emma Hockey was born in Devonshire, England, November 11. 1854, 
being the only child of Samuel and Johanna (Bowdege) Hockey, natives of 
Stockland, England, the father following the occupation of a butcher in his 
native land. Mr. and Mrs. Lichau are the parents of seven sons, namely : Harry 
P., Charles F. B., Archie C, Edward P., Arthur Lincoln, Ernest Albert and 
Elmer C. Archie married Alberta Belle Harvey, a native of Santa Barbara 
county, and they and their son, Beverly, make their home in Sonoma county. 
Charles F. B. married Jessie Farrer, a native of California, and they have two 
children, Raymond and Clarice. Politically Mr. Lichau always has been loyal 
to the tenets of the Republican party and fraternally he holds membership with 
die blue lodge of Masons at Petaluma. For two terms he has served as trustee 
of the Copeland school district. 

Under the personal supervision of Mr. Lichau is a tract of one hundred and 
seventy-five acres, devoted to the raising of farm crops and to dairying and 
poultry-raising. Thirty head of fine milch cows and young cattle are carried on 
the ranch, besides several horses and a number of hogs. The cattle are of the 
Holstein breed, while the horses are Percherons, the head of the herd being a 
splendid stallion, Modoc Chief. Recently he sold one of his colts, Blanche, two 
years old, which gave promise of approaching an ideal perfection of the Perch- 
eron breed. The poultry yard has five hundred hens of the Andalusian blue 
breed, in the sale of which Mr. Lichau has been extensively engaged. Eggs bring 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 865 

$2.25 for a setting of fifteen. Hens sell at $2 each, while the cockerels bring 
from $5 up according to quality and markings. Orders for chickens and eggs 
come to Mr. Lichau from various parts of the state and those who have em- 
barked in the industry have only words of praise for the virtues of this beautiful 
fowl. 



LEWIS WILLIAM RIDENHOUR. 
Thirteen years have passed since the death of this well-known pioneer, who 
for over forty-four years had been a continuous resident of the ranch near Hil- 
ton which is now the property of his widow. A native of Missouri, Mr. Riden- 
hour was born in St. Louis county, in 1829, which at that time was sparsely 
populated by the white man, in fact his parents were credited with being the 
first white settlers in St. Louis county. 

Lewis W. Ridenhour was a young man of twenty-one years when, in 1850, 
he set out for the gold-fields of California, full of hope and confidence that a 
quick fortune awaited him. The records do not state that he was more suc- 
cessful than the average miner, taking the losses with the gains, and it is safe to 
presume that his success was not all that he might have expected, for after work- 
ing in the mines in Placer county above Marysville for three years he gave up the 
life and settled down permanently to agriculture. It was then, in 1853, that he 
made the first purchase of land in Sonoma county, this being included in the 
ranch now occupied by his widow near Hilton. The original purchase, taken up 
under the homestead act, consisted of one hundred and sixty acres, and to this 
has since been added adjoining property from time to time, until the ranch now 
comprises nine hundred and forty acres. The residence which adorns the ranch 
is one of the most substantial in this part of the country and is in as good condi- 
tion today as when it was constructed fifty-three years ago. The lumber used 
in its construction he brought down on a raft from Green Valley creek, and the 
shingles, which he himself rived by hand, are still apparently none the worse for 
the exposure to the sun and weather of fifty years. Much of the land Mr. Riden- 
hour set out to hops, fruits and general garden produce. All of these various 
industries have since his death been maintained by his widow, under whose 
management they have prospered from year to year. Six and a-half acres are 
in orchard, thirty- four acres are in hops (which during the year 1909 netted an 
income of $962), seventy acres are in general farm produce, while the remainder 
of the land is in pasture and timber. The brickyard is leased for $1,000 a year. 
Of late, since 1905, the ranch has been carried on by James W. Covey, a son-in- 
law of Mrs. Ridenhour. As one of the earliest settlers in this part of Sonoma 
county Mr. Ridenhour could relate many thrilling stories of pioneer conditions, 
when bears and deers were so plentiful that he shot them to help clear the 
country of them, and panthers, smelling the blood of their slain forest com- 
panions, would come by stealth and run away with their carcasses. At one time 
Mr. Ridenhour was attacked by a brown bear and badly wounded, but he suc- 
ceeded in getting out of bruin's grasp after a hard fight and made his escape. 
Mr. Ridenhour lived to see all this unbroken wilderness give place to cultivated 
ranches, the homes of a contented, prosperous people. He passed away on the 

43 



866 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

old home ranch April 6, 1897, mourned as one of the true-hearted and depend- 
able citizens of the community in which he had lived for so many years. 

Mr. Ridenhour's marriage, in June, 1856, united him with Miss Mary E. 
Heald, a native of Ohio, and the daughter of one of the pioneer settlers in Cali- 
fornia. When she was a child of three years her parents removed to Missouri, 
and from there seven years later, in 1851, they came to California and settled 
in Sonoma county. Harmon Heald, the father and founder of the city of Healds- 
burg, was a brother of Mrs. Ridenhour's father. He also came across the plains 
in the year 1851, and on the site of the city which now bears his name he opened 
a hotel and also ran a saw and grist mill. 

Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Ridenhour, but of the number 
only six are now living. William R., born in 1857, was married to Miss Elfa 
Catin, their union being blessed with two children, Pearl and Maud. Emily be- 
came the wife of T. P. Brown, of Santa Rosa, and five children, two sons and 
three daughters, were born to them, Thomas, Ralph, Georgie, Lilian and Lottie. 
Lewis E., born in 1861, and now residing in Hilton, by his marriage with Ida 
Drvden has seven children, three sons and four daughters, Guy, Robert, Philip, 
Virginia, Mildred, Clarine and Elenor. Ellen became the wife of W. W. Ger- 
man, and the mother of five children, four sons and one daughter, B. Louis, Roy, 
Alvin, Elbert, and Alma, the family making their home in Ukiah, Mendocino 
county. Hilton B. chose as his wife Phoebe Tracy, and they have a son and 
daughter, Charles and Aline, the family residing in Suisun City, Solano county. 
Annie M. became the wife of James W. Covey, and they, with their only child, 
Anita Elizabeth, live on the old home place near Hilton, Mr. Covey being super- 
intendent and manager of the property. 



HERMON NOBLES. 

From the time of entering upon the activities of mature years to the present 
Mr. Nobles has engaged in ranch pursuits and meanwhile has gained a thorough 
familiarity with agriculture as prosecuted within the limits of Sonoma county, 
where he makes his home. All of his life has been passed in Northern California. 
Point Arena is his native town and May 19, 1859, the date of his birth. Reared 
and educated in Mendocino county, he came from there to Sonoma county and has 
lived a quiet, busy and useful existence, caring for his land with scrupulous exact- 
ness, overseeing his herds of sheep and other stock, and discharging the duties 
that fall upon him as -a neighbor interested in the welfare of others and as a 
citizen devoted to the progress of his community and commonwealth. His 
mental outlook is broad, his sympathies large and his discernment keen. Parti- 
san matters appeal little to him, his only association with politics being the 
casting of a ballot in favor of Democratic candidates. In religious opinions he 
is broad, without sectarian bias and sympathetic toward all the uplifting in- 
fluences wrought by the creeds of today. 

The family represented by this gentleman comes from southern lineage, 
his parents, Rector and Adaline (Beeby) Nobles, having been natives re- 
spectively of Arkansas and Missouri. They crossed the plains with ox-teams in 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 867 

1848, first settling in Fresno, Cal, and during the '50s located in Bodega, So- 
noma county. Subsequently they became pioneer farmers in Mendocino county, 
but their last years were passed in Sonoma county. Besides Hermon, the paren- 
tal family comprised three brothers and three sisters, as follows: David, Jef- 
ferson. Lee, Susan, Jennie and Hattie. David married Sarah Dollar and be- 
came the father of four children, Philip, Sarah, Adaline and Lillian. Lee 
chose as his wife Miss Susan Rasmussen and by that union had two daughters, 
Nettie and Mabel. Susan is the wife of Isaac Talbot and Hattie married Joseph 
Irvin, their union resulting in four children, Frederick, Percy, Mildred and 
Florence. The marriage of Hermon Nobles occurred December 4, 1901, and 
united him with Mrs. Louisa (Haupt) Marshall, who was born in Sonoma 
county in the year 1870. They are the parents of three children, Mervin, Grace 
and Emmet. 

In her ancestral lineage Mrs. Nobles traces the family back to a long succes- 
sion of German progenitors. Charles Haupt. who was born in Germany in 
1826, became an immigrant to the United States in young manhood, and with 
his parents crossed the plains with ox-teams in 1849. They first settled in 
Napa county, and later in Sonoma county, in which latter county Mr. Haupt's 
wife was born, and also their three children. Charles, Louisa and Mary. The 
only son, Charles, Jr., married Julia Patten and had seven children, Melvin. 
Albert, Lloyd, Lawrence, Louisa, Bessie and Minnie. Mary Haupt became the 
wife of S. R. Hayden, and their union was blessed with three children, Rodney, 
Richard and Bertha. During girlhood Mrs. Nobles attended the Sonoma county 
schools, and shortly after the completion of her education she was married 
to Robert Marshall, a farmer, whose death occurred a few years after their 
marriage. Three children were born of this marriage, Sadie, Charles and Rob- 
ert. Subsequently Mrs. Marshall became the wife of Mr. Nobles. Their home 
place consists of twelve hundred and two acres, some of which contains a splen- 
did growth of timber, while the balance affords excellent pasturage for the 
stock as well as large meadows for the making of hay. As a rule six hundred 
head of sheep are carried on the ranch, as well as ten head of horses and a 
number of hogs and cattle, the owner finding the sale of live stock an important 
part of his annual income, while the wooded tracts are especially adapted to the 
use of sheep. They also have a forty-acre ranch five miles from the home 
place, where they are raising fruit, principally apples. Haupt creek, which was 
so named for Mrs. Nobles' father, and is a tributary of Guallala river, waters 
the ranch. In places the ranch is well wooded with pine, redwood and oak. In 
the supervision of his large holdings the owner shows thrift, energy and saga- 
cious judgment, and he occupies deservedly a high position among the ranchmen 
of Sonoma county. He is a member of the board of school trustees of Guallala 
district, and has been constable of Salt Point township for eight years. 



JOHN S. TAYLOR. 
As one of the early pioneers of California John S. Taylor has given the 
strength and purpose of his manhood toward the development of the resources 
which have made this a commonwealth of great importance to the Union. Com- 
ing in the year 1849, when the- current of immigration brought men of every 



868 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

class and condition to form the new society, the integrity and inherent qualities 
of Mr. Taylor were doubly welcome, since they became a part of the foundation 
for the statehood and insured its future greatness. He came to Sonoma county 
in 1853. and the same year settled on fourteen hundred acres of virgin land near 
Santa Rosa, property which he still owns and manages, though of late years he 
has made his home in town. He was born in Pittsylvania county, Va., November 
27, 1828, and was reared in that locality and in Ray county, Mo., whither the 
family removed during his boyhood. 

No account of Mr. Taylor's journey to California or his experiences in the 
early days of this commonwealth could better express the true conditions than the 
account given in his own words, and we therefore give it verbatim herewith : 

"In the year 1849, when the news of the rich gold finds of California became 
known, the excitement in the older settled states ran high, especially among the 
young men and boys, and I, being one of the latter, determined to cast my lot 
with other adventurers and seek the gold fields. 

"I left my adopted home (being a Virginian by birth) in Ray county, Mo, 
near where the town of Orrick now stands, went to Independence and got a 
chance under General Lucas to drive a six-yoke ox-team across the plains to 
El Paso on the Rio Grande. A day or two later Tom Gordon, also a Ray county 
boy, put in an appearance and got a chance to drive a team with the same train ; 
knowing each other we were glad to be together, and the ties of friendship were 
strengthened by the arduous trials of our long journey, even to the closing scene, 
where I sat by his side and closed his eyes in the last sleep. 

"The train, which now consisted of twelve wagons, soon started on its long 
and perilous trip. The first few weeks were uneventful, save for the novelty 
and newness of our experience in 'roughing it,' and getting used to the swing 
of camp life. About the 15th of September we reached the Arkansas river; the 
water was getting scarce in the mountains, where the buffalo ranges in the sum- 
mer, and they had collected in this beautiful valley of the Arkansas until it was 
literally black with them. We travelled for about eight days up this valley, the 
buffalo crowding out ahead of the train and closing up behind it, keeping about 
three hundred yards away. We shot one every day, taking out what meat we 
needed for present use, leaving the rest to be eaten and fought over by the band 
of wolves, which is the invariable accompaniment of every herd of buffalo which 
ranges the plains. They act as scavengers, eating all that die from any cause, 
and often killing the calves, which, however, are closely guarded by the older 
buffalo forming a strong phalanx around them as they move. 

"When we reached the Cimarron an impressive sight met our gaze; here, 
piled by the road side, telling a tale of desolation and possible despair to human 
beings, were the skull bones of ninety-eight mules which had perished in the 
snow storm two winters before. (This was later found to have been a govern- 
ment train en route to Mexico.) We were now in the native haunts of the 
death-dealing blizzard, yet too early in the season to fear them. However, a 
few more weeks of travel, which was very slow, brought us within twenty-five 
or thirty miles of Red river, where we struck camp, got our supper of coffee 
and bacon, with flap- jacks cooked in a frying-pan over a fire of buffalo chips, 
put out our guards and 'turned in,' when the alarm was given by one of the 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 869 

guards that a snow storm was upon us. We yoked up our cattle immediately 
and traveled all night, and reached the Red river about three o'clock the next 
afternoon ; here we found wood and water, but no feed for our cattle, as the 
snow covered the ground to the depth of eight inches, so we made our corral as 
usual, which is by drawing the wagons together with heavy log chains, the front 
wheel to the hind wheel, until all are connected. Into his corral we put our cattle ; 
about ten o'clock the weather cleared, the moon shone clear and full on the snow, 
and as I stood guard that night I thought it the brightest and lightest night I 
ever saw. The next morning we made an early start, as our cattle must have 
food ; we traveled until noon before we found grazing for them. They had 
grown so weak they could hardly pull the big wagons. 

"In due course of time, without exciting incident, we reached Las Vegas, 
the first Spanish settlement we had struck; here a battle was fought the year 
before between the Americans and the Mexicans, in which some of old Ray's 
brave sons took a hand, and the chivalrous Captain Hcndley of Richmond was 
killed. 

"On New Year's day, 1850, we crossed the Rio Grande, and first set foot 
on Mexican soil at the town of Paso del Norte (now Borez, opposite El Paso), 
which had a population of about ten thousand at that time. We had now reached 
the end of our journey with the ox-train and must make different arrangements 
if we wished to extend our trip to the gold fields of California. Tom and I were 
fortunate to fall in with a train of Texas men, thirty-three in number, who were 
going to the city of Durango ; we were aiming to reach the sea coast and ship to 
San Francisco, so this was just to our liking. We started, and the third night 
had camped out at a big spring, put our guards out around our mules and rolled 
up in our blankets, when we heard the blood-curdling Indian yell. The Indians 
dashed in between our wagons and the stock and away they went with every ani- 
mal we had. We slept with our clothes on, and our guns ready to our hands in 
case of emergency. Half of our men, including Tom and myself, went after the 
stock ; after traveling about two miles we heard something coming toward us, 
which we naturally supposed to be Indians, but which dissolved itself into a lone, 
badly frightened, white-faced sorrel mule, which had been stampeded with the 
rest, but had made its escape and was coming back to camp. We then gave up the 
search and returned to the wagons ; the owners of the stock and half our men 
returned to Paso del Norte and bought other teams with which to continue the 
journey. 

"We were now in the Apache Indian country, where no white man was sure 
of his fate. We traveled about two hundred miles through this country without 
being molested. We camped one night without water, and made an early start 
next morning to reach Gallego Springs ( a bad place for Indians) by noon. 
Just before reaching the springs we were attacked by a band of sixty Indians ; 
they were dressed in red gauze, which they had taken from a Mexican train just 
a few days before, at this same place ; their faces were covered with war paint, 
' they were mounted on beautiful horses, and armed principally with bows and 
arrows, yet some of them had guns and others spears. They were tall, well- 
built fellows. We heard the war whoop, looked around, and the Indians were 
upon us and had possession of half our wagons before we recovered from our 



S;o HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

surprise. They held them ior some time, but the fight became too hot for them 
and we recovered our wagons. They got possession of one of our men, whom 
they killed ; they cut off his head, stuck it on a lance, and galloped around us, 
holding it so that we must see it. The battle lasted about three hours, but we 
were finally victorious. Several of our men were wounded, and we took them 
to a hospital at Chihuahua, where we left them. We remained in this city eight 
days, and while there saw a bull fight ; there were nine wild bulls turned into the 
ring that afternoon, one at a time; each would fight until exhausted, then some 
tame cattle would be driven in and he would follow them out. One bull killed 
two horses and crippled one man. 

"The following morning after the bull-fight we resumed our journey and 
passed through many strange towns and saw many strange sights before reach- 
ing Durango, a city of thirty thousand inhabitants. We tarried there for nine 
days, then hired pack mules to carry our belongings over the Sierra Madre moun- 
tains to the sea-port town of Mazatlan. In port lay the sailing vessel Barkazam ; 
it was loading for San Francisco; we took passage, and after five days sail, 
dropped anchor at Cape St. Lucas, and thirty days later passed through the 
world-renowned Golden Gate into the harbor of San Francisco. We went 
ashore next day, May 12, 1850. San Francisco at this time was simply a collection 
of canvas tents and board shanties perched upon the barren sand hills, not a 
very inviting or home-like picture for two young, inexperienced fellows who 
had suffered such hardships as we had, and to add to the gravity of our situation, 
Tom was sick and despondent. Our assets were running low, our clothing, 
which was but little, was almost worn out, my wardrobe consisting of a pair 
each' of half-worn shoes and pants, two shirts and a tattered old hat; Tom's 
ditto. It devolved upon me to replenish our exchequer if possible. 

"I applied for work and found it hard to get, but finally found a job in a 
lumber yard ; the man said I was too young and small to handle that heavy 
lumber, but I determined to have that job. I went back to the camp and put 
on both of my shirts to make me look larger and stronger and went back and 
applied for the same job; the man looked me over and said, 'All right, go to 
work.' For that afternoon's work I was paid $1 an hour. I expected no more 
than $1 for the half day. 

"When Tom was well enough we pushed on to the mines and got our initi- 
ation in the work on Deer Creek, near where Nevada City now stands. Here 
Tom was stricken with a fever, from which he died on the 20th of November. 
Some miners whose claims adjoined ours helped me bury Tom. I marked 
his grave with a carved wooden headboard and enclosed it with a paling fence. 
Years afterward I returned there to see the silent monument on the lonely hill 
where many others so soon followed him. I spent the winter there and in the 
spring moved further north into the Sierra Nevada mountains to the small 
mining camp on Cannon creek. 

"There was another mining camp just a mile below us; from this camp a 
miner came and told us that a man had been arrested down there for the theft 
of a pistol. Forty or sixty men from the surrounding camps collected there, 
and from them the man who was bound and guarded was allowed to select 
twelve men as jurors to try his case. They found him guilty. The sentence, 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 871 

twenty-five lashes on the naked back and expulsion from Cannon Creek after 
ten o'clock next morning, or hang. They tied him to a pinetree and on his naked 
body laid the twenty-five lashes with a rope ; he begged them to kill him ; he 
was helped on with his clothes and ordered to leave, which the poor wretch was 
glad to do, no doubt. 

"I did not want to winter there, as the snow got so deep that we could 
neither get in or out after it began to fall, so before October I went to Natchez, 
in the Honcut mountains. The day I arrived there they brought in and buried 
three men who had been killed by Joaquin Murietta and his band of robbers. 
No one knew the murdered men, nor how much gold the robbers got. It is 
probable that their friends never knew what became of them. I stayed here 
four months mining in Robinson's ravine, where I found the largest piece of solid 
gold that my fortunes in the gold fields ever gave me. It was worth $78. 

"In April we heard of rich diggings in Downieville, now the county-seat of 
Sierra county ; myself and two other men, John Wade and John Prine, rolled 
our purses of gold dust inside our blankets, took them on our backs and after 
a four days' journey over rough mountains, arrived at Zumolt's flat, on the Yuba 
river ; we were very high up in the mountains. Here we built a small log cabin 
to live in and went to mining in the Blue banks across the river. One morning, 
just at daybreak, I got up to cook breakfast (we each took our turn at cooking) 
and heard some shooting; looking down the trail I saw four men coming up, one 
of them was shooting off his pistols; just a few paces behind them four others 
came firing their pistols. I knew there was going to be a duel, and went with 
them to see it. They crossed over the forks of the river, and there I saw the 
famous duel between Kelley and Speare. Joe McKibben, afterward member of 
congress, was one of the seconds. Revolvers were the law of the land by which 
many disputes were settled in those days. The more cool-headed men would ar- 
bitrate their difficulties, which were generally about mining claims. 

"I had now been away from my home nearly three years, and had not heard 
a word from there since I left, so my pleasure was great when a pack train of 
mules, loaded with provisions and mail, came into Downieville one day and I 
got a letter from home. Our cabin was twelve feet square, covered with shakes, 
and had a dirt floor. We were comfortable and concluded to winter there. The 
weather until the 1st of December was fine, then one morning we got up and 
found the snow six feet deep and still snowing very fast. The storm lasted two 
weeks, snowing a great portion of the time, until the snow was fifteen feet deep. 
Provisions could not be bought at any price and none could be brought nearer 
than thirty miles from Downieville. About one hundred miners were here and 
we must have food. We, in our cabin, had been living on small Irish potatoes 
for several days and had neither meat nor bread. The next morning the miners 
met and concluded to take a man from each cabin and try to beat a trail out over 
the snow and pack provisions on our backs. When a trail is once packed on the 
snow it is easy to walk right along. That night we drew lots in our cabin to 
decide which of us should go ; it fell on me. 

"Twenty-eight men started next morning to beat a trail to Forster's Bar, 
the nearest point where we could get flour. We went a few miles down the 
river on a trail already beaten, then had to beat up the mountains to a station 



872 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

twelve miles away. We took turns at beating the trail, as it was hard work to 
pack the snow so that it would bear the weight of a man. Three of our men 
gave out and we had them to carry ; night was coming on and we knew what that 
meant to us if we did not find shelter. We knew the station was not very far 
away, but had lost the direction. Some thought it to the right of us, others 
to the left, and some said straight ahead. In the confusion some of the men 
commenced to halloo ; their shouts were heard at the station, a mile and a-half to 
the left of us. The men at the station knew we were from Downieville, trying to 
get out provisions; they fired several shots which we heard, and turned in that 
direction. They started to meet us, blowing a horn at intervals, which we 
answered until we met. We got in at eleven o'clock with all our men alive, but 
exhausted, cold and ravenously hungry. Our meals at this station cost us each $3 
a piece. Our bill of fare consisted of bacon, and beans with bread and tea, and 
a royal feast it was to us, for which we would have willingly paid twice the price 
if necessary. 

"The next morning we continued on our way, and as the trail was now down 
grade, we made better time, finishing the journey about nightfall. We started 
on our return trip the third morning, each man carrying a sack of flour, and 
some of them took other things besides. I carried a fifty-pound sack of flour and 
was offered $75 for it after I got back with it. I took it straight to the cabin, 
where Wade and Prine received me joyfully, but the sack of flour more so, as 
they had not tasted bread for a week. 

"The weather was cold, but clear, and pack mules soon began to come in on 
the trail we had made, and provisions became plentiful once more. We worked 
there the following summer, sold our claims, rolled our purses of gold dust in 
the blankets, bid farewell to Downieville and took a walk of ninety miles to 
Marysville, camping out at night; from there we took stage to Sacramento, and 
boat to San Francisco. John Prine went to Rushville, Ind., John Wade went 
to Joliet, 111., and the writer came to Santa Rosa, Cal., where he has lived for 
fifty-six years." 

Here that same year Mr. Taylor settled on fourteen hundred acres of land, 
later receiving title to the land direct from the United States government. 
He still owns the property, which for over half a century has been maintained 
as a dairy and stock ranch. Owing to advancing years he has given its active 
management over to younger hands, although every day finds him looking after 
the interests of his large ranch property. Eleven hundred and fifty acres of the 
ranch are devoted to dairy purposes entirely, and forms one of the largest in- 
dustries of the kind in the county. Besides his ranch property Mr. Taylor owns 
a valuable lot on Fourth street, extending through to Fifth street, on which he 
has erected one of the fine and substantial business blocks of the city, known 
as the Taylor block. 

Mr. Taylor's marriage in 1876 united him with Miss Nancy A. Clark, a 
native of Illinois, who came to California by way of the Isthmus in 1863. Two 
children were born of this marriage, Zena Mildred, the wife of Eugene Weber, 
and John S., the latter now in Honolulu. Mr. Taylor is a member of the Masonic 
fraternity, in which he has attained the thirty-second degree. He is now living 
in Santa Rosa, at the Piedmont Hotel, hale and hearty at the age of eighty-two 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 873 

years and for the entire time he has lived here has been closely identified with 
every movement that has been for the advancement of the county. He was one of 
the organizers of the Santa Rosa Bank, serving as its president at one time, and 
is still a stockholder in the institution. The others who were principals in this 
organization were Dave Burris, Thomas Hopper, and Elijah Farmer. Mr. 
Tavlor was one of eleven men who constructed the race track in Santa Rosa. 



JOSEPH W. DROUILLARD. 

Not unlike a large majority of the agriculturists in the vicinity of Santa 
Rosa, Mr. Drouillard took up his residence here after he had gained considerable 
experience and means in other lines of activity. In various parts of the state he 
had followed mining for a considerable period since the year 1884, and unlike 
many who follow that precarious calling he was very successful in the under- 
taking. Upon giving this up, however, he came to Sonoma county and near Santa 
Rosa purchased the beautiful forty-acre ranch that is his home today. 

In Marion county, Iowa, Joseph W. Drouillard was born November 2. 
1849. While he was almost too young to remember much of his early home, 
his parents made ready to cross the plains to California, the gold fever still at- 
tracting many to the state, the elder Mr. Drouillard being among the number. 
The year 1855 found them in Hangtown (now called Placerville), the father 
engaging in mining there for about a year, after which he gave it up as un- 
profitable, and instead, engaged in the stock business in Tulare county. This 
necessitated going to Los Angeles for cattle, which he would drive north to 
fatten, after which he would take them to the mining localities and sell them. 

The education of Joseph W. Drouillard was begun and completed in San 
Jose, after which he became interested in the stock business with his father. A 
desire to try his luck at mining led him to discontinue the stock business and 
thereafter for thirty years he followed mining continuously. After an experience 
in Nevada and Arizona he was engaged in the Yellow Aster mines in Rands- 
burg, Kern county, Gal., going there as mill superintendent in 1884, and leaving 
there seven years later to become superintendent of the Gaylord Bish mines in 
Inyo county. While in that county he also purchased a ranch, but as it was done 
more as an investment than with the idea of making his home upon it, he dis- 
posed of it when a good opportunity offered. Later he went to Hay wards, Ala- 
meda county, and purchased property, but six months later he disposed of this 
also, and it was then that he came to Sonoma county and purchased the ranch 
which has been his home ever since, four miles northeast of Santa Rosa, on Cali- 
stoga street and St. Helena road. The ranch comprises forty acres, of which 
fourteen acres are in grapes, two acres in prunes, one acre in small fruit, and 
about six acres in corn. It is Mr. Drouillard's intention to enlarge his orchard 
from time to time, and if his present plans are carried out he will plant eight ad- 
ditional acres to prunes and apples. Another ambition of the owner is to embark- 
in the poultry industry, and judging from the success which he has had in his 
undertakings thus far his success in this undertaking is assured also. 

In 1872 Mr. Drouillard was united in marriage with Frances M. Woods, a 



8 7 4 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

native of Illinois, the daughter of Abel and Sarah Woods, the former of whom 
passed away in California, and the latter now a resident of Los Angeles. The 
eldest of the three children born to Mr. and Mrs. Drouillard is William F., born 
in Modoc county, Cal., in 1884; he is filling the position of superintendent of the 
Electric Light and Power Company on the Owens river. Paul, born in Modoc 
county in 1887, is employed in the oil-well district in Kern county. Joseph W., 
Jr., born in Inyo county in 1892, is employed on the Southern Pacific Railroad. 
In national issues Mr. Drouillard casts a Republican ballot, but in local matters 
is governed by the qualifications of the candidate for the position. As the choice 
of his fellow-citizens while in Inyo county he filled a number of positions, among 
them justice of the peace, deputy sheriff and postmaster. While he was a resi- 
dent of Modoc county he became affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows, passed through all the chairs of his lodge, and was further honored by 
being sent as a representative to the grand lodge. 



PETER W. BUSSMAN. 

Bringing to his interesting and constantly widening calling, skill and excel- 
lent business judgment, Peter W. Bussman has cause to congratulate himself 
upon his success as an agriculturist and horticulturist. The Bussman ranch, not 
far from Santa Rosa, on Rural Route No. 1, in the Llano district, and two 
hundred and twenty-two acres in extent, evidences the painstaking methods 
and thoroughness of its experienced owner, and in its appointments is most 
complete and modern. By far the larger portion of the land is in grapes, forty 
acres are in grain, twenty-five acres in corn, ten acres in orchard, and the remain- 
der is in pasture and devoted to the raising of chickens. This shows the diver- 
sity of the work being carried on under the direct supervision of Mr. Bussman, 
any one of which would seem to be enough for one man to undertake, but so 
versatile are his abilities that he can undertake and carry to completion any num- 
ber of projects with the same unvarying success. 

The records of the Bussman family show that it originated in the Father- 
land, and there, in Warendorf, Westphalia, the father of our subject, Anton 
Bussman, was born February 7, 1829. He was the son of Harmon Bussman, to 
whom he gave his services until he became of age, when he immigrated to the 
United States. From Baltimore, where the vessel landed, he went first to Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio, and two years later, in the spring of 1852, he set out for Califor- 
nia, coming by way of St. Louis, New Orleans, Texas and Mexico, then by way 
of Panama and San Diego, being detained in the latter place on account of the 
ship being out of commission. He was fortunate in securing a position with the 
government during the two months he was detained there, after which he went 
to San Francisco, and later to the mines of Placerville, Eldorado and Amador 
counties. His mining venture proved very satisfactory, for his share of the 
profits during the eight years he was so engaged more than met his expecta- 
tions. With the means which he accumulated in this way he went to Clear 
Lake and engaged in farming and stock-raising for the eight years following, 
also being successful in this undertaking. A desire to visit the old homeland 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 875 

took him back to Germany in 1866, and upon his return two years later he settled 
in Contra Costa county, Cal., near the town of Antioch. In the meantime, how- 
ever, in October, 1868, in San Francisco, he had formed domestic ties by his 
marriage with Catherine Nintzel, who was also a native of Germany, born in 
Hanover in 1845. Mr. Bussman continued ranching very successfully for four- 
teen years in Contra Costa county, after which he disposed of his holdings there, 
and since 1882 has made his home on a fine ranch in Sonoma county. The 
parents have lived to see all of their five children grow to years of maturity 
and take their place in the world's activities in a manner worthy of their train- 
ing. Named in order of their birth the children are as follows : Peter W., Her- 
man, Anna, Fred and Frank, the two last being twins. 

The eldest child in the parental family, Peter W. Bussman, was born in 
Contra Costa county, June 20, 1869, and was therefore about twelve years of 
age when, with his parents, he came to Sonoma county. His education was 
acquired chiefly in Sonoma county, after which he turned his attention to agri- 
cultural pursuits, first associated with his father, and subsequently in an enter- 
prise of his own. He now has a fine ranch of two hundred and twenty-two 
acres of land in Llano district, where he makes a specialty of growing grapes ; 
with the development of present plans for erecting a winery on his ranch he will 
have one of the finest vineyards and wine-making enterprises in Sonoma county. 
Besides his vineyard he has forty acres in grain, twenty-five acres in corn, ten 
acres in orchard, besides which he raises stock and chickens, having about fifteen 
hundred of the latter. Some idea of his chicken industry may be gathered from 
the statement that during the season of 1909 he sold $3,000 worth of eggs and 
$1,500 worth of chickens, a large enterprise in itself, and yet only one of the 
many that the capable owner handles with skill and ability. 

Mr. Bussman's marriage, in 1891, was with Miss Eva D. Camp, a native of 
Iowa, and four children have been born to them. William Guy, born in 1893, 
has passed all the grades in the grammar and high schools in the vicinity of the 
home ranch, and after a course in the high school in Santa Rosa, he expects 
to turn his attention to business pursuits, presumably ranching. Ellsworth B., 
born in 1896, Hattie Idell, born in 1899, an d Genevieve Lucile, born in 1901, 
are attending Todd district school. Mr. Bussman is an earnest advocate of 
furnishing good school facilities, and as clerk and trustee of Todd district he has 
accomplished much -in raising the standard of education in this part of Sonoma 
county. Politically he is a Democrat, and fraternally he belongs to the Foresters 
of America and the Fraternal Aid of Santa Rosa. 



MRS. FREDRICKA F. DROSBACH. 
Though not a native of this country, so much of her life has been passed 
in the United States that Mrs. Drosbach is to all intents and purposes an Ameri- 
can-born citizen. Her ancestors on both sides of the family were of German 
birth and breeding, and she herself was born in the Fatherland, in 1839, the 
daughter of John Simon and Margaret (Hoffman) Ryth. When she was a 
child in arms her parents immigrated to the United States, the vessel on which 
they made the ocean voyage landing them at the port of New York. Her child- 



876 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

hood, girlhood and young womanhood were passed in the east, and it was not 
until 1884 that she came to the west to make her future home. Oakland was her 
destination upon coming to California, and it was in the vicinity of this city that 
the following nine years of her life were passed. In the meantime, in 1875, 
she became the wife of Andrew Drosbach, who like herself was a native of the 
Fatherland. In Oakland, where their marriage was celebrated, they continued 
to make their home for a number of years, finally, in 1885, coming to Sonoma 
county and locating on the ranch which was the home of the widow until 191 1. 
Here the earth life of Mr. Drosbach came to a close in 1894, when he was fifty- 
nine years of age. While the ranch was not large as compared with many others 
in the locality, containing only fifteen and a-half acres, still in point of pro- 
ductiveness its equal would be hard to find. The land was laid out and planted 
to the best advantage possible and there was no portion of it that was not under 
advantageous cultivation, walnuts, figs, peaches, pears, apples, cherries, grapes 
and berries yielding crops in their season that made this one of the most desir- 
able ranches in this part -of Sonoma county. Since disposing of the ranch Mrs. 
Drosbach has made her home in Sebastopol, at No. 418 South Main street. 

Four children were born of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Drosbach, the eld- 
est of whom, George A., married Miss Agnes Tomey, a native of California, 
and they have one daughter. The other children are Arthur G., Harry R. and 
William A. 



. JOHN and GRANT BRUNER. 

So closely and intimately interwoven have the lives and accomplishments 
of John and Grant Bruner been, that it would be impossible to write the life 
history of one without giving that of the other also. Few ranchers in the 
vicinity of Windsor, Sonoma county, are better known, both through the high 
quality of their citizenship and their exceptional success as agriculturists, than 
are these brothers, who have passed their entire lives in this locality. Born 
in what is now the town of Windsor in 1866 and 1867 respectively, they are 
the eldest sons of Philip and Rosella (Martin) Br.uner, the former of whom was 
born in New Orleans, La., in 1834, of German ancestry. From his earliest 
boyhood he had been familiar with farm life, beginning in the south, where he 
was born and reared, and after his removal to California in 1853 he continued 
tilling the soil and followed this occupation up to the time of his death in 
Sonoma county in 1907. 

The marriage of Philip Bruner and Rosella Martin was celebrated in 
Santa Rosa, Cal., in 1862 and resulted in the birth of nine children, eight of 
whom are living, as follows: John, Grant, James and William (born respec- 
tively in 1866, 1867, 1871 and 1879) ar, d Amanda, Ada, Queen and Hattie 
(born respectively in 1864, 1871, 1878 and 1881). William Bruner chose as 
his wife Minnie McVain, and they have one daughter. Amanda became the 
wife of Frank Esmond and they reside in Oakland, Cal. Ada became the wife 
of Henry Laymance, and four children, two sons and two daughters, have been 
born of their marriage; Queen is also married, being the wife of George Smith; 
and Hattie has two children by her marriage with Francis Shryne. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 877 

Neither of the two eldest sons of the parental family, John and Grant 
Bruner, have formed domestic ties, but live together alone on the old homestead 
ranch, in the old home which has sheltered them from boyhood. Here they have 
two hundred and fifty-eight acres of fine land devoted to diversified ranching 
and the raising of live-stock. Besides the portion of the ranch devoted to gen- 
eral farming, they have fifteen acres in vineyard, from the proceeds of which 
they realize a good income, the yield of grapes for the reason of 1909 bring- 
ing $800, while from the sale of sixty head of live-stock the returns for the 
same season were $600. No more thrifty or intelligent tillers of the soil could 
be found in Sonoma county than are these brothers, whose entire lives have 
been passed in this occupation and as a result of their industry and business 
ability they are in very comfortable circumstances financially. Politically the} 
are Republicans of no uncertain sound, being stanch in their support of this 
party's candidates, but they have never had any desire for public office for them- 
selves, finding their time and energies absorbed in their ranch enterprise and 
doing the things for the uplift of their fellowmen and community as they come 
to hand, in a quiet, unostentatious way. 



W. L. J. NOBLE and A. S. DOUGLAS. 

A visit to the ranch owned and occupied by the gentlemen above named, a 
few miles from Santa Rosa, gives one a fair impression of the practical and suc- 
cessful methods of these popular dairymen and chicken-raisers. The large busi- 
ness which they now conduct has been developed from a small beginning, which 
from the first has had a substantial and healthy growth, the result of untiring 
and unflagging energy on the part of the proprietors. 

The descendant of Scotch ancestry and a native of the east, Mr. Noble was 
born in St. Lawrence county, N. Y., January 1, 1850, and in that vicinity the years 
of his boyhood, youth and young manhood were passed. At the age of twenty- 
seven, however, feeling the limitations by which he was surrounded in the east, 
he set out for the west, going as far as Kansas, where, in Cherokee county, he 
was interested in farming for about four years. Again taking up the westward 
march at the end of this time, he went to Oregon and was similarly interested 
in Wallowa county for about ten years. Going to Idaho at the end of this exper- 
ience, he was located in Boise City for the four years following, after which, 
in 1900, he came to Sonoma county, Cal., and purchased a ranch of one-hundred 
and six acres in close proximity to Santa Rosa. Of this he sold a portion, but still 
retains forty-six acres. Inquiry and observation had taught him that no better 
income could be derived from any crops than from the raising of walnuts and 
fruits, and it was to these two commodities that he planted the greater part of his 
acreage. In the meantime, before these became income-producing, he engaged 
in the dairy business and later added the raising of chickens to his other under- 
takings. As his various ventures grew and his cares and obligations increased 
he formed a partnership with A. S. Douglas, a man of considerable experience 
and practical knowledge in the varied lines of agriculture, and the association 
then formed has continued amicably and profitably ever since. Under their com- 
bined management all lines of their business have enlarged, and at the present 



8 7 8 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

writing (1910) they have twenty-two head of dairy cattle, twelve head of horses, 
besides a large number of hogs. The chicken industry is especially satisfactory 
and remunerative, one thousand chickens supplying the output of eggs, for which 
they find a ready market at excellent prices. 

Mr. Noble's marriage in 1892 united him with Miss L. A. Webb, and three 
children have been born of this marriage. 

A. S. Douglas was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1882, the son of parents 
who were born and reared in Scotland. In their early lives they came to the 
United States, and for many years were associated with the growth of the 
locality about Cedar Rapids, where they were living at the time of the birth of 
their son. The father is now deceased, but the mother is still living, making her 
home in Sonoma county, near Kenwood. In the vicinity of Santa Rosa Mr. 
Douglas formerly owned a tract of seventy-nine acres, but he has recently sold 
off all but thirty acres, which he values at $200 an acre. The association formed 
with Mr. Noble in 1904 is proving all that was expected on the outset, both men 
being practical agriculturists and indefatigable workers, and as a result their 
combined efforts are thoroughly satisfactory. Not only are the walnuts and 
fruit which they raise of superior quality, but they yield abundantly and bring 
excellent prices, and their dairy and chicken industries are no less satisfactory 
from a financial standpoint. They well merit the recognition which they receive 
at the hands of their fellow-citizens, who regard them as substantial upbuilders 
of the best interests of Sonoma county. Fraternally Mr. Noble is a Mason, hav- 
ing joined the order while a resident of New York state. 



WILLIAM J. CUNNINGHAM. 

The long identification of Mr. Cunningham with Sonoma county entitles 
him to rank among the pioneers of this part of the state, while his intimate asso- 
ciation with public affairs and his patriotic support of progressive enterprises 
place him among the leading citizens whose efforts have contributed to local up- 
building. Throughout a considerable portion of the years of his residence here 
he has engaged in agricultural pursuits, but more recently he has limited his 
activities to the management of his homestead of seven acres at Bodega, where 
he has resided for almost one-half century. Recognized adaptability for public 
service led to his selection as an officer in his township and frequently he has 
been put forward successfully by the Republican party as their candidate for 
local positions. In June, 1890, he was elected justice of the peace, and so impar- 
tial and wise did his decisions prove, that he has been retained in the position 
ever since, the last election, in the fall of 1910, extending his term of office to 
1915. During a part of his young life he was employed in a law office and there 
.picked up a varied knowledge of the profession that has been helpful to him in 
his later years. For eight years he served as road overseer and during that time 
he aided in the building and grading of the public highways. In addition he has 
served as a school trustee. 

Born near Londonderry, Ireland, November 7, 1839, Mr. Cunningham was 
the son of Alexander Cunningham, who taught school for fifty years and was 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 879 

also postmaster at Corrigans, a place four miles south of Londonderry, and 
there it was that our subject received his education until seventeen years of 
age. He then entered the law office of Calhoon & Knox in Londonderry, con- 
tinuing there for three years and six months. At the end of this time, when he 
was twenty years old, he crossed the ocean to Philadelphia, where he secured 
employment as a clerk in a grocery establishment. Leaving that city in 1861 
he came to California via Panama, arriving in San Francisco December 26, 1861. 
He came to Bodega in January, 1862, and has since been a resident of the lo- 
cality, gaining a host of warm personal friends through his kindly disposition, 
genial temperament and unwavering devotion to the county's progress. Since 
becoming a citizen of the United States he has remained stanch in his allegiance 
to the Republican party and favors the principles and platform of that organiza- 
tion as best adapted to the national prosperity. Fraternally he was formerly a 
member of the Druids, joining the order about 1895, and continuing his mem- 
bership until the charter was given up. 

The marriage of William J. Cunningham and Alice Acker was solemnized 
in 1867, the bride having been born in New York state, but reared in California, 
whither she removed in childhood with her father, Reuben Acker, later a prom- 
inent supervisor and well-known citizen of Sonoma county. The Acker family 
descends from early American ancestry and its present representatives display 
the patriotism noticeable in every generation of the family history in this country. 
Seven children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham and all but one are 
still living. Of the six survivors all are married excepting one of the sons. The 
wife and mother is still living and shares with her husband the regard of the 
friends won through years of association with the people of the locality. The 
six living children are S. A., Reuben, William N., A. L., Edmund J. and Jane, 
the latter the wife of John Parmeter, of Duncan's Mills. The highest ambition 
of the parents has been to train their children for positions of usefulness and 
honor and they have sacrificed freely in order that their family might enjoy 
appreciated opportunities for advancement and education. 



JAMES CAHILL. 

Probably nowhere in the world is the raising of chickens followed with 
greater success than in Sonoma county, and among those thus engaged mention 
belongs to James Cahill, a resident of Santa Rosa, on Rural Route No. 1. His 
initial efforts in this business date from the year 1895, and each year in the 
meantime has witnessed an increase in the volume of business transacted, until 
now he maintains one of the largest chicken hatcheries in Sonoma county. 

The Cahill family is of Irish origin and the father of James Cahill was 
the first to establish the name in this country. He came to the United States 
in young manhood, and in New York met the lady who was to become his 
future wife. He is now deceased, dying at the early age of forty-seven, but 
his wife is still living, a resident of Grand Rapids, Mich., and is now in her 
seventy-third year. Three sons and four daughters were born of this marriage, 
and all are still living. It was while the family home was in Detroit, Mich., 
that the birth of James Cahill occurred February 11, 1855. Later the family 



880 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

removed to Grand Rapids, and in the schools of that place James attended 
school, and there also had his first experience as a wage-earner, for a time fill- 
ing a position in a handle factory. At the age of twenty-one he started to work 
in earnest, having obtained a position in the office of the Grand Rapids and 
Indiana Railroad. As a testimony of his ability and fitness for the position it 
may be said that he continued with this road for fourteen years, giving it up 
at the end of that time to accompany the family to California. With the record 
of his long service in Michigan as a recommendation he had no difficulty in 
obtaining a position' with the Southern Pacific Railroad Company, and for a 
number of years he continued in the employ of this company, his headquarters 
being in Oakland. Upon resigning his position he came to Sonoma county, in 
1895, and purchased ten acres of land near Santa Rosa. Here he began the 
raising of chickens on a small scale at first, increasing the business as his ex- 
perience and means would permit, until today he maintains thirty-one incuba- 
tors, from which during the season of 1909 he hatched about fifty thousand 
chickens. No figures are available for the present year's output, but judging 
from the indications it is destined to be the banner year in the history of his 
business. Besides his hatchery he also has about fourteen hundred laying hens. 
When Mr. Cahill came to Sonoma county he felt confident that a great future 
awaited it, but even his wildest dreams have been very conservative in the 
light of events. This prosperity is nowhere more noticeable than in the value 
of real estate, which has increased many fold. Mr. Cahill paid $650 for the 
ten-acre tract composing his ranch, and today the same property could not be 
purchased for $10,000. 

In 1882 Mr. Cahill was united in marriage with Miss Minnie Hulburt, a 
native of Iowa, and the only child of this marriage is James F. who was born 
in 1883. He is assisting his father on the ranch. His wife was formerly 
Alice Westcot, and they have two children. Politically Mr. Cahill is a Republi- 
can, and he still continues his membership in the Brotherhood of Railroad Train- 
men, although he has not been actively identified with railroad affairs for a 
number of years. 



CARL BIRKHOFER. 
Occupying an honorable and influential position among the German-Amer- 
ican citizens of Sonoma county, Carl Birkhofer, proprietor of Vine Hill Farm 
at Guerneville, has risen to this place solely through his own unaided efforts 
and by his modest success illustrates the statement that Sonoma county offers 
excellent opportunities to men of integrity and industry. The disadvantages 
under which he labored upon coming here, a stranger in a strange country, did 
not deter him from putting forth strenuous exertions to do his utmost. That 
he is now a land-owner and prominent tax-payer indicates the perseverance 
and untiring energy exhibited in his activities. This county owes not a little 
to its citizens of foreign birth, men of frugal habits, wise judgment and ceaseless 
industry, whose qualifications fitted them for aiding in the material development 
of the region and whose names are honored wherever known; of this class Mr. 
Birkhofer is a member, and he has an assured place among the horticulturists 
and farmers of his locality. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 88 1 

It was not until he was almost thirty years of age that Carl Birkhofer deter- 
mined to seek a home in the new world, believing better opportunities to await 
the poor here than in his native land of Germany, where he was born, in Baden, 
October 27, 1852. The family of which he was a member comprised eight 
children, all of whom married and established homes in their native land. Those 
besides himself were named as follows : John, Martin, Herman, Mary, Matilda. 
Anna and Freda, their father having been Carl, Sr., who was born in Germany 
about eighty-three years ago. Carl, Jr., received his education in the German 
schools and served three years in the army, in accordance with the custom of 
the country. Coming to the United States during the year 1881 he joined 
friends in Kentucky and secured employment in that state, whence in 1885 he 
came to California, settling in Sonoma county. 

The marriage of Carl Birkhofer united him with Miss Eliza Gisel, a native 
of Canton Schaffhausen, Switzerland. Five sons and two daughters were born 
of their union, namely : Fred, Charles, Emil, Oscar, Herman, Mary and Laura. 
The sons and daughters were given as good advantages as the means of the 
parents rendered possible, and all were trained to industry and usefulness. Mary 
is married and has one daughter, Miriam. The younger daughter remains be- 
neath the old home roof. The family have a large circle of friends among the 
people of their community. Through a residence here covering twenty-five 
years Mr. Birkhofer has become well-known to the people of Redwood town- 
ship and the postoffice of Guerneville, and by all he is mentioned in terms of 
respect and esteem. While at no time has he been prominent in politics, he has 
convictions concerning the tariff and other public questions and favors Demo- 
cratic principles, voting the ticket at all elections, but never allowing the use 
of his name as a candidate for any of the local offices within the gift of his 
neighbors. His attention has been given wholly to the care of his farm and 
the harvesting of the crops. The homestead consists of eighty acres in Redwood 
township, a half mile from Guerneville, improved with the necessary buildings 
and fences. A portion of the estate is in meadow and pasture, but he keeps 
only such stock as the needs of the farm demand, his specialty being horticul- 
ture. Seventeen acres of the farm are in a vineyard of choice grapes, large 
crops of which are annually marketed at fair prices. It is his experience that 
grape-culture is more profitable than general farming, and for this soil and 
climate he considers horticulture both a pleasant and remunerative occupation. 
Vine Hill Farm, as the place is known, is also one of the popular summer resorts 
of this section, a hotel having been erected which will accommodate sixty peo- 
ple, also a pavilion, while tent accommodation is available for about thirty 
families. 



JAMES H. RAMBO. 
In retrospect Mr. Rambo compares the present thriving city of Santa Rosa 
with the small village that greeted his coming to the vicinity forty years ago, 
when it boasted but one store and one hotel. He has watched its growth with 
the keenest interest, and the part that he has played in its advancement has not 
been inconsiderable. 



882 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

The Rambo family is of Scotch origin and the father of James Rambo 
was born in the Land of the Thistle. The greater part of his life, however, 
was passed in this country, whither he came in young manhood. At the time 
of the birth of James H. Rambo his parents were living in Indiana, his birth 
occurring in Elkhart county July 4, 1836. When he was a child of six years 
the family removed to Iowa, and eleven years later they came to the Pacific 
coast, going to Oregon and settling in Corvallis. Three years later found them 
removing south into California, coming to Sonoma county and settling in Peta- 
luma. Ambitious to explore the country further, Mr. Rambo went to Napa 
City eight years later, and from there, one year later, continued north by way 
of Idaho into the Frasier river country ; returning, he went to Yolo county, 
and finally came back to Sonoma county, satisfied that there was no more desir- 
able place to locate among all the localities that he had visited in his travels. 
Here he has a ranch of ten acres, not large in extent, but very productive and 
in every way a desirable piece of property. Fruits of various kinds are here 
grown and corn is also raised, both producing abundant crops and yielding the 
owner a good yearly income. 

In i860 Mr. Rambo married Miss Sarah Denison, a native of Illinois, 
and of the seven children born of this marriage two are deceased. The wife 
and mother passed away in 1876, and subsequently, in 1885, Mr. Rambo mar- 
ried his present wife, formerly Miss Katie Kidd. She was born in Sonoma 
county in 1870, the daughter of Luke and Abigail Kidd, natives respectively of 
Massac county, 111., and Missouri, and of Irish and Scotch' descent respectively. 
Seven children were born of Mr. Rambo' second marriage also, and of these, 
four are living. Nettie is the wife of Wayne Richards, and they are living 
near Dry Creek. Hattie E., who was born in 1892, is now employed in a print- 
ing office in Sonoma. Milton, born in 1894, is employed in Monterey county. 
The youngest child, Leroy, born in 1899, is at home with his parents. Polit- 
ically Mr. Rambo is a Republican. It has never been his desire or ambition 
to hold public office of any kind, but at one time he filled the office of deputy 
postmaster in Dry Creek. 



JACQUES FEHR. 
To a noteworthy degree success has rewarded the efforts of Mr. Fehr in 
the new world and has left him no reason to regret the decision that brought him, 
a friendless emigrant with scant means, to the country that has since become his 
by adoption. Born in Eglisau, Canton Zurich, Switzerland, in 1857, he descended 
from a long line of Swiss forefathers who were experts in the making of 
watches. In the days when a watch was the product of one pair of hands and the 
visible expression of but one man's unerring judgment, his father and grand- 
father earned their livelihoods by following the trade and in their canton, where 
watch-making was the principal occupation of the people, they stood high as 
skilled workmen. An unerring accuracy governed every detail connected with 
the construction of a watch and thus Jacques had the inestimable advantage of 
careful training in a trade whose successful prosecution necessitates exactness 
and precision. Work filled his vacations during boyhood and in the winter 
months he was a student in local schools, remaining at home until he had com- 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 883 

pleted the high school studies and then completed his trade at La Chaux-de- 
Fonds, Canton Neufchatel. 

When nineteen years of age Mr. Fehr came to the United States. The ship 
on which he sailed across the ocean landed him at Galveston, Tex., and employ- 
ment was secured at once in that city. There he followed his trade for four 
years. Next he came to California and settled in San Francisco, where imme- 
diately he found work as a watch-maker. For a long period he resided in that 
city and there, in September of 1894. he married Miss Mathilda Benson, who was 
born in Sweden and came to the United States about 1888. In his choice of a 
helpmate Mr. Fehr was singularly fortunate. Supplementing his integrity, per- 
severance and industry, her thrift as a housewife, kindly traits as a neighbor 
and devotion as a wife have aided him in securing a high standing among the 
people of Occidental, where they have resided since 1895. At first he limited 
his attention to the making and repairing of watches, but about 1900 he added 
jewelry to the other business and since then he has carried in stock a large and 
select assortment of articles to be found in all high-grade establishments of the 
kind. The latest newspapers and periodicals also are kept in the store and in 
addition he acts as collector for the National Casualty Company. 

The fact that Mr. Fehr has gained a commendable degree of success speaks 
volumes for his energy. Coming to this country poor, without friends or in- 
fluence, he had nothing to aid him except a rugged constitution, a thorough know- 
ledge of his trade and an industrious disposition. With these as his capital he 
has risen slowly but steadily to a position of prominence among the business men 
of his town and county. Evidence of faith in the growing prosperity of the lo- 
cality appears in his investment in real estate, which causes him to be ranked 
among the responsible men and leading tax-payers of the village. His parents 
and likewise the parents of his wife have passed from earth and they have no 
children to gladden life's afternoon, but they possess a host of warm personal 
friends and well-wishers and loneliness has never entered into their busy, cheer- 
ful lives. Charitable projects receive their generous assistance and all movements 
for the permanent welfare of their locality have in them intelligent advocates. 



JAMES FURLONG. 

In the life of Mr. Furlong is exemplified the fact that perseverance and in- 
dustry have their own reward, as surely as cause and effect are inseparable. 
When he came to these shores a stranger in a strange land over forty years ago 
he was empty-handed and without friends, while today he is a large land-holder 
and retired from active labor, surrounded by many friends who have watched 
his progress with a keen interest and have rejoiced in his prosperity. Besides 
his home property of six acres in Bodega, he owns Willow Creek ranch, a place 
of thirteen hundred and sixty-three acres on the Russian river, in Bodega town- 
ship, which he now leases to a tenant, finding all the activity that he needs in 
caring for the home place in Bodega. 

A native of Ireland, James Furlong was born in County Wexford April 6, 
1842, the son of Patrick and Margaret (Carroll) Furlong, the father being a 



884 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

blacksmith by trade, who died when his son was fourteen years of age. Mr. 
Furlong remained in his native land until he was twenty-five years of age, and 
then, in 1867, he set sail for the new world. The vessel landed him in Boston, 
Mass., and from there he went to New York, where he re-embarked on a vessel 
bound for Nicaragua. His experiences in crossing this narrow neck of land 
from the Atlantic to the Pacific side were unique, including considerable walk- 
ing, a short ride by rail and a part of the distance was covered on the backs of 
mules. San Francisco was finally reached, and from there he came direct to 
Sonoma county, coming by boat to Petaluma and from there to Bodega, where 
he has made his home ever since. His life and surroundings in the old country 
had made him familiar with farming, and it was work of this character that he 
first sought upon coming to Sonoma county. After working on ranches for about 
three years he turned his attention to dairying, first in the employ of others and 
later on his own account, and after following this business for many years he 
sold out the business and has since lived retired. Since disposing of his dairy 
interests in 1890 he has leased his ranch and is now located on a tract of six 
acres finely improved in Bodega, where with his wife he is now enjoying the rest 
and ease which her co-operation and sympathetic help have made possible. 

Tn 1872 Mr. Furlong made a trip back to the Emerald Isle to claim his 
bride in Miss Ann O'Brien, their wedding journey consisting of a trip to the 
United States, and the home which Mrs. Furlong then entered as a bride has been 
her home ever since. The home was brightened by the birth of one son, Patrick, 
but his death while he was still an infant left a void which has never been filled. 
Mr. Furlong's mother came to the United States many years ago and made her 
home in Marin county until her death, her remains being interred in Sonoma 
county. Mrs. Furlong was born in Ireland in 1842, her parents also being natives 
of that country, and there too they passed from the scenes of earth. Politically 
Mr. Furlong is a Democrat, but aside from doing his duty at the polls he takes 
no active part in politics, and has never held any public office. 



HERMAN GISEL. 

Switzerland is not without her representatives in the citizenship of Califor- 
nia, and here, as to whatever country they go, they have brought those qualities 
of thrift and industry that make for an ideal citizenship. This truism has been 
borne out in the career of Herman Gisel, a rancher near Guerneville, and a citi- 
zen of worth in the community in which he has lived and labored for a number 
of years. 

For generations members of the Gisel family had been born and lived their 
life's span in the little republic of Switzerland, and there it was that Jacob Gisei 
was born in 1834. Growing to manhood years in his native land, he there mar- 
ried Miss Catherine Kubler, also a native of that country, and seven children, 
three sons and four daughters, were born to them, as follows : Emil, Herman, 
George, Eliza, Hannah L., Mary and Frieda. Emil was married in 1896 to Miss 
Alice Croak, and he and his wife make their home in Sacramento. Eliza, who 
became the wife of Carl Birkhoff, is the mother of seven children, Fred, Charles, 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 885 

Emit, Oscar, Herman, Mary and Flora. Hannah L. became the wife of John 
Lemon, and their children are Frank, Charles, Arthur, Amelia and Freda. 

The second child in the parental family is Herman Gisel, who was born in 
Canton Schaffhausen, Switzerland, on the Rhine, April 20, 1875, and has been 
a resident of California since 1884. It was in 1905 that he removed to the ranch 
which he now owns near Guerneville, comprising sixty acres, of which ten acres 
are in vineyard, besides which he has an orchard. Live-stock and hogs are also 
raised to some extent, although the cultivation of the vineyard and orchard ab- 
sorbs the greater part of Mr. Gisel's attention, and as opportunity permits he 
intends to enlarge his orchard and make this his chief source of income. 

The marriage of Herman Gisel occurred in 1900 and united him with Miss 
Stella Beebe, who was born in Mendocino county. Three children were born of 
their marriage, George, Daisy and Emil Herman. Politically Mr. Gisel is an 
advocate of Socialistic principles and in his religious belief is a Presbyterian, 
as was also his wife, who passed away May 1, 191 1. 



L. D. GALE. 

The history of the Gale family in this country goes back to Revolutionary 
days, and makes note of the fact that Richard Gale, Sr., was a valiant soldier 
in that conflict and that he was also an intrepid Indian fighter. He was born in 
New York state, as was also his son, Richard Gale, Jr., the latter making his 
home in that state until attaining young manhood, when he removed to Ohio and 
made that state his home until 1836. That year witnessed his removal to Scot- 
land county, Mo., where he took up government land from which he cleared a 
farm, and there he continued to till the soil until his death, when he was seventy 
years of age. Courageous and determined, he met with a fair degree of success 
in his undertakings and at his death left his family in good circumstances. His 
marriage united him with Miss Mary Linxweiler, who was born in Pennsylvania 
the daughter of German parents. She survived her husband a number of years, 
passing away on the Missouri homestead at the age of seventy-eight years. 

Among the children born of the marriage of Richard and Mary (Linx- 
weiler) Gale was L. D. Gale, who was born April 26, 1828, while the family home 
was in Franklin county, Ohio. He remained an inmate of the parental home 
until he was twenty years of age, leaving it at this time to establish a home of 
his own, which he did on property belonging to his father. It was about five 
years after his marriage, in 1853, that he crossed the plains with his wife and 
three children, four months of steady travel being passed before they reached 
the borders of California. Before deciding upon a place of location Mr. Gale 
worked as a day laborer for about a year in Napa, but in the fall of the year 
1854 he decided to come to Sonoma count}-, and upon a claim upon which he lo- 
cated five miles from Petaluma he made his home for three years. He then went 
to Marin county and made purchase of a claim, but being unable to secure a title 
to the land after remaining there for three years, he returned to Sonoma county 
and made his home here until his death. One mile below Bodega bay, on the 
Pacific ocean, he bought five hundred and fifty acres of land where he carried on 



886 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

general farming and dairying until 1875. Leasing the ranch in that year, he 
then bought one hundred and sixty acres of land between Petaluma and Santa 
Rosa and after tilling the soil of this ranch for live years, sold the land and re- 
moved to Petaluma, which was his home until 1907. By indefatigable labor and 
the careful handling of his means Mr. Gale accumulated a fortune that made 
active labor unnecessary in his last years, and indeed he had lived practically re- 
tired ever since taking up his residence in Petaluma. Though in his seventy- 
ninth year at the time of his death he was still active physically and mentally. 
As has been stated, Mr. Gale assumed domestic responsibilities before at- 
taining his majority, his marriage on February 10, 1848, uniting him with Miss 
Eliza A. Wifley. She was born in Quincy, III, July 7, 1830, a daughter of 
Samuel and Nancy (Ellis) Wifley, the former of whom was born in Pennsyl- 
vania in 1806 or 1807, of German ancestry. From Pennsylvania he removed to 
Scotland county, Mo., making his home there until coming to California with 
his family in 1853. He passed away in Healdsburg at the age of eighty years. 
His wife did not long survive the journey to the west, her death occurring in 
Marvsville, Cal., just after reaching the state, when she was forty-seven years 
of age. Eight children were born of this marriage, as follows : Otis S., of Pet- 
aluma ; Cordelia Ann, the wife of James Brown, of Petaluma ; Sarah Jane, the 
wife of Abraham Robinson, of Healdsburg; Emily, the wife of Ensley Fine, of 
Santa Rosa ; Lucretia S., the wife of John Ayers, proprietor of the Washington 
hotel, at Petaluma; Mary Ellen, who was a school teacher before her marriage 
to Andrew McPhail, of Petaluma; Alice, the wife of Robert Woods, a retired 
citizen of Petaluma, of whom a sketch will be found elsewhere in this volume ; 
and John W., who passed away in infancy. Politically Mr. Gale was independ- 
ent, always voting for the best man for the office regardless of party, and with 
his wife he was a member of the Christian Church, he also being a member of 
the board of trustees of the church. He died July 18, 1907, while on a visit to 
his daughter in Healdsburg. 



LIEUALLEN JONES HALL. 

It is interesting to chronicle the history of the pioneer who has passed 
through the struggle of the development of a new country until it has become 
a veritable garden spot. Among such men we find L. J. Hall, who came to 
Sonoma county in pioneer days and has been a continuous resident upon his 
ranch in Russian River township since the year 1854. Many are the changes 
that have taken place in the years that have intervened, waste fields and forests 
giving place to cultivated ranches of luscious fruits, tended by happy and pros- 
perous owners who have come hither from all parts of the country. Mr. Hall 
is a native of Missouri, his birth occurring in Lafayette county October 30, 1825. 
As a youth of fifteen years he started out in the world by working as a farm 
hand in the neighborhood of his home, and by saving his wages he was enabled 
to come to California in the year 1854. 

In the meantime, however, Mr. Hall had assumed other responsibilities by 
his marriage, December 19, 1847, with Miss Elizabeth McCool, she too being a 
native of Missouri. After crossing the plains with his family he at once located 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 887 

on his present ranch in Sonoma county, where he has since engaged in raising 
grain, hops and stock. From the first his undertaking proved successful, and he 
soon needed more land upon which to carry out his plans. As a consequence more 
land was added to the original purchase from time to time, until at one time his 
holding's amounted to sixty-five hundred acres. For many years Mr. Hall had the 
help and co-operation of his son Clarence, the two working together with mutual 
interest in the maintenance of one of the finest ranches in Sonoma county, but 
owing to Mr. Hall's advancing years it became necessary for him to withdraw 
from active participation in affairs to a large extent. Consequently he has dis- 
posed of considerable of his land, and in 1908 his son purchased six hundred and 
fifty-six acres upon which he has since carried on ranching independently. 

Six children were born of the marriage of L. J. and Elizabeth (McCool) 
Hall, four of whom are deceased, two dying in infancy. Those living are Clar- 
ence C, of whom a sketch will be found elsewhere in this volume, and Rosella. 
The wife and mother died April 29, 1903. Throughout his life Mr. Hall has 
been a stanch advocate of Democratic principles, but has never cared for office- 
holdmg, finding his time fully occupied in caring for his ranch and in partici- 
pation in such social and other obligations as one of his broad, humanitarian views 
would find necessary to his well-being. Now in his eighty-fifth year, Mr. Hall 
can look back upon a life well spent, content in the knowledge that he has in- 
tentionally wronged no man, and that he has the highest respect of those who 
have been intimately associated with him for the past fifty-six years. 



FRED W. HESSE. 

In the United States it is a matter of pride that a large proportion of the 
best and most prominent citizens in the different walks of life have risen to dis- 
tinction solely through their own efforts, unaided by wealth, influential family 
or circumstances over which they have no control. A notable instance of the ster- 
ling worth which overcomes obstacles and creates its own opportunities is pre- 
sented in the career of Fred W. Hesse, a well-known resident of Santa Rosa, 
where he conducts a lock and gunsmith shop, in addition to which he handles 
bicycles and repairs bicycles and automobiles. 

In Hanover, Germany, the birth of Fred W. Hesse occurred in 1846, the 
son of parents who were also natives of the Fatherland. In keeping with the 
custom which prevails in the Fatherland Mr. Hesse attended school during the 
prescribed period, and later learned a trade, this also being a part of the training 
of the German youth. Not until he had served the required four years in the 
army of his native country could he hope to be free to follow his own inclina- 
tions. However, the breaking out of the Franco-Prussian war made demands 
upon his services, and for seven months he put to practice on the field of battle 
his four years' training in the army. After his release from obligations in his 
native land he determined to come to the United States, and the year 1872 wit- 
nessed his arrival in New York. He remained in that metropolis for about one 
year, having found employment at his trade of tool-maker, and later went to 
New Haven, Conn., where he continued work at his trade with a surgical instru- 



888 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

ment company. Altogether he remained in the east about two years, then com- 
ing to the far west and locating at San Francisco. His residence in Santa Rosa 
dates from March 16, 1877. Here his knowledge of the tool-maker's trade stood 
him in good stead, and the small locksmith shop which he then opened formed 
the nucleus of the large and varied business of which he is the proprietor today. 
In addition to his enlarged gun and locksmith business he added dealing in bi- 
cycles and bicycle repairing when that vehicle came into common use, and more 
recently, in order to keep up with the march of progress, he has added the re- 
pairing of automobiles to his other accomplishments. His natural mechanical 
ability makes him a genius in his line, and when a job is'placed in his hands his 
patron is assured of the best service possible to obtain. While the greater part 
of Mr. Hesse's time is given to his business in town, he still carries on a ranch 
enterprise that any one less ambitious than he might think was a sufficient busi- 
ness in itself. Two and a-half miles from Santa Rosa he owns a ranch of 
eighteen acres that he purchased soon after coming to the west, and which has 
been his home ever since. Two acres of the land is in prunes, and the remain- 
der is used as pasture for his cattle and poultry, the raising of cattle and chick- 
ens being carried on on a modest but remunerative scale. 

While in the east, in 1873, Mr. Hesse was united in marriage with Minnie 
Schlueter, who, like himself, was a native of the Fatherland, as were her parents 
also. Ten children were born of this marriage, evenly divided as to sons and 
daughters, but the two eldest sons are now deceased. All of the remaining sons are 
still single, while three of the daughters are married and located in homes of 
their own. Walter E. is associated with his father in the lock-smith and repair- 
ing business in Santa Rosa ; one daughter, Sophie, is a resident of Berkeley, 
Cal. ; and Rachel is at home, a pupil in the public school at Santa Rosa. All of 
the children are native sons and daughters of California. In his political belief 
Mr. Hesse is a Socialist. Through a membership extending over many years 
he is well known in the Odd Fellows order, belonging to Lodge No. 53, and also 
to Camp No. 53, and for the past twenty years he has served efficiently as sec- 
retary of his lodge. By adding the name of Mr. Hesse to its citizenship more 
than thirty years ago, Santa Rosa was to profit by the efforts of a man thoroughly 
in sympathy with its progress, and one who was in a position to grasp its most 
desirable opportunities. 



EARL DAVID HIGBY. 
Sonoma county has the double advantage of offering the agriculturist both 
an unequalled field for stock-raising and a rich soil which is productive of a fine 
quality of fruit, vegetables and other farm products ; thus it is that it is no un- 
common sight to see an orchard and a stock and chicken-raising industry con- 
ducted on the same piece of land, both flourishing. Among the ranchers in the 
vicinity of Windsor, few have more comfortable homes or better-cared-for ranches 
than the subject of this sketch. Earl D. Higby is a native of the west, his birth 
having occurred in Nevada in the year 1871. He is a son of Lyman L. and 
Bianza (Barrett) Higby, the former a native of New York state, born in 1832, 
and the latter a native of Ohio, born in 1843. Earl was the eldest of the three 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 889 

children, two sons and one daughter, born of this marriage, the others being- 
Fred and Birdie. The younger son, Fred, chose as his wife Miss Arietta 
Walker, and they make their home in Nevada. 

Until he was eleven years old Earl Higby continued to make his home in 
the locality of his birth, in Diamond, near Eureka, Nev. It was then, in 1882, 
that the family removed to the far west, locating that year in Sonoma county. 
Cal. Here the son completed the education which had been begun in his native 
state, and when he had reached years of maturity and was ready to take up the 
responsibility of his own maintenance he took up farming, not only because it 
was the labor nearest at hand, but because the work was congenial to his taste 
and was the work to which he felt instinctively Nature had called him. He 
assisted his father for a while on the home ranch, also conducted farming in 
this vicinity until his father's death in 1902, when he took charge of the ranch 
for his mother. The results of his efforts along this line have proven beyond 
question that his decision in the matter of a life occupation was correct, and he 
takes commendable pride in the fact that this ranch is one of the most productive 
in this section of Sonoma county. The property belongs to his mother, but the 
son takes as much pains with the management of it as though it were his own. 
Altogether they own sixty acres of land which is well located near Windsor 
and about eight miles from Santa Rosa. Twenty acres of the land is in orch- 
ard, thirty-five acres in vineyard and the balance is used for the purpose of 
raising hay. The foregoing is but a partial list of Mr. Higby 's interests, for he 
has, in addition, a large and successful hennery on the place, consisting of three 
hundred laying hens and three hundred and fifty pullets. Taken altogether Mr. 
Higby has one of the most thrifty and productive ranches in this section of the 
country, and as he is a young, enterprising man, his future is correspondingly 
bright. Politically he is a Republican. He is keenly alive to the best interests 
of his community, and no one may be counted upon to further these interests 
more heartily than does Mr. Higby. 



JOSEPH KNITTEL. 
The ancestral history of the Knittel family, identified with the kingdom 
of Wurtemberg, Germany, as far back as the records can be traced, began to 
be identified with the new world during the year 1826, when Frank Knittel, 
a stalwart young representative of the Teutonic race, immigrated to the United 
States and secured employment in Wisconsin. For a time he had his head- 
quarters in Milwaukee, but later he became a resident of Madison, the same 
state, where he and his wife, Lizzie (Suiter) Knittel, reared their children to 
industry and usefulness and labored unweariedly to provide them with the 
necessities of existence. In the family were Joseph, Anton, Jacob, Celia, Alice 
and Sarah. Anton, who is now sixty-three years of age, married Lida Sidel 
and lives in North Dakota. Joseph, who was born at Madison, Wis., July 6, 
1850, is now sixty years of age. Jacob married Mary Hassinger and has two 
children, John and Sarah. Among the sisters in the family Sarah married John 
Ortley and has two children, Alice and Margaret. The other sisters, Celia 
and Alice, are in Minneapolis and St. Paul respectively. 



8 9 o HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

After having completed a common-school education Joseph Knittel re- 
mained in his native Wisconsin, for a considerable period, earning a livelihood, 
but saving little or nothing from his meager income. Hoping to do better 
elsewhere he removed to North Dakota in 1884 and settled in Burleigh county, 
where he took up a tract of raw land and also became identified with other 
activities than those of agriculture. For two years he held the office of county 
clerk and in other ways he wielded large influence, both as a Republican and 
as a private citizen. After twelve years in North Dakota he came to California 
and two years later removed to Alaska, being led thither by the excitement 
caused by the discovery of gold. For eleven years he endured the hardships 
of that northern country, returning to California in 1909 and settling in Sonoma 
county, where he invested his savings in a farm of one hundred and sixty acres 
near Windsor. 

In his removal to California during 1896 Mr. Knittel joined his wife, who 
had preceded him two years. She was formerly Otillia La Valley.. They have 
one child. Lorene, a bright, attractive girl of eighteen years. The family have 
established a comfortable home on the farm and devote their attention to the 
care of the fruit and the poultry. Fifty-two acres are planted to a vineyard and 
each season sees a large harvesting of choice grapes, which bring excellent 
prices in the markets. The apple orchard comprises two and one-half acres and 
in addition there are eight acres of prunes of the choicest varieties and two 
acres of peaches. The sale of the fruit nets the family a gratifying income in 
return for their care and cultivation. A specialty is also made of the poultry 
business, which is proving remunerative. While the care of the property de- 
mands scrupulous attention and unwearying industry, the returns are suf- 
ficiently large to encourage a continuance of the labor and a possible enlarge- 
ment of horticultural activities. In the attainment of his modest degree of 
success Mr. Knittel has had the practical assistance of his capable wife, who 
possesses a common-school education and a fund of common-sense and wise 
judgment of the greatest aid to their interests. A native of Iowa, Mrs. Knittel 
is a daughter of William Murty and a sister of James, Elizabeth, Eliza, Rebecca, 
Josephine, Margaret, Henrietta and Sarah Murty. All of the family are de- 
ceased with the exception of herself and three sisters, Sarah, Eliza and Henri- 
etta. 



A. H. LATON. 

Numbered among the prominent and substantial men of Sebastopol is A. 
H. Laton, whose residence here antedates its incorporation as a town, and as 
one of its incorporators and most indefatigable upbuilders a large share of the 
credit for its present high standing among the thriving towns of the common- 
wealth is due to him. 

A native son of California, Mr. Laton was born in Analy township, Sonoma 
county, October 30, i860, the son of M.F. and Elizabeth (Brians) Laton, pio- 
neer settlers in California who made their way across the plains with ox-teams 
in the year 1852. The long and trying journey came to an end and found them 
in Sonoma county, where, at Bodega, the father purchased a ranch upon which 
he lived a short time, when he sold out and later made his home with his son. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 891 

As one of the early settlers his death, July 1, 1908, was mourned deeply, for 
during his long residence here he had endeared himself to all classes of citizens, 
both old and young. His widow is still living at a good old age, making her 
home in Petaluma. 

With the exception of a short period when his father was interested in a 
hotel in Winters, Yolo county, known as the Parker house, and the year which 
he spent in Alaska, the entire life of A. H. Laton has been passed within the 
limits of his native county. Here, too, he has been interested almost continu- 
ously in the lumber business, which has grown to large proportions, his being 
the only lumber yard in this section, and one of the largest in Sonoma county. 
In 1895 he came to Sebastopol and established the nucleus of the business which 
is his today, opening a small yard, which he has been obliged to enlarge from 
time to time to meet his growing needs. With the exception of one year which 
he spent in Alaska during the memorable gold excitement at Nome, his lumber 
business has received his personal attention since the day of its founding. His 
efforts have extended beyond the interests just mentioned, resulting in 1906 in 
the incorporation of the Laton Lumber and Investment Company, of which he 
himself is president and manager. This is one of the largest and most prom- 
ising enterprises undertaken in the town in recent years, and has every promise 
of a successful future. Among their holdings is a tract of eight hundred acres 
of timber land in the Russian river. 

In his marriage in 1893 Mr. Laton was united with a native daughter of 
the state in Minerva M. Joy. Three children have been born to them, Anita D., 
Alfred J. and Burle C. Mr. Laton is a well-known figure in Masonic circles, 
being identified with the order in all of its various branches, and he also belongs 
to Santa Rosa Lodge No. 646, B. P. O. E. Probably none of the citizens of 
Sebastopol has watched the growth of the town with greater interest than has 
Mr. Laton. When he located here it was little more than a small village, which 
he assisted in developing by establishing the lumber yard of which he is now 
the proprietor, and upon the incorporation of the town he was elected one of the 
town trustees, by re-election serving altogether six years, and a part of this time 
was president of the board. In February, 191 1, he organized the Sebastopol 
Times Company, which print a newspaper here, and is serving as president of 
the company. 



JOHN McCANDLESS. 
The spot familiar to the childhood memories of Mr. McCandless is the 
north of Ireland, whose shores are washed by the storm-tossed waves of the 
ocean and whose people have had an adventurous history since their ancestors 
fled thither to escape the religious persecutions in Scotland. County Donegal 
is his native place, and May 8, 1863, the date of his birth. The family of which 
he is a member lived and labored in Ireland for many generations, and his 
father, John, Sr., remained in his native land throughout the entire period of 
his industrious existence. The mother likewise remained in the old country 
until death. Primarily educated in the national schools, John, Jr., owes his 
education more to observation and self-culture than to the study of text-books. 



892 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Upon leaving school he served an apprenticeship to the trade of a carpenter, 
and thus gained a thorough knowledge of the occupation which he now follows. 

A period of service as a member of the police force of Ireland gave Mr. 
McCandless a direct personal knowledge of the brutal oppression of the poor. 
His sympathies were aroused in behalf of the struggling and poverty-stricken 
tenants who were made the helpless victims of the greed of the rich. Unable 
to endure a condition which he was powerless to change he determined to seek 
a home elsewhere. At the age of twenty-six years he crossed the ocean to New 
York City, and thus began his association with the country of which he is now 
a patriotic citizen. For three years he worked at the carpenter's trade in Pater- 
son, N. J., and from there went back to New York City, where he enlisted in 
the Fifth Artillery for a period of five years. The course of his service brought 
him to California, and at Sacramento he aided in quelling the great railroad 
strike of 1894, during which four of his comrades were killed. 

The marriage of Mr. McCandless was solemnized in California in 1895, 
and united him with Miss Mary McCandless, who was born in Ireland and 
came to this country with her parents. The family settled in California, where 
the mother has continued to reside since the death of her husband. John Mc- 
Candless and wife have two children, namely : John Thomas, born in San Fran- 
cisco in 1896 and now a student in the Occidental schools; and Annie Maria, 
born in San Francisco in 1897 and now a pupil in the schools of the home town. 
During the year 1898 Mr. McCandless enlisted in the service of the govern- 
ment as a soldier of the Spanish-American war. Ordered to the Philippines, 
he remained in active service for three years and six months and returned to 
the United States under the command of General Taft. On his return in 1901 
he was honorably discharged from the army and immediately afterward re- 
moved with his family to Occidental, where ever since he has made his home, 
being employed during all of this time as a bridge carpenter on the railroad. 
Notwithstanding his long service in the army he was fortunate in escaping un- 
scathed, his only serious injury occurring when he was stationed in the Philip-' 
pines and resulting from the breaking of a leg which prevented him from taking 
part in the activities of the troops for some time. Ever since becoming a citizen 
of the United States he has been stanch in his allegiance to the Republican 
party, and has voted the ticket in local and general elections. In his home vil- 
lage he is well known and highly respected as a man of honor, a capable work- 
man and a loyal citizen to his adopted country. 



ARTHUR A. McCUTCHEON. 
It would scarcely be possible to find in the United States greater extremes 
of climate than would be experienced in traveling from her most north-easterly 
state in mid-winter to Southern California. No one realizes this disparity 
more clearly than does Mr. McCutcheon, who passed the early part of his life 
on the rock-bound coast of Maine. His birth occurred in the city of Bath, that 
state, December 7, 1837, and such educational advantages as his parents were 
able to give him were received in the schools of that city. From his earliest 
recollection he was made familiar with shipping and its allied interests, as this 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 893 

was one of the chief industries of his home town, and it was quite natural that 
it would have attractions for a youth of his make-up. Having learned the ship- 
wright's trade he followed it in the shipyards of his native state for a number 
of years, or until 1863, when he went to Vermont and remained there for the 
following ten years, being employed at various things in the ship-building line. 

Mr. McCutcheon's identification with California dates from the year 1873. 
coming overland to San Francisco. The recommendations of his long and faith- 
ful service in shipyards in the east proved of great advantage to him when he 
came a stranger to this metropolis, and it was not long before he was filling a 
position at his old employment, a position which was both congenial and re- 
munerative. Both in San Francisco and Benicia, as well as in other shipbuilding 
cities along the coast, he worked at his trade altogether for about twenty years, 
when he gave it up and turned his attention to ranching. Since the year 1893 
he has resided on the property which he then purchased, comprising forty acres 
of choice land near Santa Rosa, on Rural Route No. 2. All of the land is under 
cultivation to grapes and fruit, and in all the country round about it would be 
difficult to find a ranch property more orderly and neat in appearance or an 
owner more contented and happy with his lot than is Mr. McCutcheon. 

In Maine, in 1857, Mr. McCutcheon was married to Miss Elenora West, 
a native of Nova Scotia, and the only child born of this marriage was a son, 
Charles, who with his family resides in Kennett, Shasta county, Cal. Mr. Mc- 
Cutcheon's first wife survived her marriage ten years, after which, in 1880, 
he married his present wife, formerly Mrs. Elizabeth Sallon, a widow with one 
son. In his political sympathies Mr. McCutcheon is a Democrat, and fraternally 
he is identified with the United Workmen of America. His interest in local 
affairs has led to his appointment as school trustee and also as road master, in 
both of which positions he has rendered good, faithful service, which is char- 
acteristic of the man and exhibited in whatever he undertakes. 



SARTORI BROTHERS. 

The identification of the Sartori family with the agricultural development 
of the United States began in the year 1870, when a sailing vessel brought to 
the shores of the new world an energetic young immigrant, Peter Sartori, who 
was born in Switzerland in 1839. Although born in Switzerland, much of the 
formative period of his life was passed in Australia, whither he emigrated at the 
age of fifteen years, and for seventeen years thereafter he delved in the gold fields 
of that rich store-house of wealth. It was following this experience that he 
again embarked on an ocean-going vessel, this time with the United States as 
his destination, and after a safe voyage he finally touched foot on the soil of his 
newly adopted home. From the point of landing he came direct to California 
and for a period was a resident of Duncans Mill, Sonoma county. During that 
time he followed the business for which his kinsmen are noted the world over, 
and in which he was as equally competent. Reference is made to the dairy busi- 
ness. Following his experience in Duncans Mill he continued the same business 
in Marin county for a number of years, later, in 1880, returning to Sonoma 



8 9 4 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

county, and from that time until his death he was recognized as the most com- 
petent and best-informed dairyman in the Two Rock valley. He reached the 
age of seventy-one years, while his wife, before her marriage Addolodara Sartori, 
and born in Switzerland in 1847, died at the age of sixty-two years. Five chil- 
dren, two sons and three daughters, were born of the marriage of this worthy 
couple, as follows : Charles, Leo, Mary, Elvira and Elizabeth. 

All of the children were born and reared in California, and all are still 
residents of the immediate vicinity of the parental homestead in Sonoma county. 
Elvira is the wife of Paul Spelatta, a rancher near Petaluma, and they have one 
son, Henry. In all of the work connected with the maintenance of the home 
ranch in Sonoma county the father had the co-operation and practical assistance 
of his two sons as soon as they were old enough. It was this training under their 
father that made it possible for the sons to continue the work which the elder 
man laid down at his death, and today they are recognized as expert ranchers, 
men who are doing a noble part in maintaining the high supremacy which So- 
noma county has attained as an agricultural center. In the vicinity of Petaluma 
may be seen the fine ranch property of whi'ch they are the proprietors, com- 
prising five hundred acres, which is utilized almost entirely as grazing and hay 
land. Here sixty cows of excellent breed find pasturage, as well as five horses 
and twenty hogs. The raising of chickens is also an important feature of the 
ranch enterprise, and this as well as the dairy enterprise is being enlarged as 
rapidly as is consistent with circumstances. At the present time five hundred 
Leghorn chickens constitute their flock. The brothers work harmoniously to- 
gether, and with what they have already accomplished as a basis it is safe to pre- 
dict a doubling of their present fortune in a remarkably short time. The brothers 
are believers in the principles of the Republican party, and they find their church 
home in the Catholic Church of Petaluma, a faith in which they and their fathers 
before them for many generations were reared. 



JAMES R. NESBITT. 
In so far as Petaluma's reputation as a well-built and substantial city has 
to do with the cement and concrete work which forms so large an element of 
her material foundation, much credit is due to James R. Nesbitt, a leading 
cement and concrete contractor and road builder of this city. He was born 
in the north of Ireland in 1857, and at tne a & e oi fifteen y ears came to make 
his home on this side of the Atlantic. The vessel on which he made the voyage 
landed its burden of human freight in the harbor of New York, and the young 
Irish immigrant passed his first year on this side in the Empire state, working 
at anything honorable that came his way. From New York state he went to 
Lexington, Ky., and there as in the east he was successful in finding employ- 
ment. During the year that he remained in that southern city he had charge 
of a herd of Durham cattle, very high blooded and valuable stock which brought 
the owner enormous prices. One of the bulls which weighed twenty-eight hun- 
dred and sixty pounds was sold in England for thirty-one hundred guineas or 
$15,500. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 895 

It was in 1876, after a varied experience in the eastern and southern sec- 
tions of the Union, that Mr. Nesbitt came to California, and here he has been 
contented to remain. Not only is he satisfied with the state in general as a 
desirable place in which to live and make a living for himself and family, but 
he is especially pleased with Petaluma in these respects, and here he has made 
his home ever since coming to the state, thirty-five years ago. For the first six- 
teen years of this time he was engaged in baling hay, working up a splendid 
business in this line, but he gave it up at the end of this time to take up work 
at his trade of cement contractor. With the growth and expansion of the young 
town this business became increasingly profitable, and the demand for his serv- 
ices soon placed his business on a firm foundation. Many miles of sidewalk 
on the best streets of the town were laid under his direct supervision, besides 
numerous curbs and gutters, all of which are in good condition and are a 
credit to Mr. Nesbitt as well as to the town. He has also built many miles of 
macadam road in this county as well as in Marin county. Besides work of the 
character mentioned, he also takes contracts for foundations of buildings, not- 
able among those which he has laid being the public library, the Doyle build- 
ing on Washington street and the Hill opera house. 

In Petaluma, in 1879, Mr. Nesbitt was united in marriage with Miss Isabell 
Rice, a native of California, whither her father came in an early day, settling 
in Sonoma county. A large family of fourteen children were born of the mar- 
riage of Mr. and Mrs. Nesbitt, but of the number only nine are living, as fol- 
lows : Joseph, Hugh, Randolph, James, Isabell, John, Elizabeth, Sadie and 
Thomas. Fraternally Mr. Nesbitt is a member of the Eagles and Fraternal 
Brotherhood. He is a friend of education and advancement,, and is one of the 
most thoroughly reliable, both as to character and attainment, of any of whom 
we have knowledge in the town. 



RANSOM POWELL. 

In recording the lives of those who, having completed their allotted tasks 
in life, have gone to their reward, mention of Ransom Powell must not be 
omitted. A veteran of the Mexican war, one of the early pioneers of Califor- 
nia and for many years a prominent business man in Sonoma county, when 
death removed him from the scenes of earth on April 8, 1910, his loss was 
the cause of general mourning in the community which had known him so long, 
his residence in the vicinity of Healdsburg dating from the year 1856. A na- 
tive of Tennessee, he was born in Robertson county, January 11, 1824, the son 
of Reuben and Nancy (Ethridge) Powell, both of whom were born and reared 
in North Carolina. Subsequent years found Reuben Powell in Tennessee, 
where he owned a plantation, but in the year 1828, when his son was four 
years old, he removed to Franklin county, III, taking up land from the gov- 
ernment upon which he lived throughout the remainder of his life. He died 
in middle age, at the age of fifty-three years, while his wife was only forty 
years old at the time of her death. 

The seventh child in order of birth among the twelve born to his parents, 
Ransom Powell was four years old at the time removal was made to Illinois, 
where the father died three years later. Subsequently he lived with his step- 



896 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

mother three years, his father having been twice married. At the end of this 
time he went to Kentucky, where he began an apprenticeship of three years at 
the tailor's trade, after which he went to New Franklin, Howard county, Mo., 
opened a tailor shop of his own, and continued in the tailoring business until 
the breaking out of the Mexican war. Enlisting in Company G, Doniphan's 
Regiment of Cavalry, in 1846, he went to the scene of the disturbance that year, 
going through Santa Fe and El Paso, to Buena Vista, where Colonel Doniphan 
and his men joined General Taylor a few days after the battle at that place. 
On the way Mr. Powell and his comrades took part in a number of Indian 
skirmishes, and when about eighteen miles from Chihuahua met a force of seven 
thousand Mexicans, which the little band of one thousand, only six hundred of 
them Americans, fought and conquered. With the expiration of his term of 
service, which was also the close of the war, Mr. Powell took the company's 
band of horses back to Howard county, Mo., after which, for a short time, he 
was engaged in business at New Franklin, Mo. 

The news of the finding of gold in California was the means of bringing 
Mr. Powell across the plains in 1849, September of that year marking his ar- 
rival at Coloma. He engaged in mining on the American river until the rains 
set in and made further work impossible, after which he went to Sacramento 
and engaged in hauling freight from that city to the mines, on one load alone 
clearing $1,100. He continued in the freighting business throughout the win- 
ter, and in the following summer he returned to Howard county, Mo., where 
he had left his family, making the journey by way of the Isthmus. The year 
following his return he engaged in the dry-goods business, but in 1852 dis- 
posed of his interests in Missouri and again crossed the plains to the west. 
A'lisfortune overtook him on the way in the death of his wife. Completing the 
journey, he located on the Sacramento river, opening a wood yard in what is 
now Clarksburg, and continuing there for a number of years. Then, in 1856, 
he removed to Sonoma county, and in Healdsburg and vicinity the remainder 
of his useful life was passed. In partnership with John McManus he was for 
three years interested in an extensive mercantile business, at the end of this 
time disposing of his interest in the store. He then turned his attention to the 
real-estate business, buying and selling land throughout the county, and it is 
safe to say, that at times he had owned more land than any other one man in this 
section of the state. About three years, from 1889 until 1892, he owned and 
managed a hardware store, after selling which he purchased the ranch of fifty 
acres one mile west of Healdsburg which was his home throughout the re- 
mainder of his life, his death occurring at Rose Villa, as his place was known, 
April 8, 1910. Here as with every other industry he had been interested in 
from time to time, he put his whole thought and attention, and from a rough, 
uninteresting tract of land he evolved a garden spot that is now the home of 
his widow and one of the most productive fruit ranches in the county. Peaches, 
pears, apples, and prunes are grown, the last mentioned fruit yielding twenty 
tons from five hundred and fifty trees. 

In Howard county, Mo., Mr. Powell was first married to Elizabeth Hults, 
who died while crossing the plains in 1852, leaving one son, Lory, who is now. 
a trader at Fort Sill. In 1853 Mr. Powell married Frances Ware, who passed 
away in 1857, leaving no children. A later marriage was formed with Mary 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 897 

Capp, who died a few years later, leaving two children, John D., a dentist in 
Sacramento, and Nettie, the wife of T. S. Roscoe, a railway conductor. In the 
fall of 1872 Mr. Powell married Katie Beeson, who at her death in 1875 left 
a son, Jesse, who died in January, 1903. Subsequently, February 1, 1887, Mr. 
Powell married Louise E. Madeira who was born in San Francisco, the daughter 
of George Madeira, who was born in Galena, 111., and came to California in 
1852. He is now making his home with his daughter. 

In his political affiliation Mr. Powell was a Democrat, and was active in 
the cause of his chosen party, although never to the extent that he sought or 
desired public office, township trustee being the only office which he ever held. 
He was one of the organizers of the Farmers and Mechanics Bank, and as one 
of its directors, cared for its real-estate interests for many years. In his fra- 
ternal affiliations he was a charter member of Healdsburg Lodge No. 123, F. 
& A. M., and of Healdsburg Lodge, I. O. O. F. As one of Sonoma county's 
best beloved citizens, Mr. Powell's opinion carried great weight in his com- 
munity, where his conservative worth stood the test of years, and where his 
word was regarded as binding as would be his bond. 

Mrs. Powell takes special pride in the ranch, and also in the fact that 
under her care since the death of her husband it has been kept up to the high 
standard of excellence of which he was so proud. She is now changing the 
place into a prune ranch, having had the peaches dug out, and in their place 
has set out French and Imperial prunes. Active, intelligent and enterprising, 
Mrs. Powell has a host of warm friends and well-wishers in the community 
in which she has lived for so long a time, all of whom are interested in her wel- 
fare and count her among the substantial citizens of this part of Sonoma county. 



FRANK A. SULLIVAN. 

Among the men to be named as factors in the material growth of Santa 
Rosa is Frank A. Sullivan, who has been identified with the city's growth for 
the past seven years, having taken up his residence here in 1903. In following 
his trade of contractor and builder in the meantime his success has been little 
short of marvelous and has not been confined to this immediate locality, but 
lias taken him into all parts of northern California. 

Not only is Mr. Sullivan proud of the fact that he is a Native Son of 
California, having been born in Tuolumne county May 1, 1871, but he also takes 
justifiable pride in the fact that he is a son of one of the staters early pioneers, 
Michael Sullivan. He was married in New York City in 1848, to Miss Ellen 
Baldwin. Leaving his wife in New York, he went to Mexico for service in 
the Mexican war, after which, in 1850, with his regiment, he came to San 
Francisco, where he was discharged from service. Soon afterward he was 
joined by his wife and son, who made the voyage around the Horn on the ship 
Uncle Sam. 

Frank A. Sullivan's education was started in the schools of his birthplace, 

Jamestown, Tuolumne county, after which, when he was twelve years of age, 

the family removed to San Francisco, where he completed his education in the 

public schools and in Sacred Heart College. His first work was in a hat store 

45 



898 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

in San Francisco. He had not been in the metropolis long before he began to 
formulate plans for his future along another line of endeavor and in undertaking 
work at the carpenter's trade he inserted the entering wedge which has de- 
veloped into the large business as contractor and builder which is carried on 
under his name today. He was fortunate in having his training under the largest 
building contractors of San Francisco, Mahony Brothers, and while with this firm 
he worked at his trade in San Mateo and Palo Alto. 

Mr. Sullivan's identification with Santa Rosa dates from June 1903, and 
from the first he has met with a success that has been remarkable, but one which 
is nevertheless deserving. Over sixty buildings in Santa Rosa alone stand as 
monuments to his skill and ability, among which are included six business blocks 
on Fourth street, in the heart of the business center of the city. Among the 
residences which he has constructed may be mentioned those of county auditor 
Charles A. Poole, county assessor F. Dowd, besides the Hodson, McConnell, 
Quinn and the Shea residences. In Healdsburg he erected the Farmers and 
Mechanics Bank, the Catholic church, the Carnegie Library and the Telephone 
building; the Bank of Ukiah in the city of that name; the interior finishing in 
the Bank of Sebastopol; the residence of J. D. Ellis and store buildings for 
Judge Barham in Petaluma; residences in San Rafael and three store buildings 
in San Francisco ; residences in Tomales and in different parts of Sonoma county, 
and at the present time is erecting a $6,000 residence in Sacramento for J. T. W. 
Dejong. With what he has already accomplished as a criterion, it is safe to 
predict a brilliant future for this young and enterprising contractor and builder 
of Santa Rosa, and all who are familiar with the quality of his work wish him 
success and use their influence in his behalf. 

In his marriage, February 5, 1900, Mr. Sullivan was united with Miss Mary 
McNamara, who before her marriage was a successful school teacher in Sonoma 
county. Six children have been born to them, Clare. Leo, Harvey, Pauline, 
Edward and Stuart. Fraternally Air. Sullivan is associated with a number of 
orders, and is holding office in a number of them, being deputy grand knight of 
the Knights of Columbus, past council in the Modern Woodmen, besides which 
he is associated with the Native Sons, Foresters of America and the Royal 
Neighbors. In his political inclinations he is a stanch believer in Democratic 
principles, and at one time was the representative as delegate to the Democratic 
state convention held in Sacramento. Recently Mr. Sullivan has associated him- 
self with the celebrated artist, S. T. Daken, in the establishment of the Daken 
Art Institute of Santa Rosa, Mr. Sullivan being vice-president and general 
manager of the enterprise. 



ARTHUR GOMEZ LUMSDEN, M. D. 
One of the young physicians of promise in Petaluma is Arthur Gomez 
Lumsden, born in Penole, Contra Costa county, Cal., November 9, 1882, 
receiving his education in the public schools of his home town and later in the 
San Francisco Commercial high school, where he was graduated in 1900. After 
two years of travel he realized the ambition of his boyhood in taking up the 
study of medicine, entering the College of Physicians and Surgeons in San 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 899 

Francisco. At the end of four years, upon receiving the degree of M. D., he 
launched into active practice in Reno, Nev., where lie remained for three 
years, then wishing to get in touch with some of the more recent modes of 
procedure along certain lines he took a post-graduate course in the California 
College of Medicine, after which he settled in Petaluma, in January, 1910, and 
here he is now successfully engaged in an active practice of medicine and sur- 
gery. 

While in Reno. Nev., Dr. Lumsden was united in marriage to Miss 
Pauline Johns, born in Red Bluff, Gal., one child, Arthur, having been 
born of this union. Dr. Lumsden is proud of his native blood. His grand- 
mother, Francisca Martinez, was a cousin of General Vallejo and also of Senor 
Morrocco, of Morrocco valley. Fraternally Dr. Lumsden is connected with the 
Sonoma County Medical Society and the State Medical Association, is a mem- 
ber and medical examiner for the American Yeomen, Fraternal Aid, Moose 
I. D. E. S., U. P. E. C, Artisans, and is a member of the Woodmen of the 
World, Foresters of America and Eagles, in all of which orders his good citizen- 
ship and benevolence are manifested. He has a happy faculty for making 
friends, which together with his great ability and progressiveness in his profes- 
sion, readily stamps him as one of the leading physicians of the future. 



GEORGE RIELLY. 

Born in County Kings, Ireland, March 7, 1851, George Rielly inherits the 
characteristic energy and ability of the nation to which he belongs, having added 
to his native qualities those which accrue from an American citizenship. He 
was reared and educated in his native land and, when little more than a boy, 
when only sixteen years old, had become sufficiently accomplished as a stone- 
cutter to work as a journeyman. He had worked at his trade altogether about 
three years when, at the age of nineteen, he set sail for the United States, and 
in due time arrived at the port of New York. Finding work at his trade in 
that metropolis, he remained there until the spring of 1872, when he came as 
far west as Chicago, and there, as in the east, sought and found work at his 
trade. He continued to work at his trade in the employ of others in that city 
for about ten years, when he branched out as a contractor on his own account, 
supplying the stone for the buildings which he erected from his own stone-cut- 
ting plant. At the time his was the largest plant of the kind- in that city, and 
was equipped with every device then known to the trade. Many fine buildings 
had been erected under his immediate supervision, and a large business was 
under way when the fire of 1903 destroyed his plant and ended his career in 
that city. 

From Chicago Mr. Rielly went to Lewistown, Mont., where he continued 
work at his trade, and one of the finest specimens of his handiwork may still 
be seen in the fine bank building which he erected there of native stone quar- 
ried near the city. He has used Bedford limestone brought from Indiana in 
some of the fine buildings which he has erected in late years, finding it more 
durable and satisfactory than other grades of stone formerly used. It was with 



9 oo HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

the accumulated experience of many years in the east and middle-west that Mr. 
Rielly came to California in 1906 and settled in Santa Rosa in the spring of 
that vear, immediately following the disaster of the earthquake and fire. Much 
of the construction of the new city is the work of his hand and brain. The 
first concrete building erected after the fire he constructed for Mr. Marcille, 
and he also built the Mitchell Hall building, of re-inforced concrete, a row of 
ten stores on Third street, the foundation for the Masonic Temple on Fourth 
street, and the granite work for the new court house, including the steps and 
foundations. All of the foregoing is in Santa Rosa, while in Sebastopol he has 
erected a bank building that is said to have no superior in point of architectural 
beauty and utility combined in the state. In addition to maintaining a granite- 
cutting plant which is equipped with all the latest improvements in power 
machines, planers, etc., he also has a plant for the manufacture of sewer pipes 
and cement blocks used in erecting business structures. One of the contracts 
filled from his plant was an order for seven thousand five hundred feet of sewer 
pipe for the city. Mr. Rielly has just completed the George Prindle building, 
consisting of three stores on Fourth street, also the addition of the Elite The- 
atre in Santa Rosa, and is now erecting three stores in Sebastopol for Robinson 
Brothers. These buildings are constructed of concrete blocks manufactured 
in his own plant. 

In 1873 Mr. Rielly was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Boland, 
who. like himself, was born in Ireland. Seven children have been born to them, 
as follows : Mary, John, Elizabeth, Margaret, Catherine, Lucy and Sarah. 
Mr. Rielly is identified with only one social order, the Knights of Columbus of 
Santa Rosa. No better evidence of his satisfaction with this city as a place of 
residence could be cited than the fact that he has recently completed a fine resi- 
dence for his family at the corner of Laurel and Olive streets. This is repre- 
sentative of the best and most durable work turned out by Mr. Rielly, and in 
keeping with his policy of late years he has used Bedford stone in the construc- 
tion of the basement and granite for the steps. 



F. KORBEL & BROS., Inc. 
Instances without number might be furnished illustrating the opportunities 
offered by California to men of energy, keen foresight and sagacious judgment, 
but doubtless none would more forcibly indicate the advantages of the com- 
monwealth than a citation of the careers of the brothers whose business title 
introduces this article and whose remarkable success is a source of pride to the 
citizens of their home county. The location presented a favorable opportunity 
for the development of business interests and the men possessed the keen mental 
powers necessary to the upbuilding of an important enterprise. One-half cen- 
tury has passed since they sought the shores of the Pacific, moneyless but not 
mistrustful of the future among strangers. The era has been one of progress 
and almost uniform success, and we find them, fifty years after their arrival, in 
positions of high financial trust and assured commercial responsibility, with a 
national reputation in the industry to which they devote their large talents. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 901 

The members of the firm comprise Francis Korbel and his brother, Anton 
F., and until his death, in February, 1900, Joseph K. was also a member of the 
firm. All were natives of Bohemia, and early in boyhood each youth was ap- 
prenticed to a trade. Francis, eldest of the three, acquired a thorough knowledge 
of the manufacture of cigars and tobacco; the others served their time at the 
trade of a machinist. As boys they crossed the ocean to New York City -and 
secured work at their various occupations. From that city they came in i860 
via the Isthmus of Panama to California and settled in San Francisco, where 
they followed their trades. During 1862 the brothers formed a partnership and 
embarked in business for themselves, starting the first cigar-box factory in San 
Francisco. In the manufacture of these boxes Mexican cedar is used and this 
lumber was brought up from Mexico in sailing vessels. Very often these ships 
would bring a mixed cargo of hardwood to be sold in one lot and thus the 
brothers soon found that they had a large stock of the various kinds of hard- 
wood grown in Mexico and Central America. This prompted them to embark 
in another business and they started the first hardwood lumber yards in San 
Francisco. As the business increased they bought their own sailing vessels and 
sent them to all parts of the world with cargoes of hardwood. 

Coming to Sonoma county in 1872 the brothers purchased timber lands on 
the Russian river near what is now Korbel and here they erected two sawmills. 
For a considerable period the mills were in constant operation sawing the lum- 
ber and by the year 1883 most of the timber had been removed, leaving the 
cleared land. The cultivation of the vast tracts was a matter of importance 
One of the lifelong ambitions of the brothers had been the raising of grapes 
and the making of good wines, and so they decided to start vineyards. In a short 
time the once timbered hills and valleys had been transformed into cultivated 
vineyards. Soon it was proved that the imported vines, grown in the soil 
along the Russian river, were capable of producing wines equal to the most 
famous wine countries of Europe. During 1S86 the first wine cellar was built 
and as the vineyards increased the second cellar was added. In 1890 a branch 
house was started in Chicago and all the products of the vineyard are shipped 
east, whence they are distributed to local merchants. As early as 1894 the 
brothers began to produce California champagne by the famous French method 
"fermented in bottles." Prior to their successful attempt it had been asserted 
that champagne could not be produced in California, but the firm has proved to 
the satisfaction of all that it is possible to manufacture an article equal to, if 
not better than, many of the imported varieties whose delicacy and richness of 
flavor are the proud boast of their producers in Europe. 



THOMAS MOONEY. 
Among the citizens of Petalutna who have won themselves a place of note 
by years of honest and zealous labor, mention should be made of Thomas 
Mooney, who is now spending his last years in peaceful retirement. He was 
born in Ireland in 1830, and was brought to America when he was a child of 
eight years, so he has practically known no other home than this. After landing 
on these shores the parents settled in Rochester, N. Y.. where the son at- 
tended school, and when old enough to prepare for business life took up work 



9 02 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

at the machinist's trade. While he was fortunate to fall in the hands of a care- 
ful, painstaking master mechanic from whom he was to learn his trade, he met 
his teacher half way by bringing to his work an apt mind and a willing hand, 
to the end that he not only learned his trade acceptably, but he learned it well 
beyond that of his fellows, as was noticeable throughout his business career in 
that his services were in constant demand. 

After completing his apprenticeship Mr. Mooney went to Canada and took 
up work at his trade, but his stay there was of short duration, for the year 1850 
found him on his way to California, responding no doubt to the call of the mines, 
although the records do not so state. However that may be, he returned east 
after a stay of some months in the state, only to return west again later. On 
coming to California the second time he located in Sonoma county, and in 
Bloomfiekl opened a blacksmith and carriage shop. Hi? was the first shop of the 
kind established in the place, and as a consequence he had a monopoly of the 
business in his line throughout the town and surrounding country. His ability 
was not confined to the blacksmith's trade, for he was able to build and repair 
fine carriages, and also to repair threshing machines and other farm implements. 
In fact, there was nothing in the line of mechanics to which he could not turn his 
hand when carrying on his shop, for he was a natural mechanic and no problem 
in his line was too difficult for him to undertake and solve satisfactorily. 

From Bloomfiekl Mr. Mooney came to Petaluma in 1883, opening a black- 
smith shop the same year, and this he conducted until 1900, since which time he 
has lived retired in his pleasant residence at No. 26 Fifth street. 

In western Canada, in 1865, Mr. Mooney was united in marriage with Miss 
Nora Gleason, a native of Canada. Seven children were born of this marriage, 
of whom the eldest, Mary Ellen, is the wife of Robert Brown, of Petaluma. 
Anna J. is the wife of W. S. De- Turk, of San Francisco ; Edna is the wife of Dr. 
H. S. Gossage, of Petaluma ; William Thomas, who graduated from the Har- 
vard Law school, is now a practicing attorney of San Francisco; Birdie is the 
wife of Capt. B. J. Benson, of San Francisco : Mabel is deceased ; and Josie E. 
is a graduate of the San Francisco normal school. She is a capable and popular 
young woman among her associates, as was demonstrated by her election as 
president of the students body of the school which she attended. In addition 
to owning considerable real estate in Petaluma and East Petaluma, Mr. Mooney 
also owns a fine ranch in Two Rock valley comprising three hundred acres, now 
occupied by a tenant. Public-spirited and enterprising, he is one of the staunch, 
dependable citizens who have contributed so largely to the substantial growth 
of the city, not only in a commercial sense, but morally as well, as is exemplified 
in the sons and daughters he and his wife have reared to take their place in the 
world's activities. 



ERNEST L. YOUNG'. 
A number of excellent and competent contractors and builders have contrib- 
uted to the substantial and material growth of Petaluma, but among this number 
probably the youngest in point of years is E. L. Young, although in point of 
accomplishments he may well take bis place among those who have many more 
years to their credit. Like many of those who are profitably and interestingly en- 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 903 

gaged in business in this thriving town, he is a product of the east and brought with 
him a wealth of knowledge and experience which he has put to good account in his 
new surroundings, and while he himself has undoubtedly derived the greater 
benefit from the change, his coming to this western town has meant an added 
impetus to its business, social and fraternal life. 

A native of Massachusetts, E. L. Young was born in the city of Haverhill 
October 22, 1880, and was there reared, educated and gained his start in the 
world of business. His first insight and experience along this line was in a 
wholesale lumber yard in his native place, learning the business in all of its 
phases, and at the age of twenty-one he was an experienced lumber grader and 
surveyor. From this he branched out into contracting and building, beginning 
on a small scale and working up a steady and substantial business. Chances of 
a better opportunity in Lawrence, Mass., finally attracted him to that town, and 
the readiness with which he gathered a large business about him proved con- 
clusively that the change was a wise one. Many large contracts for the erection 
of tenement buildings were accepted and executed, in doing which he had from 
thirty to forty men in his employ. It will thus be seen that when he came to 
Petaluma in 1904 he brought with him a valuable business asset in practical ex- 
perience, and this he has here put to account, resulting in material benefit to 
himself, and incidentally to the town and surrounding country. Among the 
buildings that stand as monuments to his executive skill may be mentioned the 
Prince block, Van Marter block, the residences of William Farrell, M. E. Clough, 
Peter Blinn and Thomas Kyle, as well as many substantial warehouses. All of 
•the aforementioned structures are in Petaluma, and he also erected the Odd Fel- 
lows building in Sonoma. 

The same year in which he came to California, 1904, Mr. Young formed do- 
mestic ties by his marriage with Miss Loula F. Clough, who was born and reared 
in Vermont. Three children have been born of their marriage, Beckford, Leatha 
and Vivian. The family have a convenient, modern residence on D street, which 
Mr. Young erected to suit his own needs, and which is a model in architecture 
as well as in point of convenience and utility. Fraternally he is associated with 
the Odd Fellows order at Petaluma, and he is also a member of the local branch 
of the Patriarchs Militant. 



ROBERT WOODS. 

In outline the life of Robert Woods is not unlike that of scores of other men 
whose youth and strength have been lent to the upbuilding of this great state, 
not as a pioneer settler, but rather as one who builded upon the foundation which 
he found waiting and made possible only through the efforts of those who had 
preceded him by about three decades. A native of Canada, he was born in On- 
tario January 1, 1858, and in that province he was reared and educated, making 
it his home until he had attained his majority. 

A new epoch in the life of Mr. Woods began at this time, for he then bade 
farewell to home and friends and crossed the continent to California, Petaluma, 
Sonoma county, being his destination. Over thirty years have since come and 
gone, and at no time has he had cause to wish that Fate had guided him elsewhere, 



9 04 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

for here he has been successful from a financial standpoint, and here, too, he 
found what was of far more value, a true and devoted life companion. Upon 
first locating in Petaluma he turned his hand to the first work that offered, which 
was farm work on a ranch near by town. This gave him an opportunity to look 
about for a better business opening, and in deciding upon the wood and coal busi- 
ness he made no mistake, for from a small beginning he gathered about him in 
time a business that made him independent and enabled him to retire from busi- 
ness. This was accomplished in a comparatively short time, the busi- 
ness which he sold out in 1910 representing the work of fifteen years, not a 
long time in which to accumulate a competency sufficient to enable one to live 
retired. Care of details and steadfastness of purpose may be given as the prime 
cause of his wonderful success, and co-incident with his success was the fact that 
he made friends and not enemies, all admiring and esteeming him for his honor- 
able, upright methods. 

In 1894 Mr. Woods was united in marriage with Miss Alice Gale, the 
youngest daughter of L. D. and Eliza A. Gale, pioneer settlers in Sonoma county. 
(An interesting account of the life of Mr. Gale and his wife will be found else- 
where in this volume.) Fraternally Mr. Woods is well known, being a member 
and active worker in the Masonic order, the Odd Fellows, Elks and the Indepen- 
dent Order of Foresters. His interest in the well-being of his home town is 
genuine and deep, and in season and out of season he sounds her praises and as 
often gives substantial testimony to his views. In 1906 he was elected a member 
of the board of trustees of Petaluma, and in him his co-laborers on the bosrrd find 
an enthusiastic though conservative and well-balanced member. Mr. Woods, 
and his wife are members of the Christian Church of Petaluma, of which he is 
now a trustee. 



HOMER WESLEY WINTON. 

The work that has formed the basic strength of Mr. Winton's mature years 
and the keynote of his growing success has been accomplished within the limits 
of Sonoma county. Here he was born in 1875, Santa Rosa having been his native 
city. Here, too, he received a practical education in the common schools and 
an efficient training for life's responsibilities under the kindly supervision of 
devoted parents. After taking up independent activities he became interested 
in the dairy industry and while he did not continue permanently to make a spe- 
cialty of this occupation, he acquired a thorough familiarity with all of its details, 
so that he became recognized as an expert judge of milch cows and a careful, 
capable dairyman. At the opening of the war with Spain he offered his services 
and volunteered in Company E, Eighth California Infantry, being mustered into 
service June 28, 1898. At the expiration of his term of service, in February of 
1899, ne received his honorable discharge and returned from the camp to the 
duties of home and the cares of the workaday world. 

The family represented by Mr. Winton comes from southern extraction, 
their history in this country dating back to a very early period of our national 
existence. His father, Stephen, born in Texas in 1848, for many years has 
been an honored resident of Santa Rosa and has a large circle of friends among 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 905 

the pioneers of the place; the wife and mother, formerly Florence Hammontree, 
who also descends from old southern ancestry, was born in Nashville, Tenn., and 
is still living. The marriage of Homer Wesley Winton was solemnized Novem- 
ber 26, 1899, and united him with Miss Minnie Hansen, who was born in Oak- 
land, Cal., and is a woman of education and refinement, sharing with him the 
esteem of acquaintances. Their married life has been passed principally in the 
village of Occidental, where also reside her parents, William and Henrietta 
Hansen. The cosy home they have improved and developed is brightened by 
the presence of three children, namely : William Hansen, born in 1903 ; Hen- 
rietta, 1907 ; and Richard Corliss, 1908. The children were born in Occidental 
and the eldest attends school in the village. Soon after his marriage Mr. Winton 
located in Occidental, and has since been with his father-in-law, William Han- 
sen, the pioneer butcher of Occidental and Camp Meeker, and is devoting all of 
his time to promote the interests of the business. 

It is but natural that Mr. Winton should be deeply interested in all move- 
ments for the upbuilding of Sonoma county, for here he has spent all of his life. 
here his friendships have been formed and here his success has been achieved. 
The county and the commonwealth have in him a patriotic citizen, to whom no 
progressive movement is a matter of indifference. Partisanship has no part in 
his political views, yet he stanchly adheres to the Democratic party and believes 
that its principles, if applied to governmental rule, would work many needed re- 
forms in our national development. Optimistic in his views concerning the wel- 
fare of the west, he belongs to that class of citizens whose enthusiastic faith in 
local resources, whose unbounded zeal in local advancement and whose keen 
judgment in matters pertaining to the common welfare form the bulwark on 
which rest civic honor and statehood growth. Fraternally he is a charter member 
of the Eagles. 



JOSEPH WALKER. 
In the development of the resources of Sonoma county especial attention 
has been given during recent years to the fruit industry and this in turn pro- 
duces a form of intensified farming that decreases the acreage of homesteads 
but increases the profits derived therefrom. Near the village of Windsor lies 
the tract of eighty acres owned and operated by Joseph Walker and under his 
skilled management transformed into a profit-producing fruit farm. Observation 
and experience convinced him that a portion of the land is best adapted to 
meadow and pasture, but the larger part possesses all the qualifications necessary 
for successful horticulture. During the season of 19Q9 he received $600 from 
grapes sold out of his vineyard of twenty-five acres. In addition he has three 
acres of prunes and an orchard containing the best varieties of other fruits 
adapted to this soil and climate. Poultry-raising is conducted in conjunction with 
fruit-growing and during last season he sold $400 worth of chickens and eggs. 
The annual income from his small farm is sufficiently large to represent interest 
on a very high valuation of the land and this fact alone furnishes abundant evi- 
dence as to his ability and energy. 



9 o6 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Switzerland is the native country of Mr. Walker, who was born in 1864 in 
the little canton of Uri lying below the picturesque lake of Luzerne and within 
the shadow of the Alps. The national schools enabled him to secure a fair edu- 
cation, while at home he was trained to habits of economy, thrift and industry 
characteristic of the nation. When seventeen years of age, in 1881, he crossed 
the ocean to the United States and proceeded direct to San Francisco, whence 
he removed to Sonoma county, and in 1901 he became the owner of his present 
property. During 1893 he was united in marriage at Santa Ana with Anna Hild, 
by whom he has three sons and one daughter, Fred, Lawrence, Walter and 
Josephine. Mrs. Walker is a daughter of August and Christina Hild and has 
three brothers in Germany, Carl, George and Rudolph, besides two sisters, Louisa 
and Christina. Louisa married William Kohlmann and has two sons and one 
daughter, Amiel, William and Lucile. Christina was twice married, her first 
husband having been Carl Miller, by whom she had one son, Charles Miller. 
After the death of Mr. Miller she became the wife of John Lavell. 

The sturdy energy and perseverance possessed by Mr. Walker enabled him 
to secure a modest degree of success in the new world, whither he came without 
money or friends and lacking even a knowledge of the English language. His 
devotion to the land of his adoption has been unwavering throughout all the 
years of his residence here. Although his tastes do not lie in the direction of 
public affairs he has kept posted concerning the national issues and has given 
steadfast support to the principles of the Republican party. While living in the 
old country he became a communicant of the Roman Catholic church and ever 
since boyhood years he has given unswerving allegiance to that faith, but is 
liberal in his views, allowing to others the freedom of religious belief he demands 
for himself and maintaining a warm interest in all churches, particularly in the 
Presbyterian denomination, with which his wife is identified. Projects for the 
permanent upbuilding of the county receive his support and to such extent as his 
means permit he contributes to the financial aid of movements for the educational, 
moral and spiritual advancement of the community. 



CHARLES WELCH. 

Sonoma county has one of its best-known ranchers in Charles Welch, who 
came to California as early as 1875 and has witnessed its subsequent development 
with the keenest interest. The part that he has played in this advancement has 
not been inconsiderable, for he is a man of action and energy and throws his 
whole heart and soul into whatever he undertakes. 

The boyhood years of Mr. Welch had been passed in the middle west, his 
birth having occurred in Boone county, Mo., in 1852, the son of parents who 
gained a livelihood by tilling the soil. They were McDonald and Amanda 
(Tucker) Welch, natives of West Virginia and Terre Haute, Ind., respectively, 
and the greater part of their lives was passed on the Missouri homestead, where 
they reared their four children, Larentine, Larrah, Lilly and Charles. Not con- 
tent with the outlook in his native locality, Charles Welch determined to come to 
the west and establish a ranch along special lines, and as is well known, he is 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 907 

one of the largest raisers of Angora goats throughout this section of Sonoma 
county. Located ten miles from Guerneville, the Welch ranch comprises three 
hundred and twenty acres, a part of which is used as pasturage for the eighty head 
of Angora goats which constitute his herd at the present time, and which in- 
creases each year at the rate of fifty head. Some idea of the profits realized from 
this industry may be gathered from the statement that during the year 1910 he 
received $1 per head for the wool from these animals. While the raising of goats 
is his chief interest, still it does not represent all of the activities in which he is 
engaged, for he also raises hogs extensively, having sixty-two head besides forty- 
two head of young pigs, all of which are fattened for market purposes. He also has 
a well-established vineyard of seven acres, also a fine orchard of three acres. 
Taken in its entirety Mr. Welch's ranch is one of the best in this section of 
Sonoma county, and it is safe to say that there is no one more enthusiastic as to 
the possibilities of the goat industry than is he, and it is his purpose to develop 
his own business along this line as rapidly as circumstances will permit. 

Mr. Welch's marriage united him with Miss Anna E. Donivan, and they 
have one son, Albert L. The latter is also married, his first marriage uniting 
him with Anna Travers, after her death marrying Allie Trageer. They reside in 
San Francisco. Mrs. Welch is a daughter of John and Annie Donivan, to whom 
were born seven children, five sons and two daughters, as follows : John, Will- 
iam, Walter, James, Cornelius M., Anna and Ella. William is married and has 
one son, William, Jr. Walter and his wife, who before her marriage was Lawrie 
Best, have six children, five sons and one daughter. Cornelius M. chose as his 
wife Nellie Bloodsell and they have one daughter, Mabel. Ella is the wife of 
Henry Woolsey. Politically Mr. Welch is a Republican, and while he is not 
identified by membership with any church organization, he squares his actions 
by the Golden Rule, than which there can be no better guide. 



MARY JANE THOMAS. 

For over half a century Mrs. Thomas has been a resident of her present lo- 
cation in Sonoma county, near Sebastopol, and in the meantime has witnessed a 
marvelous transformation in her property, as well as in the entire country. When 
she first located on the ranch as a young bride her husband had purchased a 
squatter's right to it from a Mr. Griffith, and afterward secured legal right to 
the land by purchasing it from the government. The barren, uncultivated tract 
that it then was would not be recognized in the finely improved and productive 
ranch that it is today, yielding bountiful harvests of Gravenstein apples, prunes 
and cherries, and considered one of the finest fruit ranches in this section of 
country. 

In maidenhood Mrs. Thomas was Mary Jane Leffingwell, and was born in 
Lee county, Iowa, in 1841, the daughter of William Leffingwell, and the grand- 
daughter of Joseph Leffingwell. On the paternal and maternal sides she is of 
New England ancestry, both her father and mother being natives of Connecticut, 
and both born in 1805. Both are also deceased, the father passing away in Oc- 
tober, 1884, and the mother in 1889, at the age of eighty-four, the death of both 



9 o8 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

occurring in San Luis Obispo county, Cal. Mrs. Thomas has but a limited knowl- 
edge of her birthplace in Iowa, for she was a child of eight years old when with 
her parents, three brothers and four sisters, she set out to cross the plains in 
1849. That winter was passed in Utah, and in the following spring they re- 
sumed their journey and finally reached Sacramento. After staying there long 
enough to get rested from their long journey they went to Yuba county, where, 
in the vicinity of the mines, the father established and operated the first mill in 
the county. In addition to this grist and saw mill he also added to his income 
by maintaining a boarding house at Pilot Hill, and he also kept a hotel in Placer 
county for some time, in Hangtown, now known as Placerville. Altogether the 
family continued in Yuba county for about three years, at the end of which time, 
in 1852, they came to Sonoma county. Locating in Petaluma, Mr. Leffingwell 
erected the first hotel in the town, which was carried on by Samuel N. Terrell, 
Mr. LeffingwelFs attention being given more particularly to his ranch in the 
vicinity. The closing years in the lives of this early pioneer settler and his wife 
were passed in San Luis Obispo, both reaching good old ages. 

In 1858 Mary Jane Leffingwell became the wife of Robert B. Miller, who 
was born May 27, 1833, in Virginia and who came across the plains to California 
with ox-teams in 1852. The young people began life on the ranch of one hundred 
and sixty acres seven miles from Sebastopol which was the home of Mr. Miller 
until his death, August 10, 1870. The only child born of this marriage was 
Alva O. Miller, whose marriage with Viola Colwell has resulted in the birth of 
three children. Several years after the death of her first husband Mrs. Miller 
became the wife of Zachariah A. Thomas, in 1874, his death, December 18, 1905, 
leaving Mrs. Thomas a widow for the second time. Through sunshine and 
shadow she has continued to make her home on the ranch on which she first 
settled as a bride in 1858, in the care of which she is now assisted by her son 
Alva O. Miller, who with his family resides on the ranch with her. Here may- 
be seen one of the finest fruit ranches in this part of the county, apples, prunes 
and cherries being raised in large quantities, and all of the fruits are of a choice 
quality and therefore readily salable. 



JOHN MORGAN STRODE. 
In the vicinity of Guerneville, Sonoma county, may be seen the thriving 
ranch of which Mr. Strode is the proud owner. Its prosperous condition both as 
regards crops and buildings is due to his own untiring efforts, inspired by an 
appreciation of the value of looking carefully after details. Mr. Strode was born 
near Guerneville October 20, 1864, the son of C. E. and Margaret (Goddard) 
Strode, the former born in Tennessee, and the latter in Idwa. By means of ox- 
teams the father crossed the plains in 1849, and after spending some time in 
Contra Costa county, located in Napa county, where he followed farming. Sub- 
sequently coming to Sonoma county, he settled on a ranch near Geyserville upon 
which he continued to live throughout his remaining years. The mother is now 
a resident of Sea View, Cal. Three children were born to these parents, and of 
the two who are now living John M. is the youngest. He was reared in Napa 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 909 

and Sonoma counties, receiving bis education in the common schools, after which 
he turned his attention to farming. In 1897 he purchased the ranch on which he 
now resides near Guerneville. It was covered with stumps and timber, and 
after the latter was cut the stumps had to be grubbed and blown out with Judson 
powder. Some idea of the amount of work this involved may be gathered from 
the statement that from eight acres of stumps he made eight hundred cords of 
four-foot wood ; this wood was hauled to the Great Eastern quicksilver mines 
and sold. His ranch originally comprised thirty-five acres, upon which he raised 
hops for three years, after which for seven years he engaged in the dairy business. 
By the purchase of adjoining land he has increased the size of his ranch to one 
hundred and three acres, one mile from Guerneville. He is giving considerable 
attention to horticulture, having fifteen acres in fruit, the greater part of which 
is in French prunes. His success in the dairy and fruit business has more than 
met his expectations and his ranch is counted one of the most valuable in this im- 
mediate section. Besides the home ranch he also owns a two-thirds interest in 
seventy acres of land at Geyserville. 

Mr. Strode's marriage occurred at Guerneville and united him with Miss 
Edith Hauffe, who was born in London and was eleven years of age when she 
came with her parents to California. Seven children have been born to Mr. and 
Mrs. Strode, as follows: Theresa, the wife of T. R. King, of Healdsburg; 
Charles, in the United States navy aboard the South Dakota ; Margie, Walter, 
Clara, Andrew and Florence. 

Mr. Strode set the example of carving out a ranch from wild land, showing 
what could be accomplished, and now others are taking advantage of his experi- 
ment and doing the same thing for themselves. In the face of obstacles he has 
persevered and has proven beyond question that a man who has a taste for ranch 
life can make a success of it in Sonoma county. He is enthusiastic in his praise 
of this section of the state, and by his fellow-citizens is regarded as one of the 
most public-spirited and generous residents of Guerneville. 



SAMUEL RODD. 

Among the responsible and successful contractors who have for many years 
been active in the upbuilding of Petaluma, mention must be made of Samuel 
Rodd, who was born in Barnstable, Devonshire, England, January 26, 1848, 
the son of George and Mary (Clark) Rodd, and of their ten children Samuel 
was the youngest. After completing the course of instruction offered in the 
public schools he was apprenticed as carpenter and joiner for four years, and 
during this time he also became proficient as a stairbuilder and a cabinetmaker. 

On June 12, 1868, Samuel Rodd left Liverpool for the United States, arriv- 
ing in Chicago, July 8, 1868, where he worked at his trade until September, 
1869, Just after the opening of the Union Pacific Railroad, which occurred in 
July, 1869, Mr. Rodd came through to California on one of the first trains, the 
trip from Chicago to San Francisco taking twelve days. On March 6, 1870, 
he located in Petaluma, which place has been the scene of his activity ever since. 
He engaged in contracting and building until 1889, when with John L. Camm 



9 io HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

he bought the planing mill and engaged in manufacturing building material. 
However, in 1895 he sold his interest to Mr. Camm, since which time he has 
been in the building business, not only in Petaluma, but also in San Francisco, 
Santa Rosa and Mendocino county. Among the many residences he has built 
in Petaluma are the following: Healey's, Canope, Hill, Bowles, Sweed, Brown, 
Risk and Meyers residences, all showing his ability as a builder. 

Mr. Rodd was married in Petaluma to Miss Mary Blackburn, a native 
daughter, whose father, Charles Blackburn, was a prominent and early settler 
of this city. They have one child, Dorothy C, an accomplished music teacher 
in Petaluma. Mr. Rodd is a member of the Foresters and for many years was 
a member of the Petaluma fire department. 



THOMAS BENJAMIN WARD. 

There is in the whole world no higher field of usefulness than that of edu- 
cational activity, and the men and women who give their lives to the training of 
the young are of all others the most helpful factors in the development of the 
race. In laying down the work which he has followed with such zest and suc- 
cess throughout the greater part of his life, Mr. Ward does so with the assurance 
that he has performed his duties faithfully and well. Since retiring to private life, 
in 1909, he has given his attention to the cultivation of his ranch of thirteen 
and a-half acres near Santa Rosa, where as a horticulturist and vineyardist, as 
well as a raiser of chickens, he is meeting with a success which exceeds his ex- 
pectations. 

On both sides of the family Mr. Ward is a descendant of southern ancestors, 
both his father and mother being natives of Scott county, Ky. However, they were 
reared and educated in Fountain county, Ind., and there their marriage occurred 
in January, 1844. The mother passed away in 1905, at the age of seventy-seven, 
and the father in 1901, at the advanced age of ninety-five years, seven months 
and six days. Much of the early married life of this worthy couple was passed 
in Missouri, and in DeKalb county, that state, their son Thomas was born 
December 16, 1849. There he was reared and educated and under the wise and 
careful training of his cultured parents was fitted as few are privileged to be 
for the special work which he was to follow in life. In 1874, at the age of twenty- 
four years, he came to California and during that season worked as a ranch hand 
in Sonoma county. With the opening of the term he became a pupil at the George 
W. Jones Academy at Santa Rosa, and as soon as he received his certificate, took 
up the work of teaching in this vicinity. From July, 1875, until 1882, he fol- 
lowed his profession uninterruptedly, but failing health in the latter year made 
a change of employment imperative. Appreciating the value of outdoor life as a 
restorative to one impoverished from too close confinement, he again undertook 
ranch life and followed this steadily until 1890, when he was enabled to resume 
his profession, following it steadily up to the year 1909, when he resigned his 
position and retired from the profession. Since then he has turned his attention 
to the care of his ranch, which is largely devoted to the raising of fruits common 
to this locality, apples, prunes and peaches, besides which he has a very flourish- 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 911 

ing vineyard. This however does not represent the limit of his abilities as an 
agriculturist, for he raises chickens on a large scale, and at the present time his 
flock numbers seven hundred. Besides the home ranch of thirteen and one-half 
acres, he also owns a ranch of ten acres, which is also under cultivation and under 
his immediate supervision. 

Mr. Ward's first marriage occurred in 1878 uniting him with Miss Mattie 
K. Crane, a native of California, and the daughter of Robert and Susan (David- 
son) Crane, natives of Kentucky and Missouri respectively. Six children, evenly 
divided as to sons and daughters, were born to Mr. and Mrs. Ward, but the two 
youngest are deceased. Harry Robert, born July 12, 1879, is interested in mines 
in Nevada City; Charles D., born July 5, 1881, is established in the chicken busi- 
ness in the Rincon valley; by his marriage with Miss Nellie Van Keppel, of 
Bennett valley, he is the father of one child; Ellen Forrest, born December 9, 
1882, was married in 1906 to Fred Warner, of Clinton county, Mo., where they 
make their home with their two children, a son and daughter ; Stella May, born 
May 5, 1884, is following in the footsteps of her father in the choice of a life 
work ; she is a graduate of the Santa Rosa high school and has also taken a five- 
year course in the state university at Berkeley ; all of her training has been with 
the idea of teaching in the higher grades, and she is now in her second year as 
instructor in the Corning high school. The death of Mr. Ward's first wife oc- 
curred June 24, 1888, and on August 19, 1893, he was united in marriage with 
Miss Laura E. Benson, who is a graduate of the Petaluma high school and had 
taught in Sonoma county for twelve years. A son and daughter were born of this 
marriage. Mary Benson was born December 25, 1894, and is now a student in 
the Santa Rosa high school. The son, William Benson, born July 22, 1898, died 
when sixteen months old. Mr. Ward is held in high esteem for the good that 
he has accomplished in Sonoma county, both in the line of his profession through 
a long course of vears, and also as a citizen. 



PATRICK SMITH. 

For the past fifty-four years Patrick Smith has been a resident of the United 
States, during all of which time he has also lived in California, and with the 
exception of five years, has been actively identified with Sonoma county during 
this entire time. A native of Ireland, he was born in the year 1836, in county 
Monaghan, and it was in that locality that he was reared and gained his first in- 
sight into the larger activities of life and its responsibilities. By the time he 
had reached his majority he had laid out a plan for his future, which was to 
come to the United States and establish his home in the Pacific coast country, 
which was then attracting settlers on account of its agricultural possibilities, min- 
ing at that time being on the wane. With his young wife, whom he had married 
the year previously, Mr. Smith landed in the port of San Francisco in 1857. 
After continuing in the metropolis for one year he went to Mendocino county and 
was engaged in raising sheep altogether for about five years. 

Mr. Smith came to this country with a knowledge of farming as conducted in 
his native land, and after adjusting this knowledge to conditions as he found 



9 i2 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

them in his new surroundings he felt competent to own and undertake the man- 
agement of a property of his own. It was after his experience of five years in 
Mendocino county just mentioned that he came to Sonoma county and near 
Cloverdale purchased a mountain ranch upon which he engaged in raising sheep 
on a large scale. His was probably the largest undertaking of the kind in this 
part of the county and during the fifteen years that he carried on this ranch he 
not only made a success of the undertaking from a financial standpoint, but he 
advanced agricultural activity throughout the locality and otherwise did his part 
as an active, interested citizen toward the general upbuilding of the community. 
After disposing of the ranch just mentioned he purchased the property on which 
he now resides, which is also near Cloverdale, and which has been his home since 
1869. Here he has three hundred acres of fine land well suited to the raising 
of grapes, and this he does on an extensive scale, having the entire acreage 
under cultivation. As a complement to his extensive vineyard he maintains a 
finely equipped winery, where the entire product of the vineyard is manufactured 
into an excellent quality of wine, the brand being one which is well known and in 
constant demand. 

As has been stated elsewhere, Mr. Smith had formed domestic ties in his 
native land and brought his wife with him when he immigrated to the United 
States in 1857. Prior to her marriage, in August, 1856, Mrs. Smith was Miss 
Ann McElarney, the daughter of parents who never knew any other home than 
the Emerald Isle. Nine children have been born of this marriage, the eldest of 
whom, James F., has attained considerable distinction in executive affairs in the 
Philippine Islands, where in 1906 he was appointed governor of the islands, 
serving until 1909, and recently he has been further honored by appointment 
as judge of the federal court by President Taft. The other children in the 
family are as follows: Frank W., Owen, Kate A., Henry P. (deceased), William 
J., Anna, Mary E. (deceased) and Genevieve. 



THEODORE G. KING. 
About two miles north of Petaluma lies the farm known as the Samuel Nay 
homestead, the present property of Theodore G. King, who since coming to the 
place has repaired and enlarged the buildings, renewed the orchards and made 
many other improvements of permanent value. Of the fifty-five acres comprising 
the estate twenty-five acres are planted to fruit trees, a specialty being made of 
pippin apples, which are of a quality and flavor unsurpassed by any similar 
product in sections more widely advertised, besides which there are also about 
one hundred Bartlett pear trees on the ranch. Another specialty in the agricul- 
tural efforts of the owner is the raising of blooded single-comb white leghorn 
chickens, a breed exceptionally well adapted to the Pacific coast regions. From 
a flock of twenty-five hundred laying hens his output of eggs ran from six hun- 
dred to fifteen hundred, according to the season, and in 1911 he increased his 
flock of laying hens to thirty-five hundred, increasing his output of eggs from 
nine hundred to twenty-two hundred, varying according to the season. He broods 
about six thousand chicks a year, of which about eighty per cent mature ; the 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 913 

pullets are kept and the old hens sold each season, or when three years old. The 
average income from the hens is about $1 per head each year and the owner, 
who is an active worker in the Petaluma Egg Association, believes that the 
poultry industry offers splendid opportunities for profit to persons of thrift, in- 
telligence and industry. 

Born in 1866 in the county of Sonoma where he now resides, Theodore G. 
King is a son of Charles and Maria (Waldemar) King and a grandson of 
Captain King, the commander of an ocean vessel. The father likewise was a 
sailor and while following the high seas he rounded the Horn and came up the 
Pacific Ocean to California, settling in Sonoma county during the year 1865 
after a brief sojourn in Marin county. In the parental family there were the 
following children : Theodore G., whose name introduces this article ; Henry 
D., who married Emma Jones and resides with his father on the old homestead 
in Marin county ; Ernest F., who married Geraldine Sales ; Anna, Mrs. Charles 
Moltzen, who was four children ; Mamie, Mrs. Allen Owens, the mother of four 
children ; Johanna and Louisa. The son, Ernest F., has no children, while the 
other son, Henry D., is the father of four children. Three children, Vernon, 
Waldemar and Gladys, comprise the family of Theodore G. King and his wife, 
Ida M., who was born in Sonoma county in 1867, being a daughter of John and 
Mary (Bryant) Sales, the latter a native of Sonoma county. Mr. Sales was 
born in Illinois in 1834 and came to California in 1852 via the Isthmus of Panama, 
afterward becoming a farmer in this county. In his family there were seven 
children, namely : William L., who married Mattie Tharp and has two children, 
Paul and Dorothy; Henry; John; Roscoe ; Ida M., Mrs. King; Dora, who married 
George Gaston and has two children, Russell and Alta ; and Geraldine, the 
youngest daughter of the Sales family circle. 

Ever since attaining his majority Mr. King has given his support to Repub- 
lican principles and candidates, but he has taken no part in politics nor has he 
sought the honors of office. In religion he is of the Congregational faith, while 
fraternally he holds membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, 
the local lodge of Yeomen and the Grange. His early identification with the 
dairy business occurred in Marin county and from there in 1892 he returned to 
Sonoma county, where he continued in the dairy industry, having a dairy averag- 
ing from sixty-five to one hundred and ten head of cows. A large amount of 
butter was sold in the city markets and the excellent quality of the product ren- 
dered possible the best market prices. Before settling on his present place he 
leased and operated the Denman farm, one of the oldest estates in the valley, 
and there, in addition to his large herd of cows, he also has a flock of three 
thousand hens. As a farmer he is resourceful, keen and prudent, wise in judg- 
ment, quick in action, energetic in temperament and economical in expenditure 
of money and time. Besides his own time he employs two men the year round 
and in the fruit season as high as fourteen people are given employment. In 
1910 he built a ten-room modern house at a cost of $3,500, besides which he 
has made other improvements about the ranch, putting in new fencing, and during 
the next two years he expects to replace all of the old buildings with new ones, 
with the exception of the apple house. Chief among Mr. King's characteristics 
is his devotion to the community welfare and his sympathetic support of progres- 
46 



914 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

sive projects. Through his services as president of the local telephone line there 
has been pushed to success a movement of inestimable value to the locality. Other 
enterprises have felt the impetus of his encouragement and the permanent ben- 
efit derived from his zealous and intelligent support. 



EDWARD NEWBURGH. 

Although eighteen years have passed since the death of Mr. Newburgh, 
time has not effaced from the memory of those who knew him the effect of his 
life and accomplishments in the city which was his home for so many years. 
Not only is he remembered as one of the pioneer merchants of Petaluma, but 
a deeper and more personal remembrance is of his kindly, gentle nature, blended 
with a deep understanding of humanity, all of which attracted him to his fellow 
men and made bonds which only death could sever. 

Edward Newburgh was a native of the Fatherland, born in Heidenheim, 
Bavaria, November 24, 1828, and he continued a resident of his native land 
until two years past his majority. Then, in 1851, he immigrated to the United 
States, landing on our eastern shores, and for two years thereafter was engaged 
in the mercantile business in one of the New England states. This experience 
proved of incalculable benefit to him in a number of ways, enabling him to ob- 
tain a good understanding of the English language and also to gain valuable 
knowledge concerning business methods. It was with this experience of two 
years in the east added to his original knowledge and ability that he set out for 
California by the Panama route in 1853. Interest in the mining possibilities of 
the state still ran high, and it was not surprising that Mr. Newburgh was at- 
tracted by its allurements and made an attempt to find quick wealth in the mines. 
He followed the shifting fortunes of the miner for a number of years, but finally 
gave up this speculative existence and turned his thoughts to things more de- 
pendable. It was then that he first came to Sonoma county, in 1856, and follow- 
ing this he opened a merchandise store in Freestone which he maintained for a 
couple of years. Later he established and maintained a similar store in Sebas- 
topol for two years, at the same time being interested in a store in Petaluma. 
After disposing of his mercantile interests he made a visit to his old home in 
the Fatherland in i860. Upon his return to this country in 1861 he again located 
in Sebastopol as a dry-goods merchant, being associated with his former partner, 
the firm being known as Bernhard & Co. Business was carried on under this 
name for some time, when the business was disposed of and Mr. Newburgh 
located in Petaluma in 1864. Here he again established himself in business, this 
time alone, and so continued until his nephew and sons grew up and took its 
cares from his shoulders. From then until his death, October 23, 1892, he lived 
retired from active business cares, his demise causing general and heartfelt sor- 
row among those who had been permitted to know him, either in a business or 
social way. Since the death of her husband Mrs. Newburgh has continued the 
business, which in 1909 she incorporated as the Newburgh Dry Goods Company, 
with herself as president and Morris Neuburger as vice-president and manager. 
The latter gives the business all of his attention, and is demonstrating his ability 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 915 

as a merchant, as shown by the success of the business since he undertook its 
management, and without exception it is the finest store of the kind in Petaluma. 
Before her marriage in 1862 Mrs. Newburgh was Miss Fannie Kusiel, a 
native of Stuttgart, Wurtemberg, Germany, who came to California in 1861 by 
the Isthmus route. Eight children blessed the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. New- 
burgh, named in the order of their birth as follows : Albert ; Augustus, deceased ; 
Theresa, the wife of Leopold Allenberg, of San Francisco ; Arthur, city editor 
of the Petaluma Argus; William; James, deceased; Henry, a lawyer of promi- 
nence in San Francisco ; and Stella, the wife of S. Suskind, of that city. Albert 
and William Newburgh are assisting in the store. Fraternally Mr. Newburgh 
was well known and active in the ranks of the Odd Fellows. On a lot in the 
business portion of town which Mr. Newburgh gave her many years ago, Mrs. 
Newburgh has recently erected the fine new Swiss-American Bank building 
which now graces the spot. This is conceded by residents generally to be the 
finest business block in Petaluma, and besides being an ornament to the town, 
gives added proof of Mrs. Newburgh's enterprise and business ability. 



WILLIAM A. LEWIS. 

It is now almost sixty years since the subject of this article came to Califor- 
nia, attracted by the many stories of the great possibilities of this land of the 
Golden West and in all these years he has never regretted the step he has taken 
although he, like the other early pioneers, had to make sacrifices continually and 
suffered the privations that beset a new and undeveloped country. But these 
things never deterred Mr. Lewis, for whenever he found obstacles in his way 
he would press forward all the harder to surmount them. Thus, after years of 
close application and a successful career he is able to retire with a competency 
ample for the wants of his family and himself. 

The grandfather of Mr. Lewis was John Lewis, who was of Welsh and 
French extraction and a native of the state of Virginia. From there he emigrated 
to Kentucky, where he married and afterward moved to Missouri, reaching St. 
Louis on January 5, 1797, and settled in a part of the city then called Creve 
Cceur Lake. He was one of the first — probably the first — American agriculturist 
that acquired a permanent residence in what is now Missouri. In his family 
there were seven children, five sons and two daughters, of whom one, Elizabeth, 
was a woman of strong intellectual powers. She was closely allied to the history 
of St. Louis and by her man}' deeds of Christian charity won for herself a warm 
place in the hearts of the people. She was the second daughter of John Lewis 
and was born in Harrison county, Ky., April 3, 1794, and was taken to St. Louis 
Mo., by her parents. She was thrice married, the first time, immediately after 
the completion of her thirteenth year, to Gabriel Long, a wealthy merchant and 
planter of St. Louis, June 25, 1807 ; to Rev. Alexander McAllister, a talented 
and much-respected clergyman of St. Louis, on April 30. 1823; and to A. R. 
Corbin, Esq., of New York (then a resident of St. Louis and the editor and 
proprietor of the St. Louis Argus, the organ of the old Jackson party), June 11, 
1835. Her last husband, with whom she lived more than thirty-three vears, was 



916 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

afterwards married to a sister of Gen. U. S. Grant. Her death occurred at the 
residence of her husband in New York City, July 9, 1868, in the seventy-fifth 
year of her age. Her end was painless and happy ; she was surrounded by her 
husband and daughters, by many grand-children, and several great-grandchildren. 
Thus surrounded and supplied with every comfort and with every alleviation 
of suffering which affection and affluence could command this early emigrant to 
St. Louis, this pious Christian, this accomplished lady, this most loving wife and 
mother passed to that blissful abode provided by Infinite Goodness for the good 
of all nations and of every degree. 

Sallie, another daughter of John Lewis, became the wife of Col. Daniel M. 
Boone, a son of the famous Col. Daniel Boone, the old pioneer and hunter of 
Kentucky. She lived to the age of nearly seventy years and was the mother of 
a large family. One of the sons of John Lewis was also named John and was 
four years old when his parents moved to Missouri, having been born in Ken- 
tucky in 1793. He grew to manhood in St. Louis and there married Nancy 
Curry, also a native of Kentucky. He was a farmer by occupation and spent 
the most of his life in St. Louis county, where he died in 1848. In his family 
there were ten children, six sons and four daughters, all of whom lived to be 
grown men and women. 

William A. Lewis was born in St. Louis, May 1, 1830. He was reared on 
his father's farm, fourteen miles west of St. Louis, and educated in the common 
schools. In 1852, his father being dead, he came to California, crossing the 
plains with his uncle, Lindsay Lewis, in an ox-team train of seven wagons., taking 
five months to make the journey from the Missouri river to Marysville, Cal. 
His brother Austin had come to California in 1849 an< ^ ms uncle, Samuel Lewis, 
had also come in 1849 an d spent his last days in Petaluma. In the spring of 1853 
W. A. Lewis engaged in trading with -the emigrants, buying and selling stock 
and that same fall he located in Sonoma county, buying one hundred and thirty- 
five acres, the nucleus of his present possessions. He engaged in the stock and 
dairy business and has added to his place from time to time until he now has a 
ranch of two thousand acres. Over much of this land title disputes arose and 
he had to fight for his rights through the courts as well as at times having to 
buy the purported rights of other claimants. His start was made with twenty 
cows, which was gradually increased, against adversity at times, but he stayed 
with it and the result to him is eminently satisfactory. His place is located 
about four miles west of Petaluma on the Chelino Valley road, and is watered 
by San Antone creek and numerous springs. Before he saw the real value of 
land in Marin and Sonoma counties he was offered different tracts for from $3 
to $4 an acre, but $50 slugs were very valuable, while land and real estate were 
unsalable at that time, hence many an opportunity was passed by. In the early 
days, for he was of the first settlers in this locality, there were no fences 
and he could ride across lots to Petaluma through wild oats over his head on 
horseback. He lias sold butter for $1 and $1.10 per pound and eggs for $1 per 
dozen. The grass was abundant for many years and it was not until years later 
that it became necessary to make any hay. His place is a part of the Borjorques 
ranch and he resided there until 1882. since which time he has resided in Peta- 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 917 

luma, from which place he visits his ranch frequently, it being leased to two 
tenants. 

Mr. Lewis married, February 4, 1868, in St. Louis, Mo., Miss Mary Louise 
Hall, who was a native of St. Louis, the daughter of Dr. James H. Hall, a promi- 
nent physician and surgeon of St. Louis and later of Petaluma. They are the 
parents of five children, as follows : Nannie M., the wife of Foster Moale of 
San Francisco; Hall, an attorney in San Francisco; Lillian, Mrs. Dr. Fleisner, 
of Petaluma; Edith, Mrs. White of Petaluma; and William who is a poultry 
rancher in this city ; the latter has made several trips to South America and nine 
trips east and is well qualified to decide that California is the most desirable 
location in which to reside. 

Mr. Lewis has helped to build schoolhouses from the first that was built 
in his vicinity until they are all built up in four districts around him. He is 
very public spirited and enterprising, aiding in any enterprise for the upbuilding 
of the county, and his many deeds of kindness and charity are remembered by 
the many recipients and all is done in an unostentatious manner. It is to such 
men as William A. Lewis that the bay region owes its present progress and 
growth. As this was going to press notice came that Mr. Lewis died Monday, 
August 7, 191 1, at his home surrounded by his wife and children. 



EDWARD C. RAND. 

One of die comparatively late acquisitions to the ranching community of 
Sonoma county is Edward C. Rand, who came here in 1905 and purchased the 
ranch of which he is now the owner, near Santa Rosa. This ranch has taken on 
value and importance since coming into the possession of the present owner. At 
present preference is given to the raising of stock, Berkshire hogs especially, 
but it is the intention of the owner to ultimately make it a dairy ranch exclu- 
sively. 

As are many of California's best citizens, Mr. Rand is a native of the mid- 
dle-west, and came hither with a fund of experience gained in various lines of 
business in his native state of Illinois. There the earth life of the elder Mr. 
Rand came to a close in 1877, but the mother still survives, making her home in 
Lombard, where are centered the memories and experiences of a long and 
happy life. Edward C. Rand attended the public school of Lombard until he 
was fourteen years of age, at that time beginning his own support by entering 
the employ of George E. Cole, of Chicago. This was in 1888, and he continued 
with this employer until 1898, when he accepted a position with the National 
Storage Company of the same place, continuing with the latter company until 
1901. It was in the year just mentioned, when he was twenty-seven years of 
age, that he engaged in business on his own account, manufacturing novelties of 
all kinds. He continued in this business with very satisfactory results for about 
two years, when, in 1903, he became financially interested in the manufacture 
and sale of patent medicines, associating himself with the D. D. D. Company of 
Chicago. 

Mr. Rand had been associated with the latter company about two years 
when, in 1905, though still retaining his interest in the medicine business, he 



9 i8 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

came to California and located in Sonoma county. His purpose was to pur- 
chase and locate upon a ranch when he found one that suited his needs. This he 
found in the ranch of which he is the proprietor today, consisting of one hundred 
and seventy-five acres and located six miles from Santa Rosa. Thus far he has 
maintained it as a stock ranch, but it is his purpose to transform it into a dairy 
ranch as rapidly as possible, and every change or improvement on the property 
is made with this idea in view. 

Mr. Rand's marriage in 1899 united him with Miss Mary Rand, who was 
born in Connecticut in 1874. No children have been born to them. Though 
comparatively newcomers to the west they have entered into the spirit of the 
thriving community into which they have settled and are now as keenly interested 
in its welfare as are old, established residents. 



LOUIS POULIN. 

An illustration of the prosperity which has rewarded the efforts of our 
French-American citizens may be found in the life of Louis Poulin, who for 
over a quarter of a century has been identified with the interests of Sonoma 
county and has won recognition as an expert in the wine-making industry. 
Without energy and resolute determination he could not have risen to his pres- 
ent station in the community. Nature endowed him with the faculties neces- 
sary to the struggle for a livelihood in a new country. With the keen mind 
characteristic of his people he soon acquired a thorough knowledge of the Eng- 
lish language, which he speaks with the same fluency as his native tongue. 

Louis Poulin was born in Donzy, France, November 21, 1848, the son of 
parents who were also natives of that country. The father passed away in 
France in 1882, at the age of sixty-five years. After his death the mother came 
to the United States, and until her death, at the age of seventy-nine years, made 
her home with her son in Sonoma county, Cal. The raising of grapes and their 
manufacture into wine has long been one of the chief industries of France, and 
it was in this industry that the elder Mr. Poulin was engaged in his native 
country throughout his life. His son was very early in life made familiar with 
the industry, first through association, while he was too young to take any active 
part in its duties, and later through his participation as an active assistant in the 
maintenance of the business. The art of vinegar and wine making he had 
learned thoroughly under the training of his father, and this was one of his 
chief assets upon coming to the United States at the age of twenty-five years. 
Coming direct to Sonoma county, Cal., from the port at which he landed, he 
remained here for about three years, and in 1877 returned to the east. His stay 
there was short, however, for he soon afterward returned to the west, going 
direct to San Francisco. From there he again came to Sonoma county, and in 
1883 purchased the ranch which has been his home ever since. This consists 
of seventeen acres of land well suited to the raising of grapes, the entire tract 
being given over to the growing and manufacture of the grape. Some idea of 
the extent of the business conducted by Mr. Poulin may be gathered from the 
statement that ten thousand gallons of wine were manufactured in his winery 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 919 

during the season of 1909. In addition to the grapes which he himself raises, 
he also buys of other growers in the vicinity to make this output of wine possible. 
In addition to the management of his vineyard and winery he also maintains a 
roadhouse in Santa Rosa, where the weary wayfarer may find rest and refresh- 
ment and a welcome that is genuine and spontaneous. 

Mr. Poulin's marriage in 1890 united him with Miss Emily Hall, a native 
of England, as were also her parents, who are now deceased. No children 
have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Poulin. Politically Mr. Poulin is an adherent 
of no party, and possibly for that very reason is the better citizen, for in casting 
his vote he is guided by the qualifications of the candidate, and not by the name 
of the party that he represents. Sonoma county has few citizens more enthusias- 
tic over her advantages than Mr. Poulin is. It is his belief that there is no 
place in the state more favorable to the growing of the grape than this partic- 
ular locality, and certain it is he has cause to hold this view, for his success 
has been phenomenal, both in the quantity and in the quality of the grape which 
he has produced and is still producing in his vineyard. The purchase price of 
his ranch twenty-seven years ago was $100 an acre, but today the ranch could 
not be bought for $12,000. 



PETALUMA & SANTA ROSA RAILWAY COMPANY. 

In this age of electricity there is no department of activity that has not 
benefited directly or indirectly by the application of electricity, transforming 
old methods of performing duties so completely as to make what was once a 
difficult task a delightful pleasure. In the multitudinous ways that electricity 
has been applied in the largest sense, reference is made to the modern mode of 
transportation, which is literally making the whole world kin, by bringing to- 
gether the residents of city and country, each gaining a knowledge of and sym- 
pathy for the other thereby which formerly was unknown. Among the various 
electric roads that have threaded their way across the country in California and 
assisted in this general transformation is the Petaluma & Santa Rosa Railway, 
whose system is one of the most modern and up-to-date extant. 

The history of the Petaluma & Santa Rosa Railway dates from the begin- 
ning of the twentieth century, but the actual work of construction was not com- 
menced until the fall of 1903. However, well-laid plans made it possible to push 
the work rapidly, and in the fall of the following year the road was completed 
between Santa Rosa and Petaluma, and the life of the country through which 
the road passed immediately took on a new aspect. The trolley system is em- 
ployed, and the equipment throughout is the best that could be secured. Sixty 
freight cars are now in use on the system, twelve passenger cars, four electric 
locomotives, besides express and baggage cars. Rates for passenger service are 
on the basis of two cents per mile, while freight is carried on the basis assigned 
in the Western classification. The destiny of the entire thirty-five miles of 
country through which the road passes seems to have hung upon its establish- 
ment, for from the first day that the road was in operation it has had a patronage 
that speaks more forcibly than can words, of the appreciation of the citizens. Up 
to the present time the road makes regular trips for passenger and freight serv- 



9 2o HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

ice between Petaluma and Santa Rosa, touching at Sebastopol and from there 
running north to Forestville, besides tapping numerous ,towns on the way, but 
this is but a fraction of the road which the promoters have under way. When 
their plans for extension of the service are a reality a road will run south 
to San Francisco with numerous lateral branches, which will represent between 
two and three hundred miles of steel rails. 

The Petaluma & Santa Rosa Railway Company was incorporated in 1903, 
with a capital stock of $1,000,000, the direct outcome of the energy and perse- 
verance of A. D. Bowen. The general officers in charge of the management of 
the road at the present time are as follows : E. M. Van Frank, president and 
general manager ; John A. McNear, vice-president ; Thomas Archer, secretary 
and treasurer ; and B. H. Dibblee, Rudolph Spreckles, Francis Cutting, Thomas 
Archer, E. M. Van Frank and John A. McNear, directors. Among man- 
agers in this part of the state Mr. Van Frank is conceded to be one of the best, 
possessing a wide experience and marked executive ability, all of which, taken 
in connection with the fact that he has a personality that makes a friend of 
every one that he comes in contact with, has made him an invaluable acquisition 
to the upbuilding of the road. 

Of all the towns tapped by the Petaluma & Santa Rosa Railway, probably 
none has benefited by it more directly than has Petaluma herself. Here are lo- 
cated the shops of the company, wherein fifteen men are in constant employ- 
ment, while eighty men are employed on the entire system, the greater part of 
whom are residents of this city. Besides the electric roads owned and managed 
by the company, it also operates two steamers between Petaluma and San Fran- 
cisco, the officers and crew of which number forty men. The general offices 
of the company are also located in Petaluma. which is destined to be one of the 
largest and most popular cities in this section of the state, if its record of 
progress during the past few years may be taken as a criterion. 



GEORGE W. LAMOREAUX. 

One of the early merchants that continued in business for many years in 
Petaluma, making an honorable record, was George W. Lamoreaux, a native of 
Wayne county, N. Y., born May 17, 1828. His father, Thomas Lamoreaux, 
was born in France and was one of three brothers who fled from France on 
account of religious persecution at the time of the revocation of the edict of 
Nantes. Mr. Lamoreaux came to the United States, locating in Wayne county, 
N. Y., where he was a merchant in Arcadia, now Newark, on the Erie canal, 
on which he also ran a packet. Under these surroundings his son, George W., 
was reared, learning the mercantile business from the time he was tall enough 
to look over the counter, and following this vocation until he came to California. 

In 1858 George W. Lamoreaux was married in East Newark, N. Y., to Miss 
Margaret H. French, a native of Rockingham county, N. H., daughter of Asa and 
Betsey (Bean) French. The former, who was born in New Hampshire, was a 
cooper by trade, and his demise occurred when Mrs. Lamoreaux was a babe. 
The mother subsequently married Thomas Dearborn and removed to East New- 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 921 

ark. N. Y., where Margaret lived until she was twelve years of age, when she 
returned to New Hampshire, receiving her education there in the public schools 
until her marriage. 

In 1859 Mr. Lamoreaux came to Petaluma, Cal., where he engaged in the 
grocery business for many years with an honorable record and a successful 
career until he retired. He died July 30, 1908, aged eighty years, mourned by a 
host of friends. He was a member of die Odd Fellows order, an active member 
of the Petaluma Fire Department for many years and was also affiliated with 
the Old Military Company. He and his wife were active members of the Epis- 
copal Church, in which he was senior warden. 

Since her husband's death Mrs. Lamoreaux continues to resides at the old 
home on Fourth street, where she is surrounded by many friends, who love her 
for her amiable qualities and her charitable deeds. 



JAMES ROSS MOWBRAY. 

Many years have elapsed since the death of Mr. Mowbray in 1881, but the 
good which he accomplished in the locality in which he lived for so many 
years in Sonoma county has kept his memory fresh in the minds of those who 
came after him and profited by the uplift which his life and efforts gave to the 
upbuilding of the community. 

J. R. Mowbray was a native of Ohio, born in the Miami Valley in 1818, 
and in the locality of his birth he was reared to a stalwart young manhood. He 
was in the full flush of young manhood when he heard of the opportunity for 
young men in California, and among those who came to the state early in the 
year 1849 ne was one °1 the most enthusiastic. The trip was made across 
the plains behind slow-plodding oxen, but as soon as he reached his journey's 
end he lost no unnecessary time in going to the mines of Sierra county- His 
enthusiasm was not without its satisfaction, if the five years he spent in the 
mines there may be taken as an indication of satisfaction in his efforts. From 
Sierra county he then went to the Sacramento valley, remaining there for a short 
time only, when, in i860, he came to Cloverdale and near this town, in the limits 
of the town of Preston, he purchased a ranch upon which he lived and labored 
the remainder of his life. His ranch comprised one hundred and seventy acres 
of choice land, sixty acres of which he planted to wine grapes. In the early 
days, however, much of his attention was given to cattle and sheep raising, and 
he was one of the very first in this part of the county to make the change from 
stock-raising to the raising of grapes and other fruits now a source of such 
large income to the valley. 

Mr. Mowbray's marriage in 1867 united him with Miss Mary J. Larison, a 
native of Ohio and the daughter of that well-known pioneer, Samuel Larison. 
One son was born of the marriage of Mr. Mowbray and his wife, Frank, a civil 
engineer by profession, who is engaged in business in Vancouver, B. C. Fra- 
ternally Mr. Mowbray was an Odd Fellow. His death in 1881 was looked upon 
as a public loss, for he was held in the highest regard by all residents of the 
community, by common consent being counted one of the most fruitful bene- 
factors the vallev had ever known. 



922 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 



Since Mr. Mowbray's death the widow has resided on the place, engaging 
in grape-growing and agriculture. She built a new residence on the hill, over- 
looking Preston and the Russian river, and known as Rio Vista. She is a 
member of the Eastern Star and the Rebekahs at Cloverdale, in both of which 
lodges she has held office. In her religious views she is liberal, and assists all 
of the churches in their philanthropies as well as all public enterprises for the 
upbuilding of the community. As one of the very first settlers in the valley 
no one appreciates more than she the wonderful transformation from its orig- 
inal primitive condition to the paradise that it is today. 



WILLIAM HENRY MANION. 

In Mr. Manion we find another Native Son of the Golden State, and in 
him too we find those characteristics which almost invariably stand out prominent- 
ly in the make-up of her native sons and daughters. In the light of heredity this 
is but another demonstration of cause and effect. More often than not, the 
parents of these children have come to the west in their early married life, 
eager to establish a home in the midst of conditions that would develop and 
reward them for their labors. As their hopes and ambitions became realities 
their children were naturally endowed with the same love for the locality, to 
the end that they rarely ever seek a home in any other part of the country 
upon attaining years of maturity. 

A perusal of the family records develops the fact that Mr. Manion comes 
of southern ancestry, his grandparents on the paternal side, Edmund and Eliz- 
abeth Manion, being natives of Kentucky, as were also his parents, William and 
Elizabeth (Barnett) Manion. An interesting account of the life and accomp- 
lishments of William Manion will be found elsewhere in this volume. Among 
the worthy pioneers who came to California during the period of the gold 
excitement was William Manion and his wife. Struggles and hardships were 
their lot for a considerable period, but hope of ultimate success in the accomp- 
lishment of the purpose for which they had risked their all buoyed them on 
and rewarded them at last. Settlement was made in Sonoma county, and it 
was on their ranch near Santa Rosa that their son William Henry was born 
October 16, 1856. With the other children in the parental family William at- 
tended the district school near his home, and early in life he became familiar 
with agricultural life through the performance of the duties that were required 
of him by his methodical parents. The outcome of this training was that when 
he attained mature years there was no indecision in his mind as to his future 
career, and ever since entering upon business life he has continued to be a 
tiller of the soil. He lays claim to four hundred acres of as fine land as can 
be found in Sonoma county, five miles from Santa Rosa, on Rural Route No. 3. 
Believing in a diversity of interests he has not confined his attention to one 
branch of agriculture to the exclusion of others, but is maintaining a number of 
industries with equal success. Stock-raising forms one of these industries, 
about thirty head of cattle being fattened for the market at the present time, 
besides which he has about ten head of horses. Chicken-raising is also followed 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 923 

with very satisfactory results, about five hundred hens contributing to Mr. 
Manion's shipment of eggs, besides which he has about six hundred small 
chickens, three months old. Sufficient corn is grown on the ranch to supply 
the home needs, about ten acres being in corn. Another source of income to 
Mr. Manion is from the sale of wood cut from his property, from one hundred 
to one hundred and fifty cords being cut and sold each year, yielding about 
$700 annually. Much of this timber is cut from Bennett's peak, which is on his 
ranch, and which is not only a source of profit, but is also a mark of beauty and 
adds considerably to the value of his land. 

In 1887 Mr. Manion was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Ann John- 
son, who was born in Illinois in May, 1869, the daughter of Snelling and 
Amanda Johnson, the former deceased, but the latter still living in Santa Rosa. 
Three children have blessed this marriage, of whom we mention the following : 
The eldest, Edith Lee, born March 11, 1889, is now a trained nurse in Mary 
Jesse Hospital in Santa Rosa; Zelda M. was born January 23, 1894; and Zalene, 
born October 27, 1898, is now a student in the grammar school at Santa Rosa. 
Politically Mr. Manion is not an adherent of either of the parties, but nevertheless 
does his duty as a good citizen at election time by casting his vote for the best 
man for the office in question. With the exception of filling the office of school 
trustee he has been the incumbent of no public office, finding all of his time 
consumed in the care of his ranch. 



CHRISTIAN NISSON. 

When asked for his opinion concerning the possibilities of Sonoma county, 
Christian Nisson has nothing but praise and commendation to offer for reply, 
and in truth he could make no other, his opinion being based upon his own suc- 
cess as rancher and dairyman. The first representative of the family in this 
country was Erick Nisson, who came from Denmark in 1866, and located in 
Sonoma county, Cal., and three years later his son, Erick P., also came to this 
locality and built up a ranch enterprise in the vicinity of Petaluma which is a 
credit to the owner as well as to the community. By his marriage with Claudina 
Moltzan, who, like himself, was a native of Denmark, Erick P. Nisson became 
the father of eight children, two sons and six daughters, named as follows : 
Christian, Henry, Lena, Mary, Clara, Anna, Loretta and Elinor. 

The eldest child in the parental family, Christian Nisson, was born on the 
homestead ranch near Petaluma, October 5, 1877, and with the other children he 
attended the public schools in Petaluma during boyhood. By predilection as 
well as early training on the home ranch he was well fitted to take up the duties 
of ranching as soon as his school days were over, and by concentrating thought 
and efforts along this line to the exclusion of other distractions he has been 
enabled to take his present high position among the ranchers and dairymen of 
Sonoma county. For a considerable period he worked side by side with his 
father in the maintenance of the home place, but finally, in 1906, purchased the 
ranch of which he is now the owner and proprietor, not far from the old home- 
stead on Rural Route No. 4 from Petaluma. This consists of two hundred 



924 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

acres, for which he paid the owner, Allen Roseburgh, $80 an acre. Here he 
makes a specialty of dairying and chicken-raising. His dain consists of twenty 
cows, and from the sale of butter which he manufactured he realized about 
$1,800 during the season of 1909. During the same season he realized in eggs 
from three thousand chickens $8,100, while during the year 1910, from four 
thousand chickens, his income amounted to $11,000. During the year 191 1 he 
increased his flock to six thousand chickens. From the above figures it is plain 
to be seen why Mr. Nisson is such an enthusiastic believer in the possibilities of 
Sonoma county. He has labored indefatigably to bring about his present suc- 
cess, and all who know of his good fortune take heart and labor the more indus- 
triously on their own ranches, knowing that what one has accomplished others 
can also do. Politically Mr. Nisson is a believer in Republican principles. 



J. LUPPOLD. 

The self-made men of Sonoma county have a fine representative in J. Lup- 
pold, of Santa Rosa, one of the respected and popular men of his community. 
Cordial, frank and sincere in speech, he makes friends with all with whom he 
comes in contact, and is an active participant in the affairs that affect com- 
munity, state or nation. A native of Missouri, he was born in Bridgeport, 
Warren county, March 26, i860, the son of Robert and Elizabeth Luppold, both 
of whom were natives of the Fatherland. The parents lived to attain good 
ages, the father living to the age of eighty-five years, while the modier passed 
away when seventy years old. In so far as their circumstances permitted the 
parents gave their son every advantage for an education, his schooling including 
attendance at the common and high schools of Bridgeport. 

However, it was early in life impressed on the mind of Mr. Luppold that 
he had his own way to make in the world, and accepting the situation philo- 
sophically he lost no time in finding employment after his school days were 
over. Working as a farm hand in the vicinity of his home was the first work to 
which he turned his hand, and he continued there in that line of occupation 
until the year 1888. That year marks his advent in the west and the beginning 
of his career covering nearly a quarter of a century in Sonoma county. Here 
as in his home locality he continued agricultural pursuits, working for a time 
in the employ of Winfield Wright, of Santa Rosa, and subsequently establishing 
himself on a ranch of his own in this vicinity. This is an exceptionally fine 
property, located four miles north of Santa Rosa on the Healdsburg road, and 
here he has resided alone for the past twenty years, never having formed do- 
mestic ties. In 1901, with the accumulations of a number of years hard labor, 
he went to Nome, Alaska, in the hope of finding sudden wealth, but he was 
doomed to disappointment, as instead he lost all the means that he had saved. 
Disappointed but not discouraged, he returned to his Sonoma county ranch 
and has since been contented with the peaceful, wholesome and remunerative 
life which it affords. 

An incident which comes to the mind of every resident of Santa Rosa when 
the name of Mr. Luppold is mentioned is that concerning the burning of the 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 925 

"hoodoo automobile." An account of the event was graphically told in the 
Press-Democrat of November 5, 1908, from which we quote as follows : "The 
hoodoo auto goes up in smoke. In the presence of a tremendous crowd of 
spectators Luppold's hoodoo automobile was burned at ten o'clock last night, 
November 4, 1908. The auto held a big bale of hoodoo hops, grown in 1902, 
placed on a specially selected pile of oak and pine cord wood. At a given 
signal a sky rocket was sent up, at the same time Milton W. Wasserman applied 
the torch to the wood just mentioned. The crowd cheered themselves hoarse 
as the flames danced here and there amid the wood that had been saturated with 
oil to insure its burning. Good Luppold was the hero of the hour on this oc- 
casion. He said the auto should burn and it did. He kept his part of the 
agreement and the people were satisfied. The old auto was soon reduced to 
ashes, and as the embers died down there was heard across the din the exultant 
voice of Mr. Luppold saying: T guess the hoodoo is sure gone now.' Among 
those gathered in front of Luppold's place were a number of hop growers 
who had come from all parts of the county to see the hoodoo bale of hops 
burned. The hops were 1902's. the hoodoo-price year. The hop-growers hope 
that this hoodoo disappeared when Luppold's did. Luppold and his hoodoo 
auto have become known from coast to coast and newspapers everywhere have 
printed accounts of the affair. In the burning of the auto last night Mr. Lup- 
pold celebrated the election of Taft. He said he would do so when he first said 
he would burn the machine or the hoodoo would go up in smoke." 



GEORGE IRWIN. 

In Mr. Irwin we find a Native Son who has never known any other home 
than the one he now occupies, for his birth occurred on the ranch he now owns, 
near Santa Rosa, in 1873. The records show that he is a descendant of southern 
ancestors, for his father was ■ born in Tennessee, and his mother was born in 
Missouri. Both are now deceased, the father passing away in 1898, and the 
mother nine years later, in 1907. Besides George Irwin the parental family in- 
cluded four other sons and one daughter, all of whom are living in Sonoma 
county, three sons making their home near Sebastopol, and the other son and 
daughter make their home with Mr. Irwin of this review, on the old home ranch 
near Santa Rosa. 

Mr. Irwin was educated at the district school in the neighborhood of his 
home, and with the close of his school days he began to assume duties in the 
management of the home ranch that ultimately resulted in his supervision and 
control of the entire property. Here he has a fine tract of fifty acres all in grain, 
besides which he keeps a number of cows, only enough as yet however for his 
own use, but it is his intention to enlarge his dairy and ultimately make the 
dairy business his chief industry. In the meantime he is reaping large harvests 
of the various grains, all of which find a ready market at excellent prices. 

By his marriage in 1901 Mr. Irwin was united with Miss Anita Jones, a 
native of Ukiah, Mendocino county, Cal., and the daughter of Lewis D. and 
Martha J. (Orender) Jones, the former deceased, but the latter still living in 



92b HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Santa Rosa. One child, Ruth Agnes, has blessed the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. 
Irwin, and everything in the power of these proud parents is being done to fur- 
ther her welfare and happiness. Mr. and Mrs. Irwin are both members of the 
Baptist Church at Santa Rosa, being regular attendants upon its services and 
active workers in the many benevolent organizations connected therewith. Poli- 
tically Mr. Irwin is a Democrat. If there is one object more than another that 
receives Mr. Irwin's keenest thought and interest it is the subject of providing 
good school facilities for the young in his district, and his accomplishments along 
this line are worthy of commendation. At the present writing (1910) he is serv- 
ing as trustee of Hearn district school and is also central committeeman of the 
Matanza district. 



GEORGE EDWARD KING. 

One of the thrifty and most enterprising agriculturists of Sonoma county is 
George E. King, who for many years has been actively engaged in his chosen 
vocation on a large and well-kept ranch near Kenwood. Being early trained to 
habits of industry and economy, he laid the foundation of his future success 
when young, and is now enjoying the prosperity to which he is justly entitled. 
He was one of a large family of thirteen children born to his parents, who at 
the time of his birth, March 18, 1861, were in Stuttgart, Germany. One year 
later the parents removed to England, where they remained throughout the 
balance of their lives. The father, Rev. Joseph King, was a native of London, 
England, and was a minister in the Episcopal church. 

George E. King was reared and educated in England, and in 1883, when 
about twenty-two years of age, came alone to the United States, going direct to 
Klamath Falls, Ore., where, during his nine years residence there he accumulated 
considerable valuable real-estate, among others owning a half-interest in five 
hundred and sixty acres of land. It was this interest that he traded for real 
estate in Santa Rosa in 1891, receiving in its stead twenty-five acres one mile 
from town. For a time he followed farming and poultry raising, and after 
selling the land engaged in the real estate business in Santa Rosa until 1901. 
In December of that year he came to Kenwood and bought a twelve-acre ranch 
upon which he resided for four years. He then bought fifty acres of the Yost 
tract which he subdivided and sold, subsequently purchasing the ranch on which 
he now resides. The original purchase consisted of fifty-six acres, to which he 
added by the purchase of adjoining land until at one time his acreage included 
eighty-two acres, constituting one of the finest ranches in Sonoma county. In 
addition to carrying on general farming he also had a fine vineyard and an eight- 
acre orchard of walnuts, the latter of which he set out himself. From time to 
time Mr. King has sold off portions of his ranch until now he has only thirty- 
six acres. In addition to his other interests he is also engaged in the poultry 
business. 

Mr. King's marriage January 24, 1889, united him with Miss Winnifred 
Prideaux, a native of Plymouth, England, whose ancestry can be traced back to 
William the Conqueror. Her father, George Prideaux, a gentleman of Plymouth, 
is deceased, as is also his wife. The eldest of the six children born to Mr. and 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 927 

Mrs. King is Joseph E., born in Oregon January 9, 1890, and now in the employ 
of the Wells-F'argo Express Company at Benicia, Cal. Martha Winnifred was 
born November 13, 1891, and has graduated from the public schools of Santa 
Rosa and Kenwood. Nellie Gertrude, who was born in Santa Rosa April 24, 
1893, was educated in the schools of Santa Rosa and" Kenwood also. Catherine 
Frances, born in Santa Rosa in 1895, received her schooling in Kenwood. Esther 
Florence Violet, born in 1897, and Marguerite, born in Kenwood in 1901, are 
both students in the schools of this place. 

Politically Mr. King is a stanch Republican, and while in England was 
identified with the Masonic body, but has not affiliated with the order since 
coming to the United States. He is a member of the Kenwood Improvement 
Club, composed of enthusiastic citizens whose object is the promotion of the 
unrivalled advantages of town and county, and he is also a member of the Royal 
Order of Moose in Santa Rosa. He is a member of the board of school trustees 
for the Los Guilicos district, to which he has already given eight years service, 
a part of the time as clerk. Mr. and Mrs. King are both active members of 
St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Santa Rosa, in which he has served as vestry- 
man. 



M. V. HOOTEN. 

With the activities of earlier life restricted by the physical limitations of 
advancing years, Mr. Hooten has withdrawn from many of the enterprises that 
once occupied his attention and has reduced greatly his former extensive agri- 
cultural operations, so that at the present time he owns merely his old home- 
stead of six acres. From time to time in other days he sold off land from the 
original tract and thus reduced the size of the place to its present acreage. The 
title of Walnut Grove, by which the farm is known, comes to it in recognition of 
its splendid grove of beautiful large black walnut trees, planted by the present 
owner very many years ago and now forming one of the best-known landmarks 
in the vicinity of Healdsburg. 

Born in Morgan county, Mo., in the year 1838, M. V. Hooten was a son of 
Jesse and Elizabeth (Cook) Hooten, pioneers of 1852 in California. During the 
spring of the year mentioned the family packed their belongings in a wagon, 
and with ox-teams started across the plains in company with an expedition 
comprising seventy-five persons. The eventful journey lasted four months and 
was made memorable by an outbreak of cholera among the emigrants. Twenty- 
three of the number were taken ill during a period of two weeks, and all died 
within eight hours after their first seizure. Every sickness proved fatal and 
death soon ended their sufferings. The survivors, worn and exhausted, arrived 
in California in the early autumn, and the elder Hooten mined during the winter 
at Cherokee Flat, Butte county. Coming to Petaluma, Sonoma county, in 1853, 
he took up land near Liberty and there remained for seven years. The county 
was sparsely settled and Petaluma itself contained only two stores and a few 
houses. The tide of emigration was diverted from San Francisco to the south- 
east and the coast counties to the north were passed by, their settlements being 
insignificant and their ranches few for many years after the discovery of gold. 



928 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

During i860 the Hooten family came to Healdsburg, and near here the father 
bought the Paxton ranch, where he remained until 1868, the year of his death. 
Remaining at the home ranch M. V. Hooten aided his father until the lat- 
ter's demise, and afterward he superintended the estate until it was sold in 1879. 
Subsequent to that sale he bought and sold ranches near Healdsburg. A number 
of well-known places in this vicinity were owned by him at one time, but it was 
his custom, after making improvements on the land, to sell the same at a small 
profit and then buy unimproved property. Wheat was his specialty in the early 
days, and several years he sold as many as three thousand sacks in one season. 
In addition he engaged extensively in raising hogs and cattle, and one year 
he brought one thousand head of hogs to the San Francisco market. During 
the era of mining activity in Nevada he went to that state and worked in the 
mines for three years, but was not sufficiently successful to be encouraged to 
continue the mining industry. For some time he has made a specialty of drying 
peaches, pears and prunes, of which he dries more than two hundred tons per 
annum, and this work he finds both congenial and profitable. In the year 1864 
he married Rebecca J. Marical, a native of Missouri, but from girlhood a resi- 
dent of California. Politically prominent in the Democratic party, he is known 
to politicians throughout the entire state and has served as a delegate to almost 
all of the Democratic state conventions held since i860. In many of these gath- 
erings he bore a prominent part . as a committeeman and active worker, and 
his counsel was often sought in the selection of candidates, as well as in the 
promulgation of measures for the benefit of the organization. Nor has his 
interest in politics lessened with declining years. On the contrary, he has main- 
tained an intelligent knowledge of public projects and has supported with earn- 
estness all movements for the permanent upbuilding of the party as well as the 
local enterprises for the county's advancement. 



WILLIAM THOMAS LIGGETT. 

A native son of California, William Thomas Liggett was born at what is 
known as Murderers Bar, Placer county, October 7, 1855, the son of James 
and Nancy (Gott) Liggett, the former born in Indiana in 1830, and the latter 
born in Ohio in 1831. The only other child born in the parental family besides 
William T. was Urilla E., who became the wife of Reuben Piray, and the mother 
of one son, James. Both of the children born to James Liggett and his wife 
were natives of California, whither the parents had come in the early days of 
the gold excitement to Placer county. The father followed mining in the 
locality of Murderers Bar for a number of years, but removed from Placer 
to Sonoma county about 1858, and he is now a resident of Australia. 

William T. Liggett has practically been a life-time resident of Sonoma 
county, having come hither from Placer county with his parents when he was 
a child of three years. Here, in the vicinity of Santa Rosa, he passed his 
boyhood, youth and young manhood, attending the schools of the v city in his 
early years, and later becoming interested in agricultural pursuits. Ranching 
was his chief occupation for manv vears. but since giving up that calling he 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 929 

has filled teaming contracts that have been very remunerative. One of these 
contracts was hauling all of the material used in the construction of the new 
court house in Santa Rosa, which was completed in 1909, prior to which time he 
had been janitor of the old court house for six years. No less well known 
in Santa Rosa than he is his wife, who is the proprietor of a hotel at the corner 
of Third and A streets, where the wayfarer is assured of the best of accommo- 
dations for rest and refreshment. 

Before her marriage Mrs. Liggett was Miss Zelia Millsapp, who was born 
in Yolo county, Cal., October 15, 1859, the daughter of Graham Millsapp, who 
was born in St. Clair county, Mo., December 5, 1827. In the east he followed 
farming for a livelihood, but the gold excitement brought him to California in 
the year 1849, the trip being made across the plains with ox-teams. With 
him came his wife, who was formerly Miss Nancy Jane Clark, who was born 
in Missouri March 27, 1840. Five children were born of this marriage, Marian 
S., John W., Franklin C, Zella and Emma. The eldest, Marian S., became 
the wife of Hallie Brennan ; Frank married Miss Ellen Moshner and has two 
children, Lena and Fern ; Zella is Mrs. Liggett ; and Emma became the wife of 
Charles Mellens. Six children have been born of the marriage of Mr. and 
Mrs. Liggett, as follows: Thomas W., Maud L., Claudia J., Erma E., Emma 
E. and Ora May. Maud L., the eldest daughter, became the wife of Frank 
Burns, who was born at Occidental, Cal., October 7, 1870; five children have 
been born to these parents, John, Bessie, Bernice, May and Frazier. Erma E. 
became the wife of Joseph Cassani, who was born in New York city in 1870. 
Mr. Liggett is a stanch Democrat in his political belief, supporting the can- 
didates of that party as often as the opportunity occurs. Mrs. Liggett is a 
member of the Christian Church of Santa Rosa. 



KNUDT LAURITZEN. 

The tide of immigration which bore to the west so many of the industrious 
and capable sons of the Fatherland brought Knudt Lauritzen to Sonoma county 
in 1898, his decision to immigrate hither having been made after an unprejudiced 
comparison of the opportunities which his own land offered and those which 
others of his countrymen were enjoying on this side of the Atlantic. It was 
after carefully weighing the matter, therefore, that at the age of eighteen years 
(his birth having occurred June 2, 1881) he bade farewell to home and friends 
and embarked on a vessel bound for the United States. From the eastern port 
at which he landed he went by rail to Jones county, Iowa, and in that part of 
the middle-west he continued for about three years, working on farms in that 
localitv and at the same time imbibing knowledge in various directions which 
has been of incalculable benefit to him. 

With a good knowledge of the English language as well as a thorough 
understanding of farming as conducted in the middle-west, Mr. Lauritzen came 
to California in 1902, in the same year locating in Sonoma county, with which 
he has been so completely satisfied as a place of residence he has had no desire 
to seek a home elsewhere. On Rural Route No. 4 from Petaluma he leases 
a ranch of three hundred and ten acres upon which he conducts a dairy business 
47 



930 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

supported from forty cows, and each year witnesses an increase in the size of 
his herd. He also gives pasturage to one hundred head of sheep, and four 
thousand chickens also add materially to his annual income. As with his dairy 
industry, so also in his poultry business each year finds an enlargement of the 
business and greater profits, all of which is due to the perseverance and energy 
of the owner. Personally he is a man who finds no inclination to ally himself 
with organizations of a fraternal or social character, finding instead ample di- 
version in the care of his ranch and its stock, and in his associations in the 
Christian Lutheran Church, of which he is a member. In the casting of his 
ballot he is independent of part}- names, voting at all times for the best candi- 
date personally and with an eye to his capability for the. position which he is 
to fill. On October 27, 1909, Mr. Lauritzen formed domestic ties by his mar- 
riage with Jennie Sammorini, and they have one daughter. Isalina. 



BENONIA H0TCHK1SS. 

Throughout a long period of useful years Mr. Hotchkiss was intimately 
identified with the agricultural development of Sonoma county, and when death 
terminated his energetic endeavors a large circle of acquaintances testified to 
his worth as a citizen, his sterling integrity as a man and his skill in husbandry. 
Born in the Green river valley of Kentucky in 1833, ne inherited the chivalrous 
spirit and polished manner characteristic of a long line of southern ancestry. 
It was his good fortune to enjoy the educational and social advantages offered 
by the blue grass state during the prosperous era that preceded the Civil war 
and as he was a member of a family possessing considerable means, he enjoyed 
opportunities equal to those extended to other young men similarly situated. 
Possessing a faculty of intense application and considerable will power, he early 
determined to rise to success in agriculture, his chosen vocation, and with the 
belief that the west offered more desirable advantages than those of his own 
state, he migrated to California prior to the war and in i860 located in Wood- 
land, Yolo county, where for four years he kept one of the first hotels of the 
town. In 1865 he became a citizen of Sonoma county, where the remainder 
of his life was devoted to the building up of an improved estate. Sagacious 
judgment was one of his principal traits and he soon became numbered among 
the county's leading farmers, giving his attention with such exactness to private 
affairs that he never identified himself with politics in any way aside from 
voting the Democratic ticket in all elections. 

Not a little of the success attained by Mr. Hotchkiss was due to the capable 
assistance of his wife, who was his wise counselor and willing helper, and who, 
still survives to enjoy the esteem of old friends and the fruits of early labors 
on the farm. Prior to her marriage in 1857 she was Miss Virginia Edrington, 
being a daughter of Barrett and Jane (Kerr) Edrington, natives of Kentucky. 
Two children, William J. and Mary Jane, were born of this marriage. 

William Joseph, more familiarly known as W. J., was the only son born 
to Mr. and Mrs. Hotchkiss. He received fair advantages, graduating from the 
Santa Rosa grammar school and becoming a trustworthy and capable business 
man. Some years ago he was honored by election to the state legislature and 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 931 

represented his district at Sacramento with fidelity and appreciated distinction. 
By his marriage with Miss Emma Grove he has five children, namely: Miller, 
Homer, Marius, Linvil and Hazel. The last-mentioned is a graduate of the 
University of California and the champion tennis player of the world. The old 
homestead, purchased by the elder Mr. Hotchkiss some time after his arrival 
in Sonoma county, comprises three hundred acres lying near Healdsburg. A 
portion of the land is in hay and 'pasture, supplying feed for the live-stock kept on 
the place. By far the greater part of the land is under cultivation to fruit of 
different kinds, the aim in each being to secure a superior quality as well as a 
variety that bears in abundance. Prunes and apples are among the specialties 
and each is an income-producer of no small proportions. The improvements 
inaugurated by the former owner have been maintained by the widow and son 
and no pains are spared in keeping the large orchards in thrifty .condition. In 
the year 191 1 they set out three thousand new prune and apple trees. Since 
early girlhood Mrs. Hotchkiss has been identified with the Christian Church, 
which was also the religious preference of her husband, the two being generous 
contributors to that organization in its missionary movements, while at the same 
time they were sympathetic co-operators in all enterprises for the well-being of 
their community. 



HARVEY GREGORY. 

Not unlike many others, Mr. Gregory came to California in the hope of 
regaining health impaired in activities east of the Rocky mountains. The de- 
lightful health-giving climate repaired the inroads which duties in a more rigor- 
ous climate had made, and for more than a quarter of a century thereafter he 
was able to accomplish what at the time of coming to the west he thought was 
impossible. He passed away at his home in Santa Rosa May 30, 1910, beloved 
by a host of friends who had learned to love him for the sturdy qualities which 
had been the foundation of his long and useful life. 

Near Goshen, Orange county, N. Y., Harvey Gregory was born October 13, 
1833, the son of parents who tilled the soil as a means of livelihood. He was 
educated in the public schools and academy near his home, after which he fol- 
lowed teaching for some time, or until he removed to Muscatine, Iowa, where he 
purchased a farm and began life as an agriculturist. At the time of purchase no 
improvements had been made on the property, and the work involved in its 
transformation into the fine property which it later became was the means of 
impairing the health of the owner and ultimately bringing him to the Pacific 
coast. Coming to Sonoma county in 1883, Mr. Gregory located on a ranch 
two and a-half miles from Santa Rosa, where he was engaged in horticulture, 
selling out orchards of apples, prunes and pears, a business which he followed 
until January, 1904, when he disposed of his property and located in Santa 
Rosa, where he was living at the time of his death, May 30, 1910. 

It was due to the untiring energy and indefatigable labor on the part of Mr. 
Gregory that the Sonoma County Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Company 
came into being in 1898, at the organization of which he was elected secretary, 
and continued in the office up to the time of his death. For the last five months 



93 2 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 



however, he was unable to perform the duties of the office, and his wife nobly 
and efficiently assumed the responsibility, and after his death she was elected 
secretary for the remainder of his term. 

The first marriage of Harvey Gregory occurred in Iowa and united him 
with Miss Melissa Holcomb, who at her death a few years later left one child, 
Clara, who is now Mrs. Shepherd, of Muscatine, Iowa. His second marriage 
was to Almira Bamford, who passed away in Sonoma county, leaving three chil- 
dren, as follows : Frank, who died in Oregon ; Bion, of Mexico City ; and Lester, 
of Fort Bragg. On March 17, 1897, Mr. Gregory was married in Santa Rosa 
to Mrs. Mary M. (Gilbert) Kniffin, who was born near Muscatine, Iowa, the 
daughter of Hiram and Eliza (Benefield) Gilbert, born respectively in Kentucky 
and Indiana. Mrs. Gregory's paternal grandfather, Mordecai Gilbert, was a 
native of Virginia, whence in the early days he removed to Kentucky, and still 
later to Iowa/ The maternal grandfather, Robert Benefield, came from Indiana 
to Muscatine county, Iowa, when that county was as yet practically uninhabited 
bv white men. Mrs. Gregory was fourth from the oldest of a family of nine 
children born to her parents, eight of whom are still living. She was given the 
privileges cf the public schools of Muscatine county. Her first marriage was with 
Isaac Kniffin, a native of New York state and iater a farmer in Muscatine county, 
Iowa, where he was living at the time of his death. Some years afterward his 
widow removed to Hodgeman county, Kan., where she entered one hundred 
and sixty acres of land, but the country suffered from lack of rain during the 
years she remained upon it, and when the opportunity came she disposed of the 
land, after which she removed to Topeka. One child was born of her union 
with Mr. Kniffin, Minnie L., who became the wife of Dr. Beatty, of West Branch, 
Iowa. In his political belief Mr. Gregory was a stanch Republican, and with his 
wife was an active member of the Grange and the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
Personally he was a man of kindly, lovable qualities, a man of integrity and true 
worth, one whose greatest happiness was in showing kindness to those about him. 



CHARLES E. WYATT. 
A native son of the state, Charles E. Wyatt was born in Petaluma, Sonoma 
county, May 14, 1873, and was brought up and educated in the public schools of 
his native town. The financial condition of his parents made it obligatory upon 
him that he assume the responsibility of his own support at an early age, and as 
he had no opportunity to learn a trade, he followed the line of least resistance 
when he applied for work in the care of horses. A natural and inborn love for 
horses prompted him in his choice, and that it was a wise one has been apparent 
in all that he has undertaken along this line, and indeed throughout his life he 
has been associated with horses in one way or another. His first experience was 
at Agricultural Park, where he helped to care for Thorough and Standard bred 
horses, and it was not long before he had developed an ability in riding and train- 
ing them that was to be of invaluable help to him later on. In fact, for years he 
followed this business with splendid success, and gave it up reluctantly when he 
became too heavy for the exercise. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 933 

A subsequent position which Mr. Wyatt filled acceptably was as foreman 
of Haney's livery stable, continuing there for five years, when he became asso- 
ciated with Theodore Skillman, of Petaluma.. an extensive importer of draft 
horses, and still later he was connected with the Petaluma Transfer Company, 
remaining in the last-mentioned position for two years. It was in 1892 that he 
entered the employ of George P. McNear, and his long retention in the position 
of foreman of the large stable of this well-known citizen speaks eloquently of 
his ability and all-around fitness for the position. Without exception the Mc- 
Near stable takes first rank in Sonoma county, and no small credit for this high 
standing may be given to Mr. Wyatt, who is an excellent judge of the value of a 
horse, whether draft or roadster, years of experience and association with horses 
making this accurate judgment possible. 

In Petaluma occurred the marriage of Charles E. Wyatt and Miss Sadie 
Edwards, who was born in this city and has passed her entire life here. Three 
children have been born of this marriage, Anita, Gladys and Alice. Mr. Wyatt's 
fraternal associations are with the Eagles and Moose. 



SAMUEL ELMER ADAMS. 

A comparatively late arrival in the west and Sonoma county is Samuel E. 
Adams, who came here from the middle west in 1900 and has every reason to be 
satisfied with the opportunity for advancement which has come to him during 
the past decade. The earliest member of the Adams family of whom we have any 
definite knowledge is the paternal grandfather, Benjamin Adams, who was born 
in Kentucky and who in an early day became a pioneer settler in Brown county, 
111. Near Mount Sterling he entered a tract of land from the government for 
which he paid $1.25 an acre, and there his earth life came to a close. The duties 
which he laid down at his death were assumed and faithfully continued by his 
son and namesake, Benjamin Adams, until he too laid down the burden of life, 
his death occurring when he was only forty-four years of age. His marriage 
united him with Miss Mary McCoy, a native of Brown county, Ilk, her father, 
Samuel McCoy, immigrating there from Ohio. Mrs. Adams survived her hus-. 
band many years, passing away at the age of sixty-three years. 

Of the three children originally comprised in the parental family Samuel 
Elmer Adams is the only one now living. He was born October 8, 1867, on the 
farm near Mount Sterling, Brown county, III, which had been the home of his 
grandfather and father before him. He was educated in the public schools in the 
vicinity, and in addition to his educational training he gained a good insight into 
farming through doing his share of the chores that almost without exception fall 
to the lot of farmers' sons. The training proved timely, for at the time of his 
father's early death he was able to step in and assume responsibilities which other- 
wise would have been impossible. He proved equal to the task thus suddenly laid 
upon his shoulders, and he continued the management of the farm until he was 
thirty-three years of age. After spending a short time in Chicago he came to Cali- 
fornia in 1900, and at Reclamation, Sonoma county, he was fortunate in securing 
employment as foreman on the Rose ranch, property of the California Sugar 



934 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 



Company, where he continued for two years. He then came to Petaluma and 
became foreman of the warehouse for George P. McNear, after which he was 
foreman of a large alfalfa ranch in Humboldt county, Nev., for two years. At 
the end of this experience he again came to Petaluma and for one year was en- 
gaged in the poultry business, after which he carried on a grocery business in 
Santa Rosa for two years. It was in 1909 that he undertook the business in 
which he is now engaged in Petaluma, general contracting, teaming, heavy hauling, 
street grading and excavating. Beginning the business in a modest scale, it has 
constantly grown until from six to ten four-horse teams are necessary to carry 
on the business. One of the contracts which he executed was grading the switch 
yards for the Northwestern Pacific Railroad at Petaluma. 

In Brown county, 111., Mr. Adams was married to Miss Ada Frank, a native 
of that county,' and four children were born of their marriage, Merle, Rita, 
Nanetta and Ila. In his political sympathies Mr. Adams is a Democrat, and fra- 
ternallv he is a member of the Redmen and the Woodmen of the World. Push 
»and enterprise are strong points in the make-up of Mr. Adams, and all who 
know him admire him for his integrity and straightforward business methods. 



CHARLES WARREN YORK. 

Although Mr. York had lived a quiet, unostentatious life, when death claimed 
him and removed him from the midst of those who had been associated with him 
for over thirty-five years, his loss was deeply felt, and they realized as they had 
never done before what his life and accomplishments had meant to the community 
in and around Healdsburg. For many generations his ancestors had been asso- 
ciated with the far-off state of Maine, and in that state he too was born, his birth 
occurring in Franklin county in 1838. 

A natural inclination toward the blacksmith's trade led Mr. York to take 
up this business as soon as his education was completed and when he was strong 
enough to wield the hammer. He found the business fully as interesting and re- 
munerative as he had anticipated and had followed it in his native locality for 
a number of years when the attractions of the west brought him to California in 
1 861. After a time spent in northern California and Nevada he came to Sonoma 
county, and in Healdsburg established a blacksmith shop which he maintained 
until his death in 1896. During the years that intervened the merry ring of his 
anvil became a familiar sound to those who had business dealings with him, and 
his removal from accustomed scenes after many years of unabated energy was 
felt individually and collectively. 

In his wife, to whom he was married in 1866, Mr. York had a true com- 
panion and help-mate. Before her marriage she was Miss Mary Chapman, a 
native of Ireland, who was born in 1839, the daughter of Irish parents. Four 
children were born to Mr. York and his wife, but only one of the number is 
now living, Anna M. Politically Mr. York was a believer in Republican principles, 
and upon all occasions supported this party's candidates and tenets. The only 
public position which he ever filled was that of town trustee, a position in which he 
discharged his duties efficiently and well, and had he any desire for other offices 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 935 

of trust he might have had them, for he was well qualified to fill any position 
to which his fellow-citizens might have elected him. His greatest interest centered 
around his home and family, and it was only those who were most intimately 
associated with him who were able to penetrate into his deeper nature and realize 
to the fullest extent the depth and breadth of his kindly, wholesome nature. 
Fraternally he was associated with but one order, the United Workmen of 
America. 



HANS JUHL. 

Not only is Mr. Juhl known as a tiller of the soil in the vicinity of Petaluma, 
but he is also known as a genial "mine host," owning and maintaining a small 
hotel at the head of Chelino valley, on San Antone creek. Mr. Juhl is one 
of the sons of Denmark who have found in the United States an opportunity 
for the development and expression of ideas and ideals which would not have 
been possible in the land which gave them birth. To the man willing to work 
for the attainment of his ideal even in the face of obstacles if need be, this new 
country has been a boon, as for one Mr. Juhl can testify. Born in Hadersleben, 
Denmark, November 18, 1848, he was a young man of eighteen years when he 
determined to come to the United States and begin life under new conditions, 
confident that if one avenue of support failed, another could be found whereby 
he could at least make a living. The voyage was made by way of the Isthmus 
of Panama, and on the 26th day of December, 1866, he landed at San Francisco, 
after a long voyage of land and sea travel. 

From the metropolis Mr. Juhl came to Sonoma county and in the agricultural 
district he found ample opportunity to put his knowledge of farming to good 
account, for in the old country he had attained considerable proficiency in this 
line of endeavor. He worked in the employ of others for a number of years, 
in the meantime laying aside from his wages whatever was not actually needed 
to supply his wants. His object in so doing was a desire to become a property 
owner, but before taking this step he made investigations in other parts of the 
state, going first to Humboldt county and from there to other localities ; but he 
finally returned to Sonoma county, satisfied that this particular part of the 
state offered advantages over any others that he had investigated. It was there- 
fore with considerable assurance that he came to Petaluma and purchased the 
ranch of forty-one acres upon which he has resided ever since. As has been 
stated, in addition to maintaining this property, he also runs a small hotel for 
the traveling public in the Chelino valley, on San Antone creek, just over the line 
in Marin county. His ranch, which adjoins the Sonoma county line and is 
five and three-quarters miles west of Petaluma, was formerly known as the 
Laguna station, but now is called Chelino Valley station. 

Mr. Juhl's marriage, which was celebrated October 7, 1876, in San Fran- 
cisco, united him with Miss Matilda Peterson, who was born on the island of 
Fohr, Schleswig, Germany, the daughter of John and Anna Peterson, who 
were born in Germany in 1823 and 1821 respectively. Four children were born 
to these parents, Nicholas, Claudius, Anna and Matilda, and all are married 
and established in homes of their own. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. 
Juhl, one son and two daughters growing to maturity, Luis, Ida and Henrietta. 



936 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

The last-mentioned, a resident of Marin county, is the wife of Henry DeWitt 
and the mother of two children, Roger and Marjorie. The other children are 
still at home with their parents. Public-spirited and enterprising, Mr. Juhl has 
done his part at all times to advance the welfare of the community in which he 
lives, and for a number of years was road master of his district and also school 
trustee. Fraternally he is affiliated with Petaluma Lodge No. 38, U. A. O. D., 
and socially he mingles with his fellow-countrymen in the Dania, a Danish so- 
ciety. When opportunity is afforded to express his political views he speaks 
and votes in favor of the Democratic party, believing that its principles, if 
rightly understood and expressed, will bring the greatest good to the greatest 
number. For thirty-five years Mr. and Mrs. Juhl have resided in this vicinity 
and of this period twenty-five years have been spent at Chelino Valley station, 
where for six years Mr. Juhl served as postmaster until the office was discon- 
tinued and rural delivery established. Both Mr. and Mrs. Juhl are beloved by 
all who know them for their many deeds of kindness, rendered not only to those 
in their immediate vicinity, but to wayfarers who come to their doors. 



JOSEPH B. SMALL. 

Holding a position of prominence among the foremost citizens of Sonoma, 
Joseph B. Small is one of the. best-known and most reliable builders and con- 
tractors in this section of Sonoma county, where he located over thirty-nine 
years ago, and in the meantime has built up an excellent reputation. A man 
of ability, intelligence and excellent business talent, he is very influential in 
the management of public affairs, and is rendering good service in the community 
in which he resides as city clerk, a position which he has filled for ten years, and 
for twenty years he served efficiently as justice of the peace. 

A native of Maryland, Joseph B. Small was born in Baltimore July 12. 
1852, the son of parents who were natives of Ireland (the mother born in Dub- 
lin), and both of whom were brought to the United States by their parents in 
childhood, the father at the age of four years, and the mother when she was two 
years old. Joseph B. Small was reared and educated in Baltimore to the age of 
fourteen years, when, in the early spring of the year 1866, the family set out 
for the far west, and reached San Francisco May 23d of that year. Mr. Small 
remained in the metropolis with his parents until May, 1871, at that time coming 
to Sonoma county and taking up work at the carpenter's trade. From this has 
developed the business as contractor and builder which is his today, and which 
takes him to all parts of the county. Many fine specimens of his handiwork are 
to be seen in Sonoma, and the first house put up in Glen Ellen was constructed 
by him. His business affairs however have not consumed his time and attention 
so completely as to blind him to his duty as a good citizen, and during the thirty- 
nine years that he has been a resident of Sonoma no one has been more wide- 
awake or active in the town's upbuilding and advancement. On the Democratic 
ticket he was elected to the office of justice of the peace, filling this position 
efficiently for twenty years, and on the same ticket he was the successful candidate 
for the office of city clerk, in 1900, a position which he filled continuously 
until the expiration of his term in April, 1910. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 937 

Mr. Small's marriage, August 15, 1883, united him with Miss Emma A. 
Poppe, a native of Sonoma county, and on both sides of the family a descendant 
of German ancestors, both parents being natives of Germany. Her father is 
deceased, but her mother is still living, a resident of Sonoma. Four children have 
been born of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Small, and of them we mention the 
following : Norine C. became the wife of Frederick Bulotti and the mother of 
one son, born in 1907, and they make their home in Sonoma; Joseph Lester, 
born in January, 1886, is a graduate of the high school at Sonoma and is now 
studying law in the office of Robert A. Poppe; Annie Gladys, born in 1888, is a 
graduate of the local grammar school; and Bernice D., born in June, 1892, is a 
graduate of Presentation convent of Sonoma. Fraternally Mr. Small is a well- 
known member of the Ancient Order of Foresters, in which body he is at present 
filling of office of district deputy. Mr. Small's mother is deceased, and his father, 
who was born in Belfast June 5, 1819, died at his son's home November 19, 
1910, at the venerable age of ninetv-one vears. 



JAMES R. ROSIE. 

For over twenty years J. R. Rosie has been identified with ranching in- 
terests in the Molino section, Sonoma county, beginning with a small acreage, but 
increasing his holdings from time to time as he was able, until today he has 
seventy acres, all under cultivation. By far the greater part of his land is in 
hops, in the cultivation of which he is an acknowledged authority, notwithstanding 
the fact that, for him, this is a latter-day industry. The raising of blackberries 
and apples of all the best-known varieties represents another industry equally in- 
teresting and remunerative to the fortunate owner, who has been more than or- 
dinarily successful from a financial standpoint. 

A native of Scotland, Mr. Rosie was born near the city of Kirkwall, No- 
vember 2, 1863, the son of parents who never left their native home, Scotland. 
The parents were farmers, and it was therefore quite natural that the son should 
imbibe some knowledge of agriculture from his surroundings, even though he had 
not been a participant in their duties. However, he had a taste for agriculture, 
and father and son worked side by side in maintaining the home farm until the 
latter was twenty years of age. It was then, in 1883, that he bade farewell to 
parents and friends and set sail for the new world, with California as his des- 
tination. The voyage was accomplished without accident or other unusual occur- 
rence, and a few months after he left his home in Scotland Mr. Rosie settled in 
Alameda county, Cal. There he engaged in the dairy business, milking forty 
cows, and he continued in this business for six years, or as long as he re- 
mained in that county. On coming to Sonoma county in 1889 he bought a 
ranch of ten acres in Green valley, near Sebastopol, which he cleared of timber 
and underbrush, and subsequently enlarged it by the purchase of a similar 
amount of land, all of which he used as grazing and pasture land for a time. 
All of the twenty acres have since been placed under cultivation, nine acres 
being in blackberries, and the remainder, or eleven acres, in apples of the 
best varieties. That Mr. Rosie thoroughly understands the business in which he 



938 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

is engaged needs no emphasis beyond the statement of the yield of his crops. 
From nine acres of blackberries he gathers twenty-five tons of fruit annually, 
while his eleven acres of apples yield two thousand boxes. In addition to his 
orchard Mr. Rosie maintains a still greater enterprise in his hop yard, which 
covers fifty acres, from which he realizes sixteen hundred pounds of hops to the 
acre. 

In 1888 Mr. Rosie returned to Scotland to claim his bride, in Miss Lizzie 
Liddle, and the wedding journey of the young people consisted of a journey to 
the United States, to the home which Mr. Rosie had prepared in Sonoma county. 
The house to which they then came sheltered the family for about twenty years, 
until Mr. Rosie erected the present fine residence on an elevation over-looking 
the entire valley. Fraternally Mr. Rosie is a Mason, having attained the 
Royal Arch degree, and he also belongs to the Independent Order of Foresters. 



A. L. LANDIS. 

The wide popularity which of late years has been given to the varied uses 
of cement and concrete has made an opening in the commercial world which 
the young, ambitious man has not been slow to recognize. Among those engaged 
in cement contracting in Santa Rosa is A. L. Landis, who during the past five 
years has done much of the best work of this character in the city, including 
sidewalks and curbs, and foundations for residences and business structures. 

A native son of the state, A. L. Landis was born in Woodland, Yolo county, 
February 9, 1870, the son of Daniel and Phoebe (Smith) Landis, who were born 
respectively in Pennsylvania and California. Both are now deceased, the mother 
passing away March 31, 1885, and the father March 31, 1907. The latter came 
to the west from his eastern home in young manhood, during the early '60s, and 
from then until his death he was interested in agricultural affairs in Oregon and 
California, principally, however, in Yolo and Sonoma counties, this state. It 
was after coming to the west that he met the lady who was to become his wife, 
Miss Phoebe Smith, their union being one of mutual helpfulness and happiness. 
It was while they were making their home in Woodland, Yolo county, that the 
birth of their son occurred and there he was educated and trained to habits of 
usefulness by his parents. At an early age he decided upon his future course 
in life. Noting the rapidity with which cement was being made to take the place 
of wood, not only for sidewalks and curbings, but also for building purposes, he 
determined to learn the business and engage in it in all of its varied departments. 
It was with this end in view that he went to San Francisco and became an ap- 
prentice at the business, learning it in all of its details, and subsequently working 
at his trade in that city for a number of years. Many foundations of fine struc- 
tures in that city stand as evidences of his workmanship, besides many blocks 
of sidewalks and curbing. It was with this experience to his credit that he came 
to Santa Rosa in 1906 and continued the good record for conscientious work that 
had brought him such success in the metropolis. All recognize that his work is 
uniformly of the highest order, and in placing a contract in his hands the patron 
is assured of the best work possible to be secured. Besides many miles of cement 
sidewalks and curbing, foundations of manv of the best structures in the city 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 939 

have been laid by him, including residences and business structures. Mr. Landis 
is one of the young, enterprising business men whom Santa Rosa is proud to 
number among her citizens, and with the continued development of the cement 
business a bright future awaits him in his chosen calling. 

Mr. Landis was married in Sonoma county, in 1894, to Miss Cora Barnes, 
whose father, William Barnes, was one of the early settlers of Sonoma county. 
Four children have blessed the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Landis, named in the 
order of their birth as follows : Raymond, Wallace, Helen and Norma. 



WILLIAM JONES. 

If Mr. Jones could be induced to write a history of his life it would be 
found to contain much of interest to old and young alike, for his experiences 
have been associated with the early historical epoch of this Pacific common- 
wealth. A native of the south, he was born March 18, 1836. in Jefferson 
county, Tenn., near the line which separates that state from Virginia. His 
knowledge of his birthplace is very vague in his memory, however, for from 
the age of four years he was reared in Cass county, Missouri, remaining there 
until he was sixteen years of age. It was about this time, in the fall of 1853, 
that he made a trip to Old Mexico in the interests of the United States gov- 
ernment, carrying supplies to the soldiers there. His return to Missouri in 
the fall of that year was followed by preparations for his immigration to Cali- 
fornia, and May 2, 1854, found him starting on the journey. The party of 
which he formed a part consisted of forty men and women, under the leader- 
ship of Captain Norman Rosson. The Sacramento river was crossed at Red 
Bluffs, and from there they proceeded without accident or injury, and when 
they reached their destination, each went in the direction that choice or inclina- 
tion dictated. Mr. Jones went to Placer county and secured employment in 
panning gold. The habits of uprightness and honesty which have been 
marked characteristics throughout his entire life, became apparent at an early 
age and were put to a test while filling the position just referred to. Being 
at one time left in charge of the premises for two weeks, in the course of his 
duties he found hidden in the barn two sacks of gold, which he put in a place 
of safety and gave to his employer upon his return. Subsequently he came to 
Sonoma county, locating first near Sebastopol, and later on Sonoma mountain, 
near the old adobe. Still later he located on his present property near Peta- 
iuma, where he has one hundred acres of choice land, upon which he carries 
on dairying, owning twenty cows of fine breed, considerable live-stock, besides 
which he has seven hundred chickens. Although he is advancing in years he is 
still caring for his ranch interests with the same interest and enthusiasm as 
formerly and is as keenly interested in the affairs and happenings in the world 
at large as he was a quarter of a century ago. 

The marriage of William Jones occurred in Petaluma and united him with 
Miss Rebecca A. Farley, who was born in Indiana in 1844, the daughter of 
S. H. and Elizabeth (Grant) Farley. Their marriage was celebrated in the 
old Casa Granda fort, on the Sonoma road, February 14, i860, and on Febru- 
ary 14, 1910, they celebrated their golden wedding in the home which has 



94 o HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

enshrined about it the memories of their happy married life. The participants 
consisted largely of relatives, numbering thirty-seven, all of whom were re- 
joiced to see the happy couple in such buoyant spirits and excellent health. 
A large family of twelve children blessed the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Jones, 
of whom we mention the following: Frances E. became the wife of A. Wil- 
sey, by whom she has two children, William and Zelpha, the family making 
their home in Petaluma. Amanda E. became the wife of Benjamin R. Bow- 
man and the mother of three children, Robert, Beatrice and Claire. Mary Alice 
is deceased. William F., a well-known rancher of Marin county, married Mary 
Dennett and they have four children, Dennett F., Cecil M., Wilma A. and El- 
liott McG. Carrie Ann became the wife of William Meyer, of Hollister, Cali- 
fornia. Robert Grant is a guard at the San Quentin prison. Charles Milton 
is a resident of Ross Station ; his wife was formerly Miss Elizabeth McGrath. 
Emma Jane is the wife of Henry King of Petaluma, and they have four chil- 
dren, Kenneth ; Elvus, Gertrude and Everett D. Walter Graves is still at 
home. Martha Lena is a school teacher in San Rafael. Edith Jeanette is the 
wife of Otto Ingram. Vivian Aletha is the wife of DeWitt Appleton and the 
mother of two children, only one of whom is living, Dederick. 

Politically Mr. Jones is a Democrat of no uncertain stand, the only in- 
stance of his departure from the rule to cast a straight Democratic vote being 
the time when he voted for Gen. U. S. Grant. For ten years he filled the 
office of school trustee of San Antone, now Union, district and in every way 
possible has exerted an influence toward betterment of conditions in the local- 
ity in which he lives, as well as in the state in general. When in a reminiscent 
mood Mr. Jones is very entertaining in his account of happenings and events 
of the long ago. Hunting and fishing were sports in which he indulged 
whenever the duties of his pioneer life would permit, but ordinarily, however, 
the former of these pastimes was waiting at his door, for he relates that during 
the years from 1859 to 1870 he could go to his door with his gun and find 
game plenty, and on a number of occasions he shot bear. 



FREDERICK GROHE. 

Many of the successful and prosperous agriculturists of Sonoma county 
are of foreign birth and to this land of fertility and plenty have transported 
the habits of thrift and industry to which they were trained in their native 
country. Among these there is none better known or more widely respected 
than Frederick Grohe, whose reputation as a raiser of flower seeds has made 
his name a household word all over the state. A visit to his ranch at the corner 
of McDonald and Park streets reveals a blaze of splendor radiating from the 
beds of petunias, Shasta daisies and delphinium, which are his specialties, as is 
also the strain of pentstemon which he raises, this latter being obtainable from 
no other source. In addition to caiing for his ranch and hot-houses Mr. Grohe 
is prepared to do floral work and also to supply cut flowers to the trade. 

The first seventeen years of Mr. Grohe's life were passed in the home 
place in Germany, his birth occurring there in 1847. and in the meantime he- 
had learned the rudiments and also had considerable experience at the florist's 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 941 

trade. When he landed on our shores in 1864 he found the country in the 
throes of warfare, and in the same year he volunteered his services in the 
restoration of peace. Enlisting in a company of New Jersey cavalry he con- 
tinued in the service until peace was declared, after which he came to the west, 
reaching San Francisco in April, 1866. About this time the mines of Idaho 
were attracting considerable attention and Mr. Grohe was one of the number 
who went there that year for the purpose of trying his luck in the field of 
mining. Just what success he had there is not known, but the records state that he 
later went to Arizona and combined mining and ranching for seven years. He 
then came back to California, but instead of settling down at that time, he re- 
turned east and remained there altogether about ten years. In reality his asso- 
ciation with California dates from the year 1891, when he located in Stockton 
and established himself as a florist. This was the business in life for which 
nature intended him, and it has therefore been along this line that his greatest 
achievements have been brought about. After continuing in that city for about 
ten years he came to Sonoma county in 1900 and his success in the meantime 
has been marked and rapid. Upon first locating in Santa Rosa Mr. Grohe 
rented what is known as the old Meldrum property for seven years, trans- 
forming it into a flower garden. After he had been on the place for about 
three years he purchased his present ranch on the corner of McDonald and 
Park streets, and at once began its development. Finally he gave up the rented 
property and gave his entire attention to his own ranch. While he raises for 
seed purposes flowers of various kinds, which are shipped to all parts of the 
United States, as has been stated, he makes a specialty of petunias, Shasta 
daisies, delphinium and pentstemon, in the cultivation of which he is especially 
successful and has made his name known all over the United States. In 1909 
he shipped about $750 of the above varieties of seed. His gardens cover about 
two acres, with hot-houses and accessories, making about twenty-five thou- 
sand feet under glass, to which he expects to add six hundred feet during the 
season of 19 10. 

Politically Mr. Grohe is a Republican, and fraternally is identified with 
the Masonic lodge at Santa Rosa. He is affiliated with Ellsworth Post, G. A. 
R., and is a member of the Lutheran Church, in the faith of which he was 
reared from boyhood. 



WILLIAM KING. 
The acquisition of a comfortable home and large holdings of land repre- 
sents years of unwearied industry and the endurance of hardships innumerable 
on the part of William King, an honored pioneer of Sonoma county, who has 
risen to agricultural prosperity only after great toil and countless privations. 
Of Canadian birth, he was born in 1855 near the St. Lawrence river across 
that stream from New York state, and during the year 1876 he crossed the 
plains to California, where his adult years have been passed in Sonoma county. 
The land which he first secured still remains his homestead, but its boundaries 
have been greatly extended through wise investments and frugal thrift. At 
the time of settling on West Austin creek no roads had been opened to Caza- 
dero or Guerneville, the nearest markets, and often he carried supplies on his 



942 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

back over the mountain in order that his family might not perish from starva- 
tion. For years his chief dependence was a trusty mule, on whose back sup- 
plies could be placed and the animal would then cross the mountain and swim 
the creek several times in order to reach the station. When it was impossible 
to get to the market the pioneer would shoulder his rifle and go forth into the 
woods in search of deer. When game was plentiful he would kill more than 
one animal, which would necessitate packing as much as possible on his back 
and hanging the balance on a tree to be taken home the following day. In that 
way the winter supply of meat was secured. In addition there were fish in the 
creeks and mountain trout was especially plentiful and appreciated by the 
family. 

The parents of this western pioneer were David and Eliza (Colwell) 
King, both born in Canada in 1822 and continuous residents of that country until 
their deaths, when seventy years old. There were six sons and four daughters 
in the parental family, namely : Thomas, James, William, John, David, Ches- 
ter, Jane, Helen, Margaret and Eliza. James married Augusta Dahlman, who 
died after giving birth to one son, Chester ; his second marriage was to Mabel 
Willis, of Petaluma, by whom he has eight children. David chose as his wife 
Miss Anna Barnes, and they have three children, Thomas W., John D., and 
Lora Belle. Margaret, wife of John Mills, of Canada, has three children, 
David, Hazel and Electa. During early manhood William King married Lora 
Z. Adams, who was born in 1862 near the St. Lawrence river in Canada. One 
daughter, Edith, blesses their union. Excellent advantages have been given to 
this only child and her education was completed in the State Normal School at 
San Jose, where she made a flattering record for progress in studies. The 
father of Mrs. King was a Canadian. Levi Adams, who was born on the St. 
Lawrence river in 1S10 and died in Canada during the year 1876, after having 
spent his entire life in the same locality. Two children, George and Ruth, 
were born of his union with Sarah Sparahawk, who was born in New York in 
1823 and died in Canada during young womanhood. After her demise Mr. 
Adams married Miss Zerviah Fenton, by whom he had seven children, named 
as follows: Azro H., John 0., Colin C, Sarah J., Edith, Lora Z. (Mrs. 
King) and Maruella J., wife of F. D. Trosper, a leading Democrat of his local- 
ity and for twenty-four successive years the incumbent of the office of town- 
ship judge. 

The possessions accumulated by Mr. King aggregate sixteen hundred and 
ninety-five acres of land, a large part of which is in timber, some in meadow 
and a small tract in pasture. Twelve acres have been planted in choice fruits. 
From the home place a magnificent view is afforded of the mountains bounded 
by the great redwood trees. To the casual inspector the land on the moun- 
tains would seem barren. Experience, however, has proved that the soil will 
grow fine apples and luscious grapes. When the woodman's axe shall have 
cleared away the giant trees and when the horticulturist shall have come into 
the now timbered region, then fruit orchards will arise with their wealth of 
golden fruit and this part of Sonoma county will take rank with the other 
rich sections of imperial California. Such is the theory of Mr. King and close 
observers hold this judgment in the matter to be correct. In the township he 
is a man of prominence and high standing. He is now county supervisor of 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 943 

the fifth district of Sonoma county and for fourteen years he held office as 
deputy assessor, while in other local posts of trust he has proved efficient and 
trustworthy. Fraternally be is identified with Mount Jackson Lodge No. 295, 
F. & A. M., in Guerneville. 



CAPT. C. GUSTAFSON. 

The subject of this biographical sketch is a native of Sweden, born in 
Gottenberg, June 28, i86_|, and a typical representative of his race, energetic, 
thrifty and a lover of the sea. His father, Gustaf Gustafson, was a farmer in 
Gottenberg, and in the rural district about the family home Captain Gustafson 
was educated. At the age of fifteen years the sea-faring spirit took posses- 
sion of him and he sailed first on the Baltic and then on the Mediterranean, 
later going on a trading vessel to Brazil. From there he came to the United 
States and landed at New Orleans, where be went on the American ship 
Lucile in the European trade. Tn the year 1882 he came to California and 
spent a year in the coasting trade, but since then has been sailing on the Bay. 
The following year he entered the employ of the Sausalito Ferry Company, 
first as mate on the Donahue, and then as pilot. In 1890 he was mate and pilot 
on the Ukiah, until the completion of the Tiburon. Four years later he went 
on the Sacramento river with the Sacramento Transportation Company, then 
with the California Transportation Company. During the time he was in the 
emplov of the latter company he was appointed captain, and took charge as 
master of the Richelieu, serving until 191 1, when he became captain of the 
Napa City for the Petalnma & Santa Rosa Railway Company. 

Still a voting man and a busy one, Captain Gustafson has been so provident 
as to invest in a fruit ranch of twenty-four acres at Graton, Sonoma county, 
where be resides, his family taking care of the place. All of the land is set to 
fruit, nearly one-half of it to apples of the Gravenstein variety principally. 
Here Captain Gustafson loves to spend all the time he can spare from his 
responsible duties as master of his vessel, taking the keenest enjoyment and 
delight in his surroundings. 

Captain Gustafson 's marriage united him with Miss Anna Pearson, a na- 
tive of Sweden, and to them were born two children, Gladys G. and Roy H. 
Captain Gustafson is a Master Mason, and a member of the California Asso- 
ciation of Masters and Pilots. Politically he is a Republican. A man of kindly 
and sympathetic nature, bis liberality and interest in public-spirited measures 
are felt upon all sides. 



JOHN KENNETH GIBERSON. 
Numbered among the prominent and substantial men of Petaluma is John 
K. Giberson, a prosperous agriculturist, who has long been identified with the 
farming interests of this part of the count). As a citizen he is held in high re- 
pute, and by his excellent character and straightforward business course in 
life has fully established himself in the esteem and confidence of his neigh- 
bors and associates. He was born in Hightstown, Mercer county, N. J., De- 
cember 24. 1862. 



944 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 



Charles McChesney Giberson, the father of John K. Giberson, was also a 
native of New Jersey, born in Hightstown, August 25, 1834. At the time of 
the breaking out of the war between the north and the south he served as a 
government telegraph operator at Hightstown, and after the close of the war 
engaged for a number of years in building telegraph lines for the Pennsylvania 
Railroad Company. He had a congenial life companion in Meribah Jane 
Gravette, who was born in Clarksburg, N. J., July 16, 1838, and to whom he 
was married in Philadelphia, Pa., August 8, i860. The parents came to Cali- 
fornia in 1870 and were farmers at Two Rock, Sonoma county. 

John K. Giberson attended the elementary schools of Hightstown in his 
early boyhood, and completed his education in Sonoma county, Cal., whither 
the family removed in November, 1870. This has been his home ever since, 
and so satisfactory are his surroundings from every viewpoint that he has no 
desire to change his home place to any other part of the state or county. Ever 
since Jeaving school he has been interested in agriculture, and since 1872 has 
been engaged in farming two hundred and twenty acres with his uncle, Charles 
McChesney, in Two Rock. In April, 191 1, he located in Petaluma, where he 
purchased a residence and four acres on Bodega avenue, and here he is now 
engaged in the poultry business. 

During the summer of 1909 Mr. Giberson returned to New Jersey to 
claim his bride in Miss Kate L. Gravette, their marriage occurring in Trenton, 
N. J., June 2 of that year. She was born in Hightstown, N. J., October 5, 
1862, the daughter of William LaRue and Hannah C. (Osborn) Gravette. 
Mr. Gravette rendered valiant service in the United States Navy during the 
Rebellion, serving until the close of the war, when he received honorable dis- 
charge. Politically Mr. Giberson upholds Democratic principles, and with his 
wife is a member of the Presbyterian church at Petaluma. Fraternally he is 
identified with Petaluma Lodge No. 139, I. O. R. M. 



ELZI BROTHERS. 

The opportunities which California offers to young men of determination 
and perseverance find appreciators in Anton J. and Joseph T. Elzi, natives of 
Canton Ticino, Switzerland, who have been residents of Sonoma county since 
1881, since which time they have followed the dairy business in Sonoma and 
Marin counties. The year 1906 marks the date of the establishment of the 
dairv business which they are maintaining near Petaluma, on eighteen hun- 
dred acres of land which they lease, from Mrs. Mabel Burdell Smith. Here 
two hundred and fifty cows of excellent breed find pasturage, besides a large 
number of stock, twelve head of work, horses and colts. The brothers are mu- 
tually interested in the maintenance of the ranch enterprise carried on under 
their name and each year notes an increase in their business and a correspond- 
ing enlargement of income. They are both young men of push and determina- 
tion, and the progress which they are making is being watched with interest 
by their fellow-citizens. 

Anton J. Elzi was born in 1868, and since thirteen years of age has been a 
resident of Sonoma county. He was- married in San Francisco to Miss Reta 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 945 

Rasmussen, a native of Denmark, born in 1879. Four children have been born 
of this marriage, Alfred J., Clarence E., Anna C. and Lillian C. In their politi- 
cal proclivities both Anton J. Elzi and his brother are Republicans, and they 
have never departed from the faith of the Roman Catholic church in which 
they were reared. Joseph T. Elzi was born in 1872 and came to California in 
1885, and is now actively associated with his brother in the maintenance of the 
dairv. 



FREDERICK THOMAS CULLEN. 

A native of the East Frederick Thomas Cullen was born in Utica, N. Y.. 
January 26, 1874, the son of John L. and Frances (Ackerman) Cullen, the for- 
mer born in Ireland and the latter in New York state. Following the trade of 
contractor and builder, John L. Cullen, believing his opportunities would be 
greater in a new country, took his family to Nevada City, Nevada, in the year 
1876 and the following year to Petaluma, Cal., where his son, apprenticed to the 
same trade as that of his father, has succeeded him with a goodly measure of 
success. 

Frederick Thomas Cullen was one of seven children, all of whom were 
reared and educated in the public schools of Petaluma. At the age of sixteen 
he was apprenticed to the carpenter's trade and received good training from the 
start, as it was at this time the fair grounds were being remodeled, and his ser- 
vices were called for and highly approved. At the age of nineteen he became 
foreman for Camm & Fledges, which position he held for three years, then 
spent three years in Arizona in the employ of the Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe 
Railroad at bridge building, after which two years were spent in Butte, Mont., 
at his trade. In 1900, he returned to Petaluma, and launched out as a contractor 
and builder of the very highest standard and his ability and art are shown in 
many of the most beautiful buildings in Petaluma, chief among which are the 
residences for Messrs. Rrainerd, Dittman, Clamer, Webber and the McKinley 
school building. 

In this city Mr. Cullen was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Stephens, a 
native of Wisconsin, and four children have blessed their union, Frederick 
Stephen, Vivian Margaret, Dorothy and Richard. Although but thirty-seven 
years of age Mr. Cullen has made distinctive strides in his profession and dur- 
ing the eleven years of his residence in Petaluma has made for himself an en- 
viable position, bidding fair for a future of unusual success. As a member of 
the community and St. Vincent's Catholic church, his charities and good citizen- 
ship are favorably commended. 



MRS. MARGARET T. DRAGO. 

The estate known as the Drago ranch forms one of the early cultivated 
places of Sonoma county and comprises four hundred and eighty acres lying in 
close proximity to Occidental. The house that Mrs. Drago occupies was erected 
more than sixty years ago and is one of the few remaining landmarks associated 
with an interesting period of Californian history. Notwithstanding its great 
age and long use, the building presents a neatness of appearance and solidity 

IS 



946 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

of construction not always to be found in houses of more recent date. It was 
during October of 1862 that Mrs. Drago began to reside in this historic struc- 
ture and since then she has witnessed the changes transforming the country 
from a wild region into a cultivated area. In the early days her table was abun- 
dantly provided with venison, bear-meat and other kinds of wild game that fre- 
quented the country and among her guests were not a few Indians, for the red 
men had not yet disappeared before the ambitious sway of the Anglo-Saxon. 

Born in County Wexford, Ireland, in 1830, Mrs. Drago was a girl of fourteen 
years when she left her native land and went to London, England. During 1850 
she crossed the ocean to the United States and landed at Boston, from the sail- 
ing vessel Grace. Finding employment, she remained in Boston seven years. 
From that city she removed to Poughkeepsie, N. Y., where, August 21, 1859, 
she became the wife of John Morgan, a native of Ireland, born in 1823, and 
deceased in Sonoma county December 5, 1867. Four children blessed the union 
of Mr. and Mrs. Morgan. The eldest, William N., was born in Poughkeepsie, 
N. Y., and died in Sonoma county, Cal., at seventeen years of age. The second, 
John L., was born in Sonoma county in 1863 and still resides at his birthplace. 
The third child, Mary Jane, makes her home in Oakland, Cal. The youngest 
member of the Morgan family was Nellie W., born in Sonoma county in 1868 
and married in 1891 to Robert Lee Adams, a native of this state and a resident 
of Point Richmond. 

After the death of her first husband Mrs. Morgan remained a widow about 
two years and in 1869 became the wife of Nelson Drago, who was born in Que- 
bec, Canada, in 1832 and died in Sonoma county November 20, 1904. Surviving 
him are his widow and two sons, Frank and Nelson, Jr. The elder son, Frank, 
was born January 5, 1871, and grew to manhood at the old homestead, receiving 
fair advantages in the county schools. During 1901 he was united in marriage 
with Miss Agnes Mabel Glynn, who was born in San Francisco. Of their union 
two sons were born , namely : George Francis, who was born in 1902 and died 
in infancy ; and David Patrick, who was born September 5, 1903, and is now a 
pupil in the local schools. The youngest son of Mrs. Drago and his father's 
namesake was born March 10, 1872, on the ranch that has been his lifelong home. 
In the supervision of the large property Mrs. Drago has the assistance of her 
three sons and maintains improvements of a high character, including a large 
vineyard, a well-kept fruit orchard and a thrifty garden. Formerly she made 
a specialty of the dairy business, but of more recent years she has given atten- 
tion largely to the pasturage of sheep and the raising of lambs. Life's twilight 
finds her still busy and active, retaining full possession of her physical and 
mental faculties and enjoying the companionship of her children and a com- 
petency accumulated by years of self-sacrificing effort. 



WILLIAM FREDERICK BOWMAN. 
On Rural Route No. 3 from Petaluma may be seen the unpretentious but 
nevertheless thrifty ranch of which Mr. Bowman is the owner and proprietor. 
Here he is engaged in the dairy business, on a much smaller scale than formerly, 
but in the care of five cows he finds enough to occupy his time and to maintain 
himself and wife in comfort. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 947 

A native of the east, W. F. Bowman was born in Boston, Mass., in 1845, 
and in that city of culture he received an excellent education, attending first the 
grammar schools and later the high school, from which he was graduated. With 
the splendid educational preparation which had been granted him he might have 
filled successfully any position in the commercial world that he had chosen, but 
he preferred agricultural life and it was to this that he turned his attention as 
soon as his school days were over. He had followed farming and dairying in 
the vicinity of Boston for a number of years when, in 1873, he determined to 
come to the west and locate. Setting sail from an eastern port, he made the 
voyage by way of the Isthmus of Panama, and without unusual delay or disaster 
he finally reached his destination, San Francisco. Five years were passed in the 
metropolis in the milk business before he finally took up his residence in Sonoma 
county, which he did after selling his business and goodwill in San Francisco for 
$3,000. Near Petaluma he purchased eighty acres of land upon which he estab- 
lished himself in the dairy business on a moderate scale, having twenty-five 
cows, and during the many years in which he continued the business as then 
started he laid by considerable means and is thereby enabled to live at the present 
time with less effort to provide for necessities of life than would have been pos- 
sible otherwise. He has disposed of a large part of his original acreage, now 
having only twenty-three acres, and caring for only five cows. 

Mr. Bowman's first marriage united him with Miss Rebecca Lougheed, a 
union which resulted in the birth of two children, Charles J. and Rebecca, both 
of whom are married and have families. The daughter is the wife of Clayton 
Shader and the mother of five children, George W., William, Clayton, Gertrude 
and Florence. Some time after the death of his first wife, Mr. Bowman was 
married, July 3, 1894, to his present wife, who was formerly Mrs. Louise (Miller) 
Sunderhous. She was born in Basel, Switzerland, in 1855, the daughter of 
Jacob and Marie Louisa Miller, they too being natives of Switzerland. No 
children have been born to Mr. Bowman and his wife and they live quietly and 
alone on the ranch near Petaluma. Their lives, however, are not devoid of ac- 
tivities, for they are active workers in the Episcopal Church in which they hold 
membership, and are constantly helping and cheering those with whom thev 
are brought in contact. Mr. Bowman has no inclination to recreation of an 
active kind, finding sufficient activity in the care of his ranch and in doing for his 
fellowmen and his community whatever benefit lays in his power. Politically 
he is a Democrat. 



DAVID BOCK. 

Coming to California in pioneer days, the late David Bock was for many 
years intimately associated with, the agricultural interests of Sonoma county as 
an industrious and prosperous rancher. A man of energy and thrift, frugal and 
prudent, he was in truth the architect of his own fortune, by his persistency and 
perseverance obtaining a good annual income from his property. 

A native of the east, David Bock was born in McKeansburg, Schuylkill 
county, Pa., in 1822, and died June 28, 1888. He was the son of Andrew Bock, 
whose father came from Germany and settled in Pennsylvania, and served in the 
Revolutionary war. David Bock learned the blacksmith's trade, after which he 



94 8 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

followed this until coming to the west in 1852. In April of that year he set 
out for California on a sailing vessel which made the perilous voyage around 
Cape Horn, but the vessel was sea-worthy and made the voyage in safety, con- 
suming nine months. In San Francisco, where the vessel landed her human 
freight, he remained one year working at his trade. Following this he fanned 
at San Leandro for one year, and in 1854 he came to Sonoma county and this 
was his home continuously thereafter until his death. Soon after locating here, 
in 1854, he selected and purchased the ranch upon which his life was thereafter 
passed, consisting of three hundred and sixty acres of land near Petaluma. Polit- 
ically he was a Republican. 

The marriage of David Bock, in 1850, united him with Miss Lucy Renn, 
who was born in Sunbury, Montour county, Pa., in 1828, and who died in 1896. 
Eight children were born to them, five sons and three daughters, all of whom 
were born in California except the eldest. Named in the order of their birth they 
are as follows : Andrew, deceased : Edward H. : George L., deceased ; Walter 
B.. deceased ; John P. : Kate M. ; Blanche E. and E. Josephine. The eldest 
daughter, Kate M., became the wife of W. H. Magoon, formerly postmaster at 
Stony Point, and an instructor in the schools of this county for many years ; he 
is deceased, and his widow is living at Stony Point. Edward H. married Miss 
Emma Colyar and has two sons, Lester and Harley. Walter B. chose as his 
wife Miss Anna Parks, by whom he has three children, Shirley, Charles and 
Clarence; the family reside near Goshen, Cal. Since the death of the father 
Tohn P. Bock and his sisters Blanche E. and E. Josephine have maintained the 
homestead ranch, property which their father purchased over fif'y-six years 
ago. This now consists of two hundred and thirty-seven acres of land, of which 
twelve acres are in orchard, the balance of the land in hay and pasture, the 
latter supplying grazing for the twenty-six cows which comprise the dairy. 

A department of the ranch enterprise which is of special interest to the 
present managers of the ranch is the hennery which forms such a large income 
from the property, the returns for the year 1909 amounting to $3,000. They 
have a cherry orchard of ten acres, principally Royal Anns, which they set out 
eight vears ago. This is a splendid variety of cherry and bears bountifully. 
There are several old cherry trees on the ranch set out years ago by the father, 
and two of these are probably the largest cherry trees in the county. The ranch 
is located on the Bloomfield road, one mile west of Roblar station. 



JAMES FRANKLIN ELPHICK. 
From the age of ten years to the present time Mr. Elphick has been a resi- 
dent of California, and ever since early manhood he has followed ranch pursuits, 
his tastes inclining him to make a specialty of the raising of fruit, in which 
he has been successful to an unusual degree. The place which he owns and 
occupies comprises eighty acres of valuable land lying near Penn Grove in the 
county of Sonoma. For a long period he has devoted his time and attention to 
the cultivation of the land, specializing with four acres of fruit of the ven 
choicest varieties. Through intelligent care in the selection of his trees and 
vine's and through wise management in the cultivation of the orchard as well 
as skill in the marketing of products, he has been rewarded with considerable 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 949 

financial success as well as a growing reputation in horticultural circles of the 
county. 

Genealogical lore connected with the Elphick family indicates their long 
residence in the old town of Hastings, England, associated so inseparably with 
the history of the Norman Conqueror. Thomas Elphick was born at Hastings, 
October 13, 1821. and received a common-school education in the city where 
his boyhood years were passed. An early-formed decision to seek a liveli- 
hood in America led him in 1839 to bid farewell to the friends and environment 
of his childhood, after which he crossed the ocean to the United States. At the 
time of his emigration from the old country he was scarcely eighteen years of 
age and it was not until some time afterward that he established domestic ties 
through his marriage to Sarah Estherline, who was born in Philadelphia, Pa., 
in 1820. His first employment in the new world was that of mining in Michi- 
gan, and later he secured work at South Bend, Ind., after which, in the spring 
of 1858, accompanied by his wife and children, he started across the plains for 
the west, bringing with him a large band of horses. The trip lasted five months 
and nineteen days, when the party landed at Woodland, Yolo county, Cal.. with 
a loss of only eight out of the large drove of horses. 

During the sojourn, of the family in Ohio James Franklin Elphick was born 
February 28, 1848, and he was ten when he started for the west in a "prairie 
schooner," meanwhile aiding his father in the care of the horses and in the 
other work incident to such a tedious trip. Across the chasm of a busy half- 
century he recalls vividly some of the happenings of that journey, which made 
an indelible impression upon his mind. One of the amusing though dangerous 
incidents occurred in a camp one night, when a man was awakened by feeling 
something pulling at a toe. Hastily investigating the cause he raised the tent 
and found a black bear had been the intruder. Needless to say that the animal 
was dispatched in haste. 

The other members of the parental family were Filora, Mary J., Sophronia, 
Amos F. and Thomas. Two children, Clarence and Herbert, were born to the 
union of Thomas Elphick and Anna Defreaze, while after her demise he married 
Elizabeth Doerson, by whom he had five children. Roy, Linn, Pearl, Blanche and 
Sarah Jane. Filora, Mrs. George Whitley, had three children, Harry, Frank 
and Ora. Mary became the wife of J. W. Morris and had a family of eight 
children, seven of whom attained mature years, namely : William, Ralph, Ed- 
win, Eben, Edward, Ida and Isabel. Sophronia married Thomas V. Barney, 
their union being childless. In 1877 James Franklin Elphick moved from Susan- 
ville to a farm in Sonoma county, where he still resides. To this place in 1880 
he brought his bride, who was born at Petaluma in i860 and bore the maiden 
name of Hester C. Blackburn. Five children blessed their union, Oscar, Frank, 
Mayze, Sidney J. and Lottie. 

The father of Mrs. Elphick, Charles Blackburn, like the father of Mr. 
Elphick, was born in England in 1821 and came to the new world in 1839. 
Immediately afterward he landed in California, where he lived during his re- 
maining years, being for a long period an honored resident of Sonoma county. 
The mother of Mrs. Elphick bore the maiden name of Jemima Richardson and 
was born in Illinois in 1825, coming to California in girlhood. There were ten 
children in the Blackburn family, namely : John S. : Charles, who married 



950 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Laura Bennett; Allen, who married Anna Winquist and had two children, Wal- 
ter and Alma ; Frank M., who married Cora Williams ; Mary E., who died in 
infancy; Martha; Mary J.; Hester C, Mrs. Elphick ; Emma H, who is unmar- 
ried; and Lillie M., who married Harry Parsons and has five children; Charles, 
Harry A., Russell, John B. and Gladys. Mary J. Blackburn was first married 
to George Faith, by whom she had a son, George, and later she was united with 
Samuel Rudd, their union being blessed with a daughter, Dora. Ever since 
attaining his majority Mr. Elphick has voted with the Republican party in 
national elections and has been firm in his allegiance to the principles for which 
the party stands. The community has in him a patriotic citizen, accommodating 
neighbor and loyal friend, and his long and honorable identification with the 
county has brought his name into permanent association with the local advance- 
ment. 



ALEXANDER BENJAMIN. 

The life which this sketch depicts began in Lansingburg, Rensselaer county, 
N. Y., January 16, 1834, and came to a close on his ranch in Sonoma county, 
Cal., near Santa Rosa, February 16, 1909. Between these dates is encompassed 
a record of usefulness and industry begun in the middle west and completed 
more fully in the Golden state. 

Contributions from two sturdy nations blended in the subject of this sketch, 
his father being the son of English parents, while his mother was of Holland- 
Dutch extraction. Both were natives of New York state, and the early years of 
their married life were passed in Rensselaer county, N. Y., in the outskirts of 
Troy, Lansingburg being a suburb of that city. While Illinois was still in its 
infancy historically, in 1837 the father took his family to that frontier state, 
settling near New Salem, in Pike county. There he took up a farm and en- 
gaged in its cultivation for many years, besides which he carried on wagon- 
making and blacksmithing on the farm. In the meantime the son grew to be a 
sturdy boy and became a pupil in the public school in New Salem. When he 
was sixteen years old he started across the plains with his father, in 1852, but 
the father did not reach his destination, his death occurring on the plains. After 
this bereavement the son resumed the journey alone, finally reaching Jackson- 
ville, Ore., where he spent three years engaged in harness and saddle making. 
He also engaged in mining with fair success, after which, in 1856, he returned 
to his home in Illinois. Purchasing the old home farm of his mother, he con- 
tinued its cultivation for about two years, when, in 1858, he moved to Rock- 
port, Pike county, and for the following fifteen years was engaged in the meat 
packing business and in merchandising. 

In 1872 Mr. Benjamin turned his face once more toward the setting sun, 
this time with California as the favored location. He came to Sonoma county 
that same year, but it was not until several years later, in 1877, that he selected 
and purchased the ranch with which so many years of his life were associated 
thereafter. This consisted of one hundred and three acres of land in Bennett 
valley, near Santa Rosa, for which he paid $35 an acre. Wheat and corn con- 
stituted his principal crops, while the raising of sheep and cattle proved equally 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 951 

remunerative. Since his death his widow has continued the policy which he had 
inaugurated, still raising grain extensively, as well as raising a band of sheep. 

Before her marriage Mrs. Benjamin was Miss Maria Ducker. She is a 
native of Missouri, born at Independence Landing, Jackson county, July 15, 
1837. Five children were born of this marriage, but of the number only three 
grew to years of maturity. The eldest of these, William Edward, was born 
January 25, 1858, in Pike county, III. ; he is married, and with his wife and 
two children makes his home with his mother on the homestead ranch, having 
the care of its management. Eudora Ann was born October 8, i860, and died 
at the age of three years. Charles Alexande'r was born in Illinois October 8, 
1862, and died April 24, 1877. On her father's side Mrs. Benjamin is of Eng- 
lish descent, although he was a native of the south, his birth occurring in Ken- 
tucky in 1795. He lived to reach a good eld age, passing away at the age of 
ninety-one years in 1885. The mother was a native of Illinois, born in 1800, 
and upon the birth of the following century she passed away, in 1900. Mrs. 
Benjamin came with her parents to the west in 1853, coming overland and 
making settlement in Jacksonville, Ore., and there she was married to Mr. Ben- 
jamin, September 21, 1854. Her parents ultimately came to California and 
settled in Sonoma county, near Petaluma, making their home there until 1865, 
when they moved to Rincon valley, near Santa Rosa, and continued there 
throughout the remainder of their lives. 



WILLIAM D. AYERS. 

A native son of California, William D. Ayers was born at Stony Point, 
Sonoma county, March 21, 1869, the youngest of the seven children born to his 
pioneer parents, William and Martha (Wade) Ayers, natives of Ireland and 
Virginia respectively. A sketch of the former appears elsewhere in this volume. 

The primary education of William D. Ayers was begun in Stony Point and 
continued in Petaluma, whither the family removed when he was eleven years 
of age. He was about seventeen years old when he entered the employ of the 
Wells-Fargo Company as a messenger, and for nearly twenty-five years he has 
continued with the same company. Year by year he was advanced to positions 
of greater trust and responsibility, and at one time his duties on the road took 
him as far east as Ogden, Utah, and as far north as Oregon. For a number 
of years he has been the efficient encumbent of the position of general manager 
of the company at Petaluma, his long training in the various departments of the 
company's business fitting him admirably to cope with any problem that might 
arise. Interests outside of his position with the express company have contrib- 
uted to his income for some time, one of which is the handling of dairy produce, 
eggs and poultry, and besides this he has bought and sold considerable real- 
estate. Considerable of his means has been invested in choice business prop- 
erty in Petaluma, besides which he owns a fine ranch of seven hundred acres 
in close proximity to town. From the foregoing enumeration it might be in- 
ferred that he is so absorbed in his personal affairs that he has no time for mat- 
ters of public import. This would be unjust, for he is intensely interested in 
the welfare of his home city and has served as school trustee for many years. 



952 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

The marriage of William D. Avers occurred October 31, 1892, and united 
him with Miss Ada May Carlisle, who, like himself, was born in California. They 
have three children, William D., Jr., Mervin W. and Harry W. Mr. Ayers 
was made a Mason in Petaluma Lodge No. 180, and is a member of Petaluma 
Chapter No. 32, R. A. M., Mount Olivet Commandery No. 30, K. T., Islam 
Temple, N. M. S., of San Francisco, and is also a member of the local lodge 
of Elks. 



W.-P. BARNES. 

As one of those who has seen this part of California changed from a wild, 
rugged, uncultivated region to a fair garden spot dotted over by beautiful 
homes and productive ranches, mention should be made of W. P. Barnes. At 
the time of his birth his parents were living in Mercer county, Missouri, but 
when he was a child of three years, in 1850, the parents loaded their house- 
hold effects in a prairie schooner and started on the overland journey for Cali- 
fornia behind slow-plodding oxen. The father, Aaron Barnes, had been at- 
tracted hither by the extravagant stories of wealth in the mines, and conse- 
quently as soon as the long journey came to an end and he had settled his 
family in as comfortable quarters as the times and circumstances would per- 
mit, he turned his attention to mining in Oregon gulch, in Butte county. It 
is reasonable to suppose that he met ' with more than average success, as he 
continued mining for about six years in that locality. In 1857 he came to 
Sonoma county and settled in Green valley, where as a rancher he rounded out 
a long and successful career, his death occurring in 1900. 

As he was only three years old when he came to California W. P. Barnes 
has never known any other home than this. He followed the fortunes of the 
family until attaining his majority, working with his father on the home ranch 
after his school days were over, but at the age of twenty-one he started out 
independently. On a ranch of one hundred and sixty acres near Fulton which 
he purchased about that time, 1868, and which is still in his possession, he 
made his first attempt at ranching independently. This is now a rich, produc- 
tive piece of property, devoted to the raising of hay and grapes, and also to 
maintaining a large stock and dairy business. This initial purchase of land 
has been followed by many others in the course of his long residence in So- 
noma county, and at different times he has owned large herds of cattle and 
raised many fine blooded horses. These have since been disposed of, however, 
as has also the hotel of which he was at one time the proprietor in Cloverdale. 
At another time he was the proprietor of a grocery and wine store in Fulton, 
but this has also been sold. Besides the ranch which he owns near Fulton he 
also owns a forty-acre vineyard in Russian river township, and with these ex- 
ceptions his holdings are in town property, comprising four brick blocks in 
Sebastopol and twelve houses in Santa Rosa, all of which are rented and yield 
the owner a good annual income. 

Mr. Barnes was first married in 1866 to Miss Elizabeth Ann Racier, a na- 
tive of Iowa, and ten children were born to them, as follows: Carrie E., de- 
ceased; Lydia, Mrs. William A. Russell; Mary, Mrs. Ed Crone; Cora, Mrs. A. 
Landers ; William A., of Santa Rosa ; Perry, a farmer near this city : Charles. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 953 

also a resident of Santa Rosa ; Benjamin, deceased ; Jesse, deceased ; and 
Gussy, a rancher near Santa Rosa. Mr. Barnes' second marriage occurred in 
1902 and united him with Mrs. Irene Butts, by whom he has one son, Fred 
erick. 

For years Mr. Barnes was connected with the Fulton Wine Company, a 
corporation which is now controlled by the Asti Colony Company. On two 
occasions he was a candidate for supervisor from Santa Rosa district, but both 
times was defeated by the landslide against the Democratic party. For the past 
twenty years he has been a delegate to state and county conventions. He holds 
honorary membership in the Santa Rosa Lodge of F. O. E., of which he is also 
the oldest member in point of years. He vividly recalls the appearance of 
Sonoma county at the time the family located here in 1857 ; it was an un- 
broken wilderness and many a time did he pass over with herds of cattle what 
is now the site of the thriving city of Santa Rosa. In those days he drove ox- 
teams in hauling lumber, and at one time he drove twenty-one yoke of steers 
in moving a large house. Few residents of this city have traveled over all 
parts of this state to the extent that Mr. Barnes has in the interest of the 
enterprises in which he has been engaged from time to time, and few if any are 
more ready to sound the praises of this city and county than is he. 



LEWIS M. BISH. 

The earliest experiences of Mr. Bish are of a care-free life on his father's 
farm in Scotland county, Mo., where he was born in 1855. He well remembers 
the journey to Iowa when he was a child of six years, the family then settling 
in Bloomfield, Davis county, whence three years later they again started west- 
ward, this time with California as their objective point. The journey was 
made overland with horses, in three months and twenty-one days, the party 
consisting of Mr. and Mrs. Bish and Mr. Bish's five sons and two daughters. 
The mother of these children had died during the infancy of her son Lewis ; 
she was a native of Ohio. The father was a native of Virginia and died in Cali- 
fornia at the age of eighty-three years. 

Although Lewis Bish was about nine years old when he came to California 
he had had little opportunity for an education, and indeed after coming here the 
migrations of the family for a time militated against any satisfactory accom- 
plishments in this line. In 1871, when the family removed to Oregon and re- 
mained seven years, he had an opportunity for continued study and it is need- 
less to say that he employed his time to good advantage, the schools of Ashland, 
Ore., being considered as high class as any in the state. When Mr. Bish re- 
turned to California in 1879 ne came to Santa Rosa and for a time was in the 
employ of Pleasant Wells, but soon afterward leased the ranch which is now his 
home, on Rural Route No. 6. Here he has seventy-five acres, all of which is 
income-producing, a part of the ranch being in hay, corn and fruit, while on the 
remainder he raises poultry on a large scale for the market. The prosecution 
of his own private interests does not consume all of his time, however, for as a 
live, active and interested citizen of his community he has given considerable 
time and effort toward the development of public improvements. None of these 



954 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

have been of more widespread benefit perhaps than the telephone line which he 
was instrumental in having established through Rincon valley. He has also served 
efficiently on the school board of his district, and has been an indefatigable 
worker in the cause of education, as he has in fact in every cause that is of an 
uplifting and beneficial character. 

In 1891 Mr. Bish was united in marriage with Miss Bertha Norris, a native 
daughter of California, born in Sonoma county in 1874, on a ranch adjoining 
the one on which she now lives. The eldest of the four children of this mar- 
riage was Alta Lynn, born in 1892, and educated in the public school of Santa 
Rosa. Rena Marie, born in 1894, is now (1910) a second-year student in the 
high school of this place. Lewis M., born in 1898, and Charles M., born Febru- 
ary 14. 1901, are both students in the public schools. Politically Mr. Bish is a 
Republican. A very genial, considerate and tactful man, he represents first of 
all the successful rancher, and in no less degree the citizen of whom any com- 
munity might be proud. 



EMIL E. DREES. 

A. native of the town towards whose upbuilding he has contributed so much, 
Emil E. Drees was born in Petaluma April 4, 1864, the son of August H. Drees, 
who came to California from Germany in 1852 and settled at what has since be- 
come the thriving town of Petaluma. For a time after locating here the father 
was engaged in a number of occupations, accepting any labor that offered fair 
remuneration, and subsequently he became interested in the hotel business, as 
half owner of the Franklin hotel on Main street. Later he sold this interest and 
bought a ranch west of town which he maintained for a time, but finally sold it 
and returning to Petaluma engaged in the produce business until his death in 
1882. Besides handling all kinds of country produce, such as poultry and eggs, 
he also dealt in hides and pelts and game, and up to the time of his death carried 
on a lucrative business in dealing in these varied commodities. 

Emil E. Drees attended the schools of Petaluma with considerable regularity 
until he was fourteen years of age, when he became his father's assistant in the 
store, the two working harmoniously together until the death of the father ter- 
minated the association. An experience of four years in the store had made him 
familiar with the business, which the death of his parent left to his management, 
and although he was only eighteen years old at the time, the ability which he 
then displayed proved beyond question that youth is no bar to success when 
ability and determination are a part of the make-up. He is still proprietor of 
the business inaugurated by his father so many years ago, a business that has 
kept pace with the growth of the town. 

Although Mr. Drees has a splendid reputation as a merchant and business 
man in his home town, he is even better known as the agitator and leader in the 
movement which has resulted in the good roads and sidewalks which the citizens 
of Petaluma refer to with such pride, and well they may, for it is conceded 
that no city in the state can surpass them in these respects. It was during his 
service of two terms as city trustee, beginning in the year 1892, that' his initial 
efforts were exerted along this line, in the face of much opposition, and during 
his third term, following the incumbency of a political opponent, he brought 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 955 

to fruition the agitation and work of former years. In 1893. on the Democratic 
ticket, his fellow-citizens honored him further by making him their representative 
in the state legislature, representing the people of the sixteenth district. At the 
present time he is a member of the Freeholders board, who have under way trie 
drafting of a new city charter for Petaluma, the old charter no longer filling the 
needs of a town of its present size. 

In 1894 Mr. Drees was united in marriage with Miss Emma Gossage, a 
native of Petaluma and the daughter of Jerome B. Gossage, an early pioneer of 
the state, an account of whose life will be found elsewhere in this volume. Two 
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Drees, Alvin and Darrele. Fraternally 
Mr. Drees is associated with a number of orders, among them the Masons, Odd 
Fellows, Elks and the Yeomen. 



HENRY ELPHICK, Jr. 
One of the young fruit-growers and progressive ranchers in Sonoma county 
is Henry Elphick, Jr., whose ranch of twenty acres near Sebastopol shows the 
work of a master hand, for everything about the place denotes that the owner is 
careful of details, the trees of his orchard showing the best of care, as do also 
the residence and ranch buildings. 

Mr. Elphick takes pride in the fact that he is a native son of the Golden 
State, and also that he is a son of one of the state's worthy pioneers, Henry 
Elphick. The latter was a resident of Marin county, Cal., at the time of the birth 
of his son in 1874, and soon after that event he came to Sonoma county and 
near Sebastopol, at Pleasant Hill, purchased and settled upon what proved under 
his care to be one of the most profitable ranches in Sonoma county. Henry 
Elphick, Jr., was a small child when his parents removed to Sonoma county, and 
here his life has since been passed in the main, in his boyhood days attending 
the schools of Sebastopol and later working on the homestead ranch with his 
father. His first independent business venture was in Santa Cruz, where he 
was interested in the fruit business for about six years, after which he was in- 
terested in buying and subdividing land and putting it on the market. This 
latter business was conducted near Sebastopol, and consisted of buying large 
tracts of land, which he subdivided, and after improving the property, sold at a 
good profit. A number of pieces of property were thus handled, but he finally 
gave up this business and devoted all of his time to ranching on the property on 
which he now lives, which he purchased in 1906. Here he has twenty-four acres 
of fruit land, mostly in apples, ten acres in bearing, and ten acres in young trees 
which he set out himself since taking up his residence here. From the trees in 
bearing he shipped during the season of 1909 fifteen hundred boxes which 
brought $2,300, besides ten tons of dried fruit. The ranch is equipped with an 
excellent drier, and thus he is enabled to dry fruit for other parties not provided 
with driers, thirty thousand tons being an average year's output from this source 
alone. Besides his apple orchard, which includes Gravensteins, Belleflowers, 
Spitzenbergs and Kings, he also has a number of cherry trees that are good 
producers. As it now stands Mr. Elphick's ranch is without doubt one of the 
most valuable ranches in Sonoma county, the improvements alone amounting to 
over $4,000, and when the ten acres of young trees come into bearing it will be 



956 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

an exceedingly valuable ranch property, one of which the young owner may well 
be proud. 

In 1900 Mr. Elphick was united in marriage with Miss Birdie Briggs, a 
native of Santa Cruz. Politically Mr. Elphick is a Republican, and fraternally 
he belongs to the Knights of Pythias, holding membership in Santa Cruz Lodge. 
In addition to his valuable ranch property near Sebastopol, Mr. Elphick also owns 
propertv in Santa Cruz, Oakland and rich timber land in Sonoma county. 



THOMAS BELL MILLER. 

In Rhea county, Term., Thomas Bell Miller was born December 31, 1826, 
a son of James P. and Charlotte (Bell) Miller, the former a native of Virginia, 
who went to Tennessee in his youth, and the latter a native of the state of 
Tennessee. From 1830 to 1835 the Miller family resided in Alabama and then 
moved to Arkansas. In 1840 James P. Miller located in Newton county, Mo., 
and after two years he returned to Benton county, Ark. In 1846 he enlisted in 
the Twelfth Regiment of United States Infantry, and served throughout the 
Mexican war with distinction, as lieutenant of his company. At the close of the 
war he returned to his family and in 1849, with his two sons, Thomas Bell and 
Gideon T., set out on the overland journey to California and located at what 
was afterwards known as Millerstown, near Auburn, Placer county. There he 
opened a general merchandise store and later went to Marysville, where he lo- 
cated on the Yuba river and continued his mercantile pursuits until 1850, when 
he returned to his family with the intention of bringing them to the coast, but 
his death occurred a short time afterward. 

On the arrival of Thomas Bell Miller at Sacramento he proceeded to the 
mines in Placer county, near Auburn. There he was engaged until the spring 
of 1850, when he went to Nevada City, Nevada county, Cal. In that city he 
made quite a strike and became the owner of a very good mine. Leaving there, 
he went to the middle fork of the Yuba river, and was engaged with thirteen 
others in digging a large ditch into which they turned the middle fork of the 
river, thinking to find much gold in the bed thus made dry. The enterprise was 
a failure as far as finding gold was concerned and Mr. Miller went to Cache 
creek, Yolo county, abandoned mining operations and, for the winter, farmed at 
this place. Not satisfied with his location in Yolo county, in the fall of 1851 
he came to Sonoma count) and engaged in farming near what is now known as 
Sebastopol. In 1853 he went to Biucher valley, about three miles south of Sebas- 
topol, and there entered into farming operations. From there he went to Marin 
county, near Tomales, and remained until 1855. Near Healdsburg, on the Rus- 
sian river, he first purchased a settler's claim to one hundred and sixty acres of 
land, taking up his residence upon it, and later was compelled to purchase the 
claims of the grant holders. There and on the coast he engaged in farming and 
in stock-raising until 1874. In that year he sold out and came to Santa Rosa 
and later purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land on Santa Rosa 
creek in the Hall school district, about five miles west of Santa Rosa. From that 
date until his death Mr. Miller devoted his time and attention to the cultivation 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 957 

and improvement of his farm. Fifty-five acres were devoted to hop cultivation 
and there were two large hop-curing houses on the place, measuring 80x24, with 
twenty foot studding, the capacity of these dryers being four tons daily, which 
was considered very good at that time. A portion of the land was devoted to 
prunes, peaches, cherries, apples and pears. After his death the land was sub- 
divided and sold off in small tracts. 

On April 17, 1853, Mr. Miller was united in marriage with Mary Ann King, 
daughter of James and Elizabeth (Hohn) King, natives of Virginia, who resided 
in Missouri before coming to California in 1850. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. 
Miller there were born the following children : James P., a resident of Russian 
River ; Charlotte E., the wife of E. H. Parnell, and residing near Graton ; Thomas 
Boone, an extensive hop-grower in Russian River township ; Louisa H., the 
wife of Samuel Walter Purrington; Mary Alice, the wife of Alexander Ragle, 
of Eldorado county; Irene B., the wife of S. E. Ballard, of San Jose; Josephine, 
now Mrs. Spencer Grogan, of Santa Rosa; Laura E., widow of Thomas Bar- 
low, of Sebastopol ; Henrietta, the wife of F. Byron Chenoweth, of San Fran- 
cisco ; and Robert L.. deceased. Politically Mr. Miller followed Democratic prin- 
ciples and religiously was a member of the Christian Church. His life was 
one that was an open book and of him it is said that he sincerely strove to do all 
the good in the world that he was able to. He died January 26, 1892, and his 
wife died January 9, 1904. Mrs. Miller was a very active member of the Chris- 
tian Church of Santa Rosa. She came across the plains with her father and 
brothers in 1850. They finally located in Marin county, where her marriage 
occurred. 



HENRY E. LAWRENCE. 

Although now in his eighty-fourth year Henry E. Lawrence is still as in- 
terested in the activities of the world at large as he was half a century ago, 
and he takes personal and intimate interest in affairs in Petaluma, with which he 
has been identified as -a resident since 1875. Of English descent on the paternal 
side and German-French ancestry on the maternal side, Mr. Lawrence comes 
of a family long resident in Tennessee, and there too, in Robertson county, he 
was born January 17. 1828. His grandfather on the paternal side passed the 
greater part of his life in Tennessee, but when well advanced in years accom- 
panied his son James to Missouri and passed away in that state when over ninety 
years of age. James Lawrence settled near Independence, Mo., about the year 
.1833, and upon the farm upon which he later settled in Cass county he passed 
away in 1864, when he was sixty-five years of age. Politically he was a Demo- 
crat, but was not an active worker in the party, giving his energies to the duties 
of the home and farm, his chief source of income being from large numbers of 
fine stock which he raised. He was justice of the peace for many years. His 
marriage united him with Miss Elizabeth Damewood, who was also a native of 
Tennessee, and at her death, which occurred in Missouri in 1844, sne left l:me 
children. She was the daughter of Henry Damewood, of French, descent. 

Next to the oldest in this large, family, Henry E. Lawrence was born in 
1828 and was therefore five years old when removal was made to Missouri. 



958 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

His educational and agricultural training was acquired in the years which fol- 
lowed, and it was there too that the news of the finding of gold in California 
reached him. He was then a young man of twenty-one years, full of activity and 
eager for an opportunity to put his powers to a test. He found three' congenial 
friends who were as anxious to test the validity of these reports as himself, and 
as soon as arrangements could be made they began the purchase of ox-teams and 
wagons and such other equipment in furnishings and supplies of food as the 
long journey made necessary. Altogether there were thirty-three wagons in the 
train, known as the Pleasant Hill train, Jim Hamilton being the captain. The 
entire party reached their destination, Sacramento, after the usual six months 
of travel, and there they dispersed, many with tears in their eyes, each taking 
his preferred course. For a time Mr. Lawrence engaged in mining near Mount 
Shasta, in Shasta county, going from there to Trinity county, and in the fall 
of 1850 came to Sonoma county, where for one year he worked on the ranch 
of J. M. Hudsmith. It was during this experience that he noted the scarcity of 
fine cattle in the west, and coincident with this discovery was the opportunity 
to form a partnership with Mark York in the importation of cattle to the west. 
Mr. York remained in California, while Mr. Lawrence returned to Missouri by 
way of Nicaragua. After securing the desired cattle he returned west, bringing 
them overland in 1852, and settled on a ranch near Stony Point, Sonoma county. 
In 1856 he again went east, making this trip also by way of Nicaragua, and in 
1857 he made the return voyage across the plains with cattle. The partnership 
had been dissolved in 1856, and with the cattle which he brought with him Mr. 
Lawrence stocked a ranch in Marin county. There he was very successful in 
raising stock for many years, or until 1875, when he leased his ranch of fifteen 
hundred acres and stock for dairying purposes and removed with his family to 
Petaluma. In the years that have intervened between that time and the present 
he has not been idle, but on the other hand has turned his energies to account 
in a number of directions. Besides buying and selling considerable land on 
his own account, he has interested himself in every public enterprise inaugurated 
in the community in which he settled, among them the waterworks, in which he 
owned stock and was a builder, and directed its affairs until 1900. He was 
one of the organizers and stockholders and a director of the Exchange Bank 
and at one time vice-president of the Tomales Bank, in Marin county. He is 
also deeply interested in educational affairs, and has served efficiently on the 
school board of Petaluma. His real-estate holdings include considerable town and 
country property, among which latter was a ranch of three hundred and twenty- 
five acres near Petaluma which he deeded to his son, J. W. Lawrence. 

The first marriage of Henry E. Lawrence occurred in i860, near Spring- 
field, Mo., and united him with Keziah Hicklin, their marriage resulting in the 
birth of three children, as follows : Linnie B., the wife of T. B. Dalton, a rancher 
of Sunny Slope ; Josiah W., a farmer near Petaluma ; and Myrtle L., the wife of 
Lewis Winans, a grocer in Petaluma. Mrs. Keziah Lawrence passed awav in 
1898 and subsequently Mr. Lawrence married his present wife, who was then 
Mrs. Millie (Donley) Falkner. Politically Mr. Lawrence is a Democrat, but 
is not active in party ranks beyond casting his vote and endeavoring to put 
good, honorable men in office. Although advanced in years Mr. Lawrence is 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 959 

still active, and his interest in the welfare of his fellow-citizens is as keen as it 
was in the days when he first came to make his home in this community, where 
he has won and retained the love and esteem of all. His associations with men 
of affairs in the different corporations he has been interested in have been most 
agreeable and pleasant, and with none of them has he ever had any difficulty nor 
misunderstanding. It is to men of his calibre and energy that Sonoma county 
owes its place today as one of the first counties of the state in its agricultural 
and horticultural returns. 



JACOB CONKLE. 

One of the comfortable, home-like and prosperous ranches in the vicinity 
of Healdsburg is that owned and occupied by Jacob Conkle, a man of kindly, 
genial disposition, as was also his aged father, who until his death, in April, 
1911, made his home with his son on the ranch. A native of Ohio, Jacob Conkle 
was born in 1848, the son of William and Elizabeth (Ferguson) Conkle, born 
respectively in that state in 1822 and 1824. Besides Jacob, the parental family 
included three daughters, all of whom are married and settled in homes of their 
own. The eldest daughter, Christina, became the wife of Marion Lawthan, and 
is the mother of three sons, Charles, Edwin and Hiram. The second daughter, 
Josephine, became the wife of Ira Gaston, and they have two daughters, Eliza- 
beth and Adaline. The youngest daughter of the parental family, Adaline, be- 
came the wife of John Snyder, but no children were born of this union. 

Jacob Conkle has never married, and since the death of his father has lived 
alone on his ranch. Altogether he owns six hundred and seventy-five acres of 
land, much of which is in timber, and from which in 1909 he cut and sold fifty 
cords of wood. Five acres have been cleared and set out to fruit trees, which 
are now in bearing and yielding excellent crops, and fifteen acres are in hay, this 
crop also yielding abundantly and adding considerably to the annual income from 
the property. Politically Mr. Conkle is a Republican. 



JOHN CHRISTENSEN. 

Whife the pioneers of early days did a noble part in paving the way for those 
who were to follow and continue the work which they started, the latter have 
been faithful to the trust, so to speak, and but for their combined efforts present- 
day conditions could not be portrayed in the glowing colors we see today. With- 
out doubt one of the youngest ranchers in Sonoma county is Mr. Christensen, 
and it may be said with equal emphasis that it would be hard to find a more 
complete, up-to-date apple orchard than is his within a radius of many miles of 
Sebastopol, which is his postoffice and market town. 

A native of Nevada, Mr. Christensen was born in Douglas county in 1881, 
the son of Lawrence M. and Annie (Christensen) Christensen, the father a na- 
tive of Denmark, but since 1866 a resident of the United States. In the same 
year that he came to this country he went to Nevada and settled on a farm near 
Reno, Washoe county, which continued to be the scene of his labors until locating 



9 6o HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

in Douglas county, where he was living at the time of the birth of his son in 
1881. When the latter was still a small child he was able to perform many duties 
on the home ranch, and year by year he undertook added duties, until at the age 
of twenty he was a full-fledged rancher. It was with the knowledge and experi- 
ence gained under the careful training of his father that he came to California 
in 1901 and on the Gold Ridge section, near Sebastopol, Sonoma county, pur- 
chased the twenty-acre ranch upon which he now resides. Here may be seen 
row upon row of as fine apple trees as one might wish to look upon, the most 
of them of the Gravenstein variety, although there is also a good representation 
of Kings, Spitzenbergs, Wagners, Roman Beauties, Baldwins and Bellflowers. 
Seven hundred trees of the orchard are old stock and in full bearing, while the 
remainder of the orchard, or six hundred trees, are young and just coming into 
bearing. Under present conditions he averages a crop of two thousand boxes 
of high grade apples, and from six to seven tons of dried fruit, representing 
the crops from eight acres, which is a remarkable showing and denotes beyond 
a question that Mr. Christensen has made a careful study of the special branch 
of agriculture which he has undertaken. A well-kept, up-to- date drying house 
forms a necessary equipment to the ranch, enabling him to prepare his own fruit 
for shipment direct to market. Mr. Christensen's accomplishment is another evi- 
dence that congenial work means success, a fact which is demonstrated anew 
from day to day. 

Mr. Christensen's marriage occurred in 1907 and united him with Miss 
Lena Heitman, a native of Nevada, and two children. Lawrence M. and Annie 
L.. were born to them. The latter died November 14. 1910. 



THORWALD TRONDSEN. 
In Christiania. Norway, Thorwald Trondsen was born November 27, 1859. 
the son of Tron Trondsen, who was an employe in the custom house in that city, 
and held this position until he retired from active business life on account of old 
age. He died at the age of ninety years, and his wife, Bergitta Mickelsen, died when 
in her sixty-eighth year. To these parents were born eight sons, three of whom 
are living at the present time, and of these, Thorwald is the youngest. 6 As a boy 
he was sent to the public schools of his native place and there he received the 
rudiments of the education that has since stood him in good stead. Early in 
life he developed a love for the sea, and at the age of fifteen years we find him 
starting out as a sailor, commencing at the bottom of the ladder and working 
his way up gradually. His first adventure took him up and down the Baltic 
,-md White Seas in a trading vessel. Subsequently he went on the ship Marion 
to Brazil, then to St. Thomas and thence to New Orleans, at which place he left 
the ship to remain in the United States. This was in the year 1880. From year 
to year he grew more fond of the country which he had selected for his future 
home, admiring her freedom and the principles of democracy for which she 
stands. In 1894 he located with his family in Petaluma, which place he also 
made his headquarters, and where he owns a fine residence at No. 140 Howard 
street, as well as being the owner of other nroperty in the same citv. Before 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 961 

locating in California and settling in Petaluma, however, he made several trips 
that are worthy of mention in this record, in that they permit us to know some- 
thing of the spirit of the man and something of the work that he did before he 
arrived at that stage of achievement that is his today. 

Shortly after arriving in America in 1880, Mr. Trondsen went to New York 
City, and for four years worked on. steamers plying between Sandy Hook and 
New York. He then took a trip to the land of his nativity, Norway, and visited 
his home city of Christiania. Several months were spent in this trip, after which 
he returned to the United States, going almost immediately to San Francisco, 
Cal. After arriving in San Francisco he was employed until 1886 on the Goodall 
Perkins' steamer running out of San Francisco. In the year mentioned he bought 
a scow schooner engaged in freighting on the bay between Sacramento and San 
Francisco. After selling his first boat, the Energy, he bought the Plow Boy, 
one hundred and ten tons, and later bought the Fourth of July, of two hun- 
dred tons, and ran the two boats until after the fire. He then sold the Plow Boy 
to advantage and purchased the tug Sentinel. He is at present engaged in the 
freighting business between Petaluma and San Francisco. Mr. Trondsen is so 
well known in this particular line of work, because of his honesty and general 
good character, that he has all that he can do between these two points without 
going elsewhere for freight. 

Mr. Trondsen was married in Oakland, Cal., to Miss Olava Johnson, a na- 
tive of Christiania, Norway, who came to San Francisco, Cal., in 1887. To this 
union three children were born : Ruth, a graduate of the Petaluma high school 
and Heald's Business College, Oakland, and now private secretary to Col. LoVe- 
land, in San Francisco ; Norman, who is taking an electrical engineering course ; 
and Emily, at present attending Petaluma high school, being a member of the 
class of 191 2. Mr. Trondsen is a member of the Master Mariners' Association 
of San Francisco, and also a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Pos- 
sibly no man of foreign birth in Petaluma, or in Sonoma county, has achieved 
such a measure of success as has Mr. Trondsen, and for many years to come his 
name will be actively associated with the business activities of this city and San 
Francisco. 



GUSTAV SCHULTZ. 

A native of Berlin, Germany, Gustav Schultz was born April 19, 1858, the 
son of Andrew and Mary (Fritchie) Schultz. At the age of twenty the father 
enlisted in the Germany army and became a police captain, serving continuously 
and conspicuously until i860, when he was retired. His death occurred in 1870 
and his wife died in 1884. 

Gustav Schultz attended the local schools until he reached the age of four- 
teen years, when, according to the requirements of the country, he was set to a 
trade, being apprenticed to the car-builders' vocation in the railroad shops of his 
native country. He continued at this trade until 1874, when he left the land 
of his nativity and came to the United States, working at his trade in Chicago and 
other places until 1878, when he went to Colorado. As early as 1880 he came 
to California but did not remain long in the state, going to the southern states 
49 



962 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

of the Union and following car-building with success. In 1907 he returned to 
San Francisco, where he held the position of foreman of the car department for 
the Western Pacific Railroad Company and later held a similar position with the 
Ocean Shore Road. In the spring of 191 1 he located in Sonoma county, and 
purchased thirteen and one-half acres on the Baxter tract, three and one-half 
miles east of Sonoma. On this acreage he is engaged in general fanning; one 
of his most recent enterprises is the digging of a ditch from the creek, which 
provides ample water for his ranch and has greatly benefited its general condi- 
tion. 

Mr. Schultz was united in marriage with Mary Nay, the ceremony taking 
place in San Francisco. He is a tireless worker and by his energy is bringing his 
place up to a high state of cultivation. 



JOHN SKIFFINGTON. 
The citizenship of America is essentially cosmopolitan, practically all of the 
countries of the world contributing at some time or other to its solidarity. The 
Republican form of government, with its broad constitution, its splendid insti- 
tutions and its humanitarian aspects is the form of government best calculated 
to draw from citizenship the highest success and the noblest achievements. It 
has been said that Ireland is the most useful country in the world today in that 
she is ever ready to send forth her sons and daughters to other lands, where their 
national characteristics are of great worth in the building up of cities and com- 
munities as well as in the establishing of nations. Whether this broad statement 
be true or not, we are not able to state, but certain it is that Ireland has mater- 
ially contributed to the prosperity of the American people in the manner just in- 
dicated. A splendid example of this is found in John Skiffington, a most estim- 
able and successful man, whose public spirit and enterprising energy have won 
for him a place in the regard of the people of Petaluma. 

John Skiffington was born in County Monaghan, Ireland, April 22, 1833, 
a son of Frank and Mary (Toner) Skiffington, who brought their family to St. 
John, N. B., in 1840 and seven years later located in Hopkinton, Middlesex 
county, Mass. There they resided for a while, ultimately removing to California 
and spending their last days in this "sun kissed" land, whither their son had pre- 
ceded them. Mr. Skiffington received the education offered by the common 
schools of the day and on leaving school was employed in a shoe factory in Massa- 
chusetts until nineteen years of age. Many and varied had been the tales told 
by those returning from California concerning the discovery of gold and the 
many uses and opportunities of this western state. These stories burned into the 
heart of the ambitious young man and lured by the music of the adventure, he 
determined to journey westward himself. In 1852 he came to California, making 
the trip via the Nicaragua route and going directly to the mining districts. After 
spending a year in the mines in Yuba county, he returned to San Francisco and 
until 1858 was engaged in the draying business, after which he came to Sonoma 
county and purchased a farm in Petaluma township about three miles from the 
town. Here the young man engaged in general farming and dairying until 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 963 

1885, when he leased his ranch and located in Petaluma, building a fine residence 
on Sixth street. 

The first marriage of Mr. Skiffington took place in San Francisco in 1861, 
when he was united with Miss Johanna Kennedy, a native of Ireland, who came 
to California in 1858, via the Panama route. After many years of happy mar- 
ried life Mrs. Skiffington died in February, 1907. They had one adopted daugh- 
ter, Ella B., now Mrs. Prendegast. The second marriage of Mr. Skiffing- 
ton united him with Mrs. Mary (McCarthy) Kelsey, the ceremony taking place 
in Petaluma. Mrs. Skiffington was the daughter of Patrick and Honora (Cain) 
McCarthy : after the death of the latter, the former brought his family to St. 
Louis, Mo., in which city he died. In 1853 Mrs. Skiffington came to San Fran- 
cisco, Cal., via the Nicaragua route and was educated at the school of the Sisters 
of Charity there, the institution being located on the present site of the Palace 
Hotel. F'ive Sisters were teaching in this school. Sister Frances being the 
Superior and continuing in this vocation until her demise. Mrs. Skiffington 
was first married in Nevada City, Nev., to Richard Kelsey. a native of England, 
who first located in Alton, 111., and in [853 came to California. 

He was engaged in mining with his brother Edward and they were con- 
sidered successful miners and business men of Nevada City, Nev., in which 
metropolis he erected a number of large buildings that were destroyed in the 
great fire of 1864. Mr. Kelsey located in Petaluma in 1873 anc ' began farming 
in Vallejo township. He had a ranch of three hundred acres of good land, three 
miles southeast of Petaluma, at the time of his demise in 1889. Mrs. Skiffington 
has added sixty acres to the ranch since the death of her former husband and 
now owns three hundred and sixty acres. Of her union with Mr. Kelsey. five 
children are living : Richard, engaged in farming on the home place ; Mary, 
now Mrs. Davis, residing in Penn Grove ; Thomas H., a traveling salesman, re- 
siding at Auburn, Cal. ; Edwin Joseph, in partnership with his brother Richard 
on the home place ; and Alice, who resides at home. Mr. Skiffington is en- 
joying the twilight of a useful life, spent in the service of others, and he enjoys 
the goodwill and respect of all who know him. 



WILLIAM HENRY SCHIEFFER. 
As the name might suggest, the Schieffer family is of German origin, and 
was established in this country by the grandfather of the subject of this sketch. 
He came to this country in 1850, when his son. Christian Henry, was eight years 
of age. His parents removing to Wisconsin, C. H. Schieffer grew to manhood 
on the home farm. When he was about twenty-one years old, or in 1863, he left 
home for New York City, and from there embarked on a sailing vessel for San 
Francisco. The voyage was made by way of Cape Horn, and after an exciting- 
trip (mutiny on board being caused by the war) the boat finally landed at its 
destination in 1863. In San Francisco Mr. Schieffer formed the acquaintance 
of the lady who later became his wife, Miss M. A. F'aulhaber, a native of New 
York. Besides William H. their family included six sons, three of whom are 
residents of Santa Rosa, and seven daughters, who are residents of San Fran- 
cisco, San Jose. Oakland, Cal. ; and Tacoma, Wash. 



964 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

At the time of the birth of William H. Schieffer, September 8, 1871, the 
family were living in San Francisco, and there and in the schools of Oakland 
he was given an excellent education. His school training in those institutions 
was destined to be short, however, for at the age of thirteen years he removed 
with his parents to Windsor, Sonoma county, and some time later to Healdsburg, 
and finally to Santa Rosa, with which locality the greater part of his life has been 
associated. It is not unlikely that Mr. Schieffer inherited a love of artistic 
gardening from his German ancestors, for ever since he was a child, work of this 
character has engaged his attention. Before coming to Santa Rosa he had been 
employed at farming and gardening, and his experience and knowledge along 
this line was the means of his securing a position as gardener with Luther Bur- 
bank, the world-famed wonder-worker in plant life. He remained in the employ 
of Mr. Burbank at various seasons of the year for ten years, and then was 
similarly employed with R. W. Bell, also of Santa Rosa. Finally he bought out 
the nursery business of his employer, in 1896, and has continued the business 
ever since under the name of the Santa Rosa nursery. In 1909 he assumed other 
responsibilities by accepting the position of superintendent of the orchard ad- 
dition to Santa Rosa, a tract of three hundred and twenty acres, all of which is 
in walnuts of the Franquette variety. After filling the position for two years 
he resigned in order to give his entire attention to the care of his nursery busi- 
ness. This is probably the oldest enterprise of the kind in Sonoma county, 
it having been founded and in operation since 1876, at what has since become 
known as No. 808 Tupper street, but was then not in the city limits. 

Mr. Schieffer's marriage, in 1906, united him with Delia Amy Evans, a 
native of Nebraska, and the daughter of E. R. and Sarah A. (Given) Evans, 
natives of Iowa and Ohio respectively, and both of whom are still living. Two 
children, Harold and Gladys, have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Schieffer. Polit- 
ically Mr. Schieffer is a Democrat, but is not active in the ranks of his party, 
neither has he ever held, or had any desire to hold, public office ; however, he 
never neglects his duty as a voter, casting his ballot for the best man, irrespective 
of the party nominating him. Mr. Schieffer's name appears on the member- 
ship roll of a number of fraternal orders, among them Lodge No. 53, I. O. O. F., 
the Encampment, the Maccabees, and the Yeomen, in all of which he is an active 
member. 



LORENZ RAMBASH PETERS. 
In Mr. Peters one distinctly sees all of those- characteristics that have made 
the German citizen welcomed in every community in which he has elected to make 
his home. These have come to him through a long line of German antecedents, 
as well as training during the formative years of his life in the typical German 
home of his parents. They were Hans and Amelia (Schewhoff) Peters, natives 
and life-time residents of the Fatherland. In their home in Fohr Lorenz R. 
Peters was born in 1873, and in the excellent schools for which the Fatherland 
is noted, he received a good fundamental education. Reading and observation 
have since added immeasurably to his fund of information, especially has this 
been true since coming to the United States. This he did when a youth of seven- 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 965 

teen years, coming here alone and with no knowledge of the language of the 
country to which he had come. This inconvenienced him but a short time, how- 
ever, for he was apt and eager to learn and soon had a good working knowledge 
of the language, and every day added to his knowledge and understanding of 
the customs of the country also. 

Ever since coming to the United States in 1890 Mr. Peters has been a 
resident of Sonoma county, where he worked on ranches in the vicinity of Peta- 
luma for about ten years before undertaking the responsibilities of a ranch of 
his own. By carefully saving from his income whatever was not necessary for 
his support he accumulated a sum which made this step possible, and it was with 
commendable pride that he purchased the ranch upon which he now resides, nine 
miles from Petaluma and about one-half mile from Two Rock. Petaluma, 
however, is his postoffice," from which mail is delivered daily by carrier on Rural 
Route No. 4. Here he has seventy-five acres of rich land, of which twenty acres 
are in vineyard, while the remainder of the land is in hay and pasture, at least, 
such of it that is not used as pasturage for his six head of stock and that occu- 
pied by his chicken industrv. Without question the latter is the most fruitful 
source of income on the entire rancn, four thousand laying hens constituting 
his flock at the present time, and it is his intention to devote more time and 
space to this industry as conditions make this possible, for he is convinced that 
this locality has no equal as a chicken-raising and egg-producing center. 

Mr. Peters' marriage in 1900 was solemnized in Fohr, Germany, uniting 
him with Miss Amelia Hansen, who like himself was born in Germany in 1873. 
Three children have been born of their marriage, William, Chriska and Rosie. 
Politically Mr. Peters is a Republican, and with his wife is a communicant and 
member of the Presbyterian Church. 



WILLIAM HENRY LOCK. 

England contributed to the citizenship of California when William H. Lock 
came to this western country in young manhood to take up his permanent abode 
and identify himself with her best interests. Up to the present generation 
the Lock family had been residents of England continuously for many hundreds 
of years, passing their entire lives there, and William Henry Lock was the first 
to establish the name in the United States. Somersetshire, England, was the 
place of his birth, and October 19, i860, the date of that event. His parents, 
George and Mary Ann Lock, were natives of that same section of England, and 
there their entire lives were passed, the father passing away in 1905, at the age 
of seventy-seven years, and the death of the mother occurring in February, 
1910, when in her eighty-third year. 

The public schools of Somersetshire, England, directed the early educational 
training of Mr. Lock, and later he turned his attention to more practical affairs 
by working as a farm hand in the vicinity of his home. Interest in affairs of his 
native country did not prove deep or lasting enough at the time he was twenty 
vears old to deter him from coming to the United States to cast his fortunes in 
with the new and orowina; states to the west, and the year 1880 found him land- 



9 66 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

ing on our shores at the port of New York. From there he went to Lacygne, 
Linn county, Kan., where he was interested in farming for a number of years, or 
until 1884, this year marking his advent in California. He came direct to Sonoma 
county, where for a time he worked on ranches in the employ of others, but 
finally, in 1888, was enabled- to purchase property in Santa Rosa, and since 1902 
has been the owner and occupant of his present ranch, within the limits of town, 
at No. 426 Hendley" street. Here he has twenty acres of choice land, the resi- 
dence being surrounded by a five acre orchard of prune trees, a vineyard of five 
acres, while in the rear of these, ten acres are in grain. Taken as a whole this is 
one of the finest and most productive ranches in the vicinity, one of which 
the owner is justly proud. 

For a wife Mr. Lock chose one of his countrywomen in Miss Julia Norris, 
who was born in Somersetshire October 9, 1861, their marriage occurring in 
Santa Rosa in August, 1889. Both of Mrs. Lock's parents were natives of Eng- 
land, and there too they passed away, the father at the age of fifty, and the 
mother when sixty-five years of age. Three children were born of the marriage 
of Mr. and Airs. Lock, but the eldest, Alfred George, who was born in 1891, 
died the following year. The others are Arthur George, born April 8, 1893, and 
Ethel Mary, torn October 3, 1895, both of whom are students in the schools of 
Santa Rosa. Politically Mr. Lock votes the Republican ticket at national elec- 
tions, but in local matters he casts his ballot for the candidate best suited for the 
office, independent of the party. With his wife he is a member of the Episcopal 
Church of Santa Rosa, in the social and benevolent circles of which organization 
they are both active workers, as they are also in every project which has for its end 
the advancement of their fellowmen or the upbuilding of the community in which 
they live. Besides William H. Lock the parental family originally included four 
sons and two daughters, but of the number only two sons are living (one in 
Belleview, Cal., and the other still a resident of England) and one daughter, 
a resident of Australia. Other members of the family were also at one time 
residents of that island, Mr. Lock's uncles, William and Frederick Marsh, being 
the first to import English hares into that country and thus became the founders 
of what at one time was a thriving industry there. 



JOHN LAURITZEN. 
The captain of the Napa City, John Lauritzen was born in Petaluma in 1885, 
the son of Jeppe C. and May (Claassen) Lauritzen, whose sketch appears on 
another page of this work. He was the oldest of four sons born to his parents 
and received his primary education in the public schools in Sonoma county, in 
which section of the state he was brought up. On completing the course in the 
primar)- schools he attended the Petaluma high school and later graduated from 
that institution, having successfully completed the curriculum. In 1904 he en- 
tered the employ of the Petaluma and Santa Rosa Railroad Company, spending 
his first year in the company's warehouse, after which he became purser on the 
steamer Sonoma and later filled the same position on the Gold. Being an am- 
bitious young man he was not content with a menial position and by his sterling 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 967 

worth and steadiness of character rapidly advanced in the favor of his employ- 
ers. From the Gold he went as mate on the steamer Leader and was later ap- 
pointed as pilot on the steamer Gold. So well did he discharge his duties that 
on July 15, 1908, he was made captain of the Napa City, plying between Peta- 
luma and San Francisco. 

Captain Lauritzen is a general favorite with the traveling public, his genial 
disposition and ready wit winning him a place in the hearts of the patrons of the 
company he serves. He is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks 
in which organization he is well known. He is also a member of the American 
Association of Masters, Mates and Pilots. Politically he believes in Republican 
principles. Although young in years, he occupies an important position, to 
which he has climbed not because of outside influence, but rather because of his 
own ability, as demonstrated in the steady application to his work. 



JEFFERSON ROLLA HARDIN. 

The records fail to make clear who it was who first established the family 
foi tunes upon the Pacific coast, but it is known beyond a doubt that at least 
three generations have flourished in California, particularly in Sonoma county. 
The grandparents of the gentleman whose name heads this sketch, William 
J. and Rebecca Hardin, came to Sonoma county about 1849. I* 1 ^59 their son 
Marcus (the father of our subject) was born on the homestead in this county near 
Petaluma. The district schools of the time and the faithful training of his 
parents all contributed to the well-being of Marcus Hardin, and upon attain- 
ing manhood years he emulated his worthy father in the maintenance of a ranch 
property, and after his marriage settled on the homestead ranch. In maidenhood 
his wife was Miss Lulu Rodehaver, who was also a native of Sonoma county, 
born in 1865. They now live retired in Petaluma. 

The only child born of the marriage of Marcus and Lulu (Rodehaver) 
Hardin, was Jefferson R. Hardin, who was born on the family homestead in 
Sonoma county November 10, 1883. Although reared and educated in the same 
locality which had supplied the foundation of his father's life training the 
passing of years had witnessed a progress in advantages which the earlier gen- 
eration knew not of, and it therefore followed that J. R. Hardin was the recipient 
of good school advantages, which he appreciated, applying himself diligently to 
his school tasks, as he did in fact to whatever he gave his attention. This trait 
was equally noticeable in the performance of his duties about the home ranch, 
and by the time he had reached maturity had crystallized into a habit or principle 
from which he has never deviated, and which undoubtedly has been the keynote 
of his success. The fine appearance of his ranch marks him as a man of untir- 
Fng energy and as one who is familiar with all branches of agriculture carried 
on in this section of country. Seven miles north of Petaluma he has a ranch of 
three hundred and fifty-five acres of choice land, of which two hundred are under 
cultivation to hay and grain, while the remainder of the land is used as pasturage 
for fifty head of cows and young stock, eight head of horses and fifteen hogs, 
besides which he has a poultry industry which numbers three thousand chickens. 



968 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Mr. Hardin has every reason to be proud of the success that has been his thus- 
far, and the coming years have every possibility for even greater success. 

In 1904 a marriage ceremony was performed in Petaluma that united the 
destinies of J. R. Hardin and Nellie Tonini, who was born in Marin county, 
Cal., and their home has been brightened by the birth of two sons, Marcus Jef- 
ferson and Ray Rolla. Mrs. Hardin is a daughter of Bernardo and Caroline 
(Dolcini) Tonini, both natives of Switzerland, born respectively in 1841 and 
1845. Five children, two sons and three daughters, were born to them as fol- 
lows : Bernardo, Eugene, Nellie, Ida and Erma. The eldest son, Bernardo, 
married Miss May Cope; Ida is the wife of Peter Pronzini, and the mother of 
two children; and Nellie is Mrs. Hardin. Politically Mr. Hardin is a Democrat. 
He is a liberal contributor to all projects that tend to upbuild the community or 
add to the comforts of those less fortunate than himself. Although he is a 
hard worker he is a strong believer in the adage that "all work and no play makes 
Jack a dull boy" and when occasion permits he indulges his love for hunting 
and fishing. 



THOMAS JEFFERSON GRAHAM. 

The life of Thomas Jefferson Graham commenced in Canada in 1818 and it 
ended in California in the year 1897. Between these two dates we have a period 
of great individual activity, the moulding of a life and the shaping of a destiny. 
The life delineated herein is one that commends itself to posterity for the sterling 
qualities of the man and also for the success accomplished and wrested from the 
face of difficulties and obstacles. It presents all those rugged outlines that cause 
us to stop in our hurry of work and of play and remark upon the one who could 
so develop and establish a reputation that stands upon the pages of the histon 
of Time, as one that is well worthy the emulation of the young of every gen- 
eration. 

Mr. Graham was reared in the city of Toronto, Canada, in which place his 
father died when the boy was fourteen years of age. Although deprived of the 
care and counsel of his father, he did not give way to the temptations and the 
trials that came upon him, but determined to go ahead and win out. He began 
work in a store and spent his nights in a school accumulating knowledge to be 
used at some future time for the advancement of his own ambition. Thus he 
continued in the place of his nativity until he was twenty-two years of age and 
then he came to the United States and settled in Sheboygan, Wis., where he en- 
gaged in the grocery business on his own account. There he continued until the 
year 1852, when he sold out his interests and started across the plains with a 
party of fifteen wagons. In the fall of that year they arrived in Sacramento, 
Cal., after a trip that was filled with adventure and experiences of many kinds. 
On the way they were attacked with the cholera and a number of the party 
succumbed to the ravages of this dread malady. One of the party was drowned 
as they were fording a stream. At Sacramento Mr. Graham left the party and 
with his wife he came to San Francisco by boat, and in November of the same 
year took passage by boat to go to the east via Panama. After reaching New. 
York they turned their steps toward Wisconsin and returned to Sheboygan. Mr. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 969 

Graham again engaged in the grocery business and was so occupied until the 
spring of 1856, when they sold out and took passage from New York to San 
Francisco via Panama, arriving there in the midst of the excitement caused by 
the operations of the Vigilance Committee. After three or four days stay in 
San Francisco they took passage for Santa Clara and from there they came 
to Petaluma, Sonoma county, which place was then only a small village. Intend- 
ing to go into business as he had done in other places, Mr. Graham erected a store 
for this purpose, but realizing the opportunity along the lines of real estate, he 
sold his store before commencing business and invested the money in city 
property, which he sold again. He also conducted an insurance business at the 
same time, securing the agencies of the Aetna and Hartford companies. In the 
fall of 1883 Mr. Graham retired from active business and was so living at the 
time of his demise, in November, 1897. He was a member of the Masonic 
order, belonging to the Blue Lodge and also to Petaluma Lodge No. yy, R. A. 
M. He was a well-known citizen and a man who was always agreeable to every- 
thing that stood for the advancement of the highest interests of the community 
in which he resided. His kindly disposition and courteous manner won him many 
friends in Sonoma county, and he was especially beloved by all the children of 
the town on -account of his great kindliness toward them. 

In Wisconsin on April 17, 1852, Mr. Graham was married to Miss Elinor 
McCain, daughter of Allen and Jane (Coulter) McCain, both natives of Dela- 
ware county, N. Y., who had moved to Wisconsin in the early days and made 
their home in the vicinity of Sheboygan until their deaths. Since the death of 
Mr. Graham the widow has made her home in Petaluma, where she is actively 
identified with the Episcopal Church, being one of the founders of the same, 
also a member of the vestry for a number of years, and also the Woman's Guild, 
in which she has taken a prominent part. Mr. and Mrs. Graham assisted in the 
building of the first Episcopal Church in Petaluma and after the congregation 
had outgrown the building they assisted in the erection of the edifice in which 
the church meets today. They have given liberally to the church and its charities. 
Mrs. Graham had a window placed in the church in honor of Rev. John Pot- 
ridge, who has officiated for the past twenty-one years. 



ARMSTED GOATLEY. 

Coming to California during the period of her most rapid growth in popula- 
tion, it so happened that Armsted Goatley found himself in Placerville on the day 
that the state was admitted into the Union, September 9, 1850, prepared to engage 
in mining. Between that day and the day of his death, April 23, 1904, he 
watched with interest the rapid development in this western commonwealth, and 
none was more keenly alive to her possibilities than was he. His mining exper- 
ience was but a stepping stone to his real accomplishments in the west, his later 
and more profitable years being passed as a rancher in Sonoma county, and the 
work which he laid down at his death has been ably continued by his widow. 

Mr. Goatley was of southern origin, his birth occurring in Kentucky in 
1828. and he remained in the south until the attractions of California at the time 



< )7 o HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

of the gold fever proved too strong to be resisted longer. As stated, he reached 
the mines of Placerville on the day when the state was celebrating her admission 
into the Union, September 9, 185c. The records make no special comment as 
to his success as a miner, but it is known that he ultimately gave it up to under- 
take ranching, and at the time of his death was proprietor of one of the most 
thrifty and prosperous ranches in Sonoma county. Here on three hundred and 
fifty acres which he owned four miles west of Petaluma he undertook dairying 
on a large scale and as he was one of the first in the country round about to ven- 
ture upon this branch of agriculture he rightly claimed the distinction of being 
a pioneer dairyman in this section of country. Forty head of cows of the 
Jersey and Durham breeds now constitute the dairy, besides which there are 
six horses and over one thousand chickens. Since the death of her husband 
Mrs. Goatley has continued the maintenance of the ranch along the lines which 
he had found to be successful, and she is also making a success of the under- 
taking 

Before her marriage Mrs. Goatley was Miss Charlotte Langford, born in 
Somersetshire, England, in 1849. She came to California in 1884, and the fol- 
lowing year she was married to Mr. Goatley in Oakland. Two children were 
born of their marriage, John L. and George A., the latter of whom graduated 
from the University of California at Berkeley in 1910, with the degree of B. S., 
and later engaged as an electrical engineer in San Francisco. John L. has the 
management and supervision of the ranch. 

Mrs. Goatley was one in a family of ten children born to her parents, George 
and Caroline (Lloyd) Langford, who were born in England in 1825 and 1827 
respectively. Besides Mrs. Goatley the children born to them were as follows : 
Thomas ; George ; John ; Charles ; Sarah, Mrs. Morton ; Sophia ; Mary, Mrs. 
Walters ; Emma ; and Amelia, Mrs. Watson, all residents of Eureka, except Mrs. 
Morton, who lives in San Francisco. Mr. Goatley has three sisters, viz. ; 
Mrs. Williams and Mrs. Sims, whose families reside in Missouri, and Mrs. 
Martin, whose family are in California. One daughter, Mrs. R. F. Allen, is a 
resident of Petaluma. 

Throughout his life Mr. Goatley espoused Democratic principles, and always 
voted for the candidates of that party. He was a member of the Methodist 
Church South and was a trustee of the church in which he held membership. 
He was also identified with the Grange, wherein he met his fellow-ranchers 
socially, and they as well as all who were brought in contact with him in any 
way mourned his death deeply, for they lost a true friend and well-wisher. 



REV. THOMAS J. COMERFORD. 
Although a resident of California only since 1898, Rev. Thomas J. Comer- 
ford, rector of St. Francis Solano, has been an interested spectator and an un- 
doubted factor in the development of the community in which he resides. He 
was born in Kilkinney, Ireland, and early in life received an education that would 
ultimately permit of his entry into the priesthood. He made his studies for his 
life work at St. Kierns College, and after a successful completion of the curricu- 
lum, was ordained in June, 1898. by Rt. Rev. Bishop Browrigg for the diocese 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 971 

of San Francisco. Immediately on his ordination he came to California and 
was assistant rector of St. Agnes and Sacred Heart, of San Francisco, remain- 
ing there until appointed to his present incumbency. 

The parish of St. Francis Solano, is one of the oldest congregations in the 
country, the followers of the particular faith it represents having met to worship 
there many years ago. The present large church has been built about thirteen 
years ; the property occupies about half a block on Napa street and is a valuable 
piece of land from a commercial view point. The Convent is being run by the 
Presentation Sisters, who, in addition to the work which this involves, have 
charge of the parochial school and perform a splendid work in the education 
of the young in this institution. 

During the incumbency of Father Comerford, the various activities of the 
church have increased, and at present he has charge of the largest congregation 
in Sonoma. In addition to the arduous duties of this parish, he also has charge 
of St. Mary's church at Glen Ellen. He is a man of strong personality, capable 
of adapting himself to the varying circumstances of his life work, and is pecu- 
liarly qualified by nature for the performance of his high and lofty calling. A 
progressive man. he stands for the highest code of ethics and the attainment of 
civic righteousness in his town, and for these reasons, as well as for his personal 
characteristics, he is well known and respected by all. 



FRANK FENK. 

Whatever part of the world draws to its citizenship representatives of the 
sturdy Swiss race, they invariably bring to their new homes the same energy, 
economy and thrift characteristic of the nation from the earliest records of his- 
tory. In Northern California, as in the old home land, they have found dairying 
congenial to their tastes. Nature endowed them with the patience and skill 
necessary to the successful prosecution of the industry. Education brought the 
requisite knowledge of the work in which they have gained a reputation second 
to no people in the entire world. It is therefore a natural result of certain 
causes that Frank Fenk should enter into the dairy business after his arrival in 
Sonoma county, where since 1909 he has engaged in ranching and dairying 
near Petaluma. Under a lease of one year he secured five hundred acres of 
land from Charles Lewis and here he established himself as a dairy farmer, 
building up a splendid herd of forty-one milch cows. In addition he owns some 
young cattle, eight head of horses and a flock of two hundred chickens. Through 
unremitting efforts he is establishing a reputation for sagacious farming, and he 
has many friends who predict for him a successful future. 

Born in Canton Unterwalden, Switzerland, in 1879, Frank Fenk is a son of 
loseph and Pauline (Diller) Fenk, also natives of that country. The father, who 
was born in the year 1845, grew to manhood upon a dairy farm, and at an early age 
had acquired a thorough knowledge of the occupation. This work he followed after 
he came to the United States in 1881 and settled in California, where for four- 
teen years he made his home in Sonoma county. While general ranching was 
his occupation, he made a specialty of dairying and always kept a large herd of 



y7 2 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

good milkers on his farm. Besides his son, Frank, he had three children, Joseph, 
Matilda and Mary. Joseph, who is living in Petaluma, is married and has five 
children, Joseph, Arnold, Frances, Mary and Jessie. Matilda, who remains in 
Switzerland, is the wife of Fritz Bokar. Mary, who also resides in her native 
country, married Frank Frie and has two sons, Charles and Frank. 

Upon the completion of the studies taught in the schools of his home land 
Frank Fenk took up dairy pursuits and learned the industry in all of its details. 
During the year 1902 he came to the United States and settled in Monterey county, 
Cal., where he secured employment as a hired laborer on a dairy ranch. Since 
coming to Sonoma county in 1909 he has established himself in the business, and 
with the aid of a capable young wife he is rapidly rising to a position of influence 
among the dairymen. Prior to her marriage Mrs. Fenk was Miss Alice Josse ; she is 
a native of Switzerland, born in 1883, and received a fair education in the Swiss 
schools. During the year 1908 she came to California, where she married soon 
afterward. Her parents, Peter and Alice (Ophill) Josse, were born in Swit- 
zerland in 1848 and have been lifelong residents of that country. Their sons 
and daughters are named as follows : Andrus, Peter, Daniel, Michael, Otto, 
John, Arnold, Henry, Catherine, Elizabeth, Grati, Anna, Johanna, Franna and 
a child that died in infancy. Three of the sons and two daughters are married, 
and two of the family, Michael and Franna, reside in Oregon, making their home 
at Portland. All are devoted adherents of the Roman Catholic Church, and Mr. and 
Mrs. Fenk contribute to the activities of that religious organization, as well as to 
general movements for the upbuilding of the race. Since becoming a citizen of 
the United States, with the privilege of franchise, Mr. Fenk has exercised that 
right in favor of the Republican party, and has been a steadfast upholder of its 
principles. The anxieties connected with his occupation and the necessity of 
unceasing industry do not permit him to take an active part in lodge work, pub- 
lic affairs or any form of recreation, but occasionally, when free from home 
duties, he finds ardent pleasure in the sport of hunting, and as a Nimrod has 
displayed more than ordinary skill. 



EDWARD W. MERVYN EVANS. 
Synonymous with the name of E. W. M. Evans, of Petaluma, is the Cypress 
Hill Cemetery works of which he is the proprietor. It is a conservative statement 
to say that there is probably no cemetery in the country of equal size which has 
so many beautiful stones of varied kinds as may be seen in Cypress Hill Ceme- 
tery. Mr. Evans has been the chief contributor to this condition, for nearly all 
of the tombstones and monuments here seen have been designed, made and set 
up under his direct supervision during the twenty-eight years that he has been 
engaged in business in Petaluma. He is one of the pioneers in this line of busi- 
ness in the town, and is now the only one thus engaged. Several expert work- 
men are given employment in the execution of the many orders which come to 
him for headstones, tombstones, monuments, vaults and curbings, as well as in 
the making of store fronts, tiled flooring and wall tile. One of the best examples 
of Mr. Evans' handiwork may be seen in the Swiss-American Bank, the marble 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 973 

work which he furnished in this building being the finest work of the kind in 
the city. 

Edward W. M. Evans was born in County Armagh, Ireland, May 30, 1861. 
When he was a youth of about eight years the parents brought their family to 
the United States, the year 1869 witnessing their landing on these shores and 
their settlement in Virginia. Subsequently they came as far west as Denver, 
Colo., and finally, in April, 1876, they came to California. Near Stony Point, 
Sonoma county, the father purchased a small ranch upon which the family lived 
for a number of years, after which the father removed to Alameda, and it was 
there that his death occurred in 1897. As he left his native land before his 
schooling had been begun, E. W. M. Evans acquired all of his book learning after 
coming to California, attending school in the various places in which the family 
lived. Coming to Petaluma in 1882. he started the nucleus of his present large 
marble works on Main street, later removing his plant to Cypress Hill, his present 
location. Others have carried on similar enterprises in the town from time to 
time, but the Cypress Hill Cemetery works is the only one now in operation, 
the superior class of work here turned out accounting for its permanency. 

Mr. Evans' marriage occurred in Petaluma July 11, 1883, uniting him with 
Miss Martha Ellen Tupper, who claims the distinction of being the first white- 
girl born in Petaluma. She is the daughter of John B. Tupper, who came to 
Petaluma in 1850 and consequently was one of the earliest settlers in this part 
of the county. Before her marriage his wife was Miss Martha Douglass, a na- 
tive of Maine, and their marriage was the first one celebrated in Petaluma. 
Robert Douglass, her father, built the old Brooklyn hotel in Petaluma, and he also 
brought the first frame house to Petaluma. This was first erected in Vallejo, 
but later was taken clown and brought to Petaluma, where it did good service 
for many years. Seven children were born of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. 
Evans, named in the order of their birth as follows: Vivian M., the wife of 
Fred J. Tolberg, of Monmouth, 111.; Edward E. and Arthur B., both of whom 
are interested in business with their father ; Roy M., who is employed with 
Braincrd Jones, the well-known architect of Petaluma; Alma M. ; Isabelle Vir- 
ginia; and Roscoe D. All of the children have been the recipients of good edu- 
cational advantages and are a credit to their parents ; one of the sons, Roy M., 
has made a splendid record as an athlete. Mr. Evans was made a Mason in 
Arcturus Lodge No. 180, which has since consolidated with and is known as 
Petaluma Lodge No. 180, F. & A. M. He served as master of the lodge two 
years, and was inspector of the sixteenth district for seven years. He is also a 
member of Petaluma Chapter No. 22, R. A. M., and both he and Mrs. Evans are 
members of the Eastern Star, of which he has been worthy patron. Mr. Evans 
is a member of the Merchants Association. 



JAMES WESLEY WOOD. 
Born on a ranch about seven miles from Santa Rosa, on Guerneville road, 
March 6, 1873, James W. Wood is a son of Wesley Wood, who came to Cali- 
fornia in 1857 and located near Santa Rosa, being employed on what is now 
the Voorhman ranch. Being enterprising, he farmed this ranch for a time for 
himself, together with the Horn ranch adjoining it. Immediately after his 



974 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

marriage, and after twelve years of successful farming, he bought one hundred 
and fifty-seven acres of land near what is now known as Fulton, and here he 
made his home and farmed until his demise. In 1870 he married Annie War- 
ner, of Santa Rosa, the daughter of Phileman and Sarah Warner, pioneers 
of Santa Rosa, who came there in 1853 and lived there until their death. To 
Mr. and .Mrs. Wesley Wood four sons and one daughter were born: Henry 
(deceased), James Wesley, Frank W., William H. and Ella W. 

James Wesley Wood was reared on the farm, educated in the public school 
at Olivet, and later took a course in the Santa Rosa Business College. After 
graduating he and his brother Frank W. farmed the home place, besides one 
hundred acres that they rented, until the year 1900, when they bought sixty 
and one-half acres to th,e south and east of their original holding, both places 
being farmed at the same time. Five years after this purchase J. W. Wood 
bought out his brother's interest and has since farmed on his own account. He 
owns a splendid ranch of one hundred and twelve acres, thirty-five of which 
he has in vines, four acres in fruit trees and the balance in hay, grain and 
pasture. His mother lives on the home place. 

In December, 1907, Mr. Wood married Madeline Roat, a native of Iowa 
and a resident of Santa Rosa, the daughter of Isaac and Sarah Roat. To Mr. 
and Mrs. Wood one child, James Roat Wood, was born April 14, 1909. Mr. 
Wood is a member of Santa Rosa Lodge No. 53, I. O. O. F., of the Encamp- 
ment of the Rebekahs, Santa Rosa, and the Woodmen of the World, of which 
he is past council commander of Fulton Lodge No. 428. Politically he is a 
Republican and a hearty supporter of his party in public and in private. Mrs. 
Wood holds membership in the Eastern Star of Windsor. Cal., and the Re- 
bekahs of Santa Rosa. A descendant of pioneers in this western world, Mr. 
Wood has given evidence that he possesses many of those qualities of in- 
domitable energy and enterprising skill that characterised the men and women 
who came to this country when it was unsettled and wild. Mr. and Mrs. Wood 
have a host of friends who honor and respect them and wish them every success 
in the "unfoldment of life." 



H. H. MOKE. 

In the line of his profession, undertaker and embalmer, there is no name 
better known in Santa Rosa than that of H. H. Moke, who is an- experienced 
and licensed practitioner, as is also Mrs. Moke, and as a member of the firm 
takes charge of the women's and children's cases. The history of the busi- 
ness now carried on by Mr. Moke dates back to the year 1875, when M. S. 
Davis opened the first undertaking establishment in Santa Rosa, conducting 
it alone until December 31, 1904, when H. H. Moke bought out Mr. Davis. 

H. H. Moke was born in San Francisco May 7, 1871, and since the age 
of thirteen years has been a resident of Santa Rosa. His primary education 
was received in the grammar schools, and later he attended and graduated from 
the high school also. In 1884, while but a lad in years, he entered the employ 
of M. S. Davis, who was the leading undertaker in Santa Rosa, and after he 
had mastered the details of the business thoroughly and had received his. cer- 
tificate as a graduated embalmer. he still continued in the employ of Mr. Davis. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 975 

In 1904, upon his employer's wishing to retire from the business, Mr. Moke 
purchased the business on December 31, 1904, and since that time has con- 
ducted the business with entire satisfaction and has installed modern methods 
to facilitate the work he is called upon to do. 

Mr. Moke has been twice married, his first marriage occurring in 1892 
and uniting him with Miss Lottie J. Reid, the daughter of Joseph B. Reid, 
one of the early settlers of Sonoma county. A deep bereavement befell Mr. 
Moke in the spring of T906, when both his wife and daughter, the latter ten 
rears of age, were killed in the earthquake which made that year memorable 
in the history of California. On July 17, 1907, Mr. Moke married his present 
wife. Mrs. Naomi E. Davis. In fraternal circles Mr. Moke is well known, 
being a member of the Masons, in which he has attained the degree of Knights 
Templar ; a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Woodmen of the World. 
As a citizen, Mr. Moke is found ready to forward any movement that has for 
its object the advancement of his home county or city. 



VERNON DOWNS. 

One of the man}- worthy citizens and capable and progressive agricul- 
turists of Sonoma county is Vernon Downs, whose ranch of three hundred and 
seventy-three acres on Rural Route No. 6 from Santa Rosa is admirably located 
for the cultivation of grain and fruits, and the land not so used is devoted to 
stock-raising. This has been the continuous home of Mr. Downs for the past 
forty-one years, and notwithstanding the fact that he is now in his eighty-sixth 
year, he still superintends the management of his property and is as interested 
in the affairs of his home community and of the affairs of the world at large 
as he was half a century ago. 

The descendant of New England ancestors, Vernon Downs was born in 
Hancock county. Me.. May 3, 1825. His parents died when he was a young- 
boy, and thereafter he was reared by a neighboring farmer until he was nineteen 
years of age. Then, in 1844. he went to Tallahassee, Fla., where he clerked in a 
merchandise store for a year and a half. He then went to Georgia, and in 
Decatur countv he carried on a store of his own under the name of V. Downs & 
Co. It was while he was engaged in the business just mentioned that the news 
of the finding of gold in California first reached his ears. While he was young 
and impressionable, and apparently waiting for just such an opportunity as this 
news seemed to offer, it was not adventure alone that prompted him to respond 
to its call, but rather a deeper desire to find a suitable niche in the world for his 
abilities, where their application would redound to his credit and bring him sat- 
isfaction and happiness. It was after weighing the matter carefully that in 
December of 1849 ne se,; sa '' f° l * Panama, with California as his ultimate des- 
tination, and on May 6, 1850, he landed in San Francisco. The attractions of 
the mines of Placer county drew him to that locality, and for three years his 
interests were centered there, but with what success the records fail to mention. 
His first appearance in Sonoma county was at the close of his experience in 
Placer county, when he came to Santa Rosa and assisted in building the flouring 



g 7 b 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 



mill at this place. His interest in mining, however, had not been entirely satis- 
fied, and the year 1863 again found him absorbed in mining, this time in Idaho, 
where he continued altogether for the following four years. With the close of this 
experience he again came to Sonoma county, and has made his home here ever 
since, which makes him one of the county's oldest settlers. In 1868 he purchased 
and settled upon the ranch which is his home today, in close proximity to Santa 
Rosa, and which consists of three hundred and seventy-three acres of splendid 
land. Grain and the various fruits adapted to this soil and climate are raised in 
abundance, and the remainder of the land' is used as pasturage for the large 
number of stock that he raises and fattens for the market. A leader rather than . 
a follower, his movements as an agriculturist have been watched with interest 
by those of less daring, and when his efforts proved successful others adopted 
his plans, to the end that his influence in the upbuilding and improvement of the 
locality has been an important factor in bringing about present conditions in 
Sonoma county. 

Mr. Downs" first marriage occurred in 1858, uniting him with Miss Eliza- 
beth Rawles, who passed away the following year. His second marriage oc- 
curred October 29, 1867, uniting him with Miss Martha Jane Churchman, the 
daughter of Judge William Churchman, her birth occurring in Washington 
countv, Iowa, December 1, 1845. The six children born of this marriage are as 
follows : Lillian, Vernon, Carrie, George H., Horace A. and Edith. The young- 
est of the children, Edith, was born August 1, 1883, and on July 31, 1910, became 
the wife of William J. A. Gabrelsen, of San Francisco. George Hancock Downs, 
who served as a soldier in the Spanish-American war, died August 17, 1909. 
Politically Mr. Downs is a Republican, and although interested in political af- 
fairs, has not been an office seeker, and aside from minor offices has never con- 
sented to act in any public capacity. On various occasions he has served as 
school trustee, and has also held other small offices within the gift of his fellow- 
citizens, but aside from these his time has been g;iven to his ranch interests. 



CHARLES D. STEVENS. 
Notwithstanding the fact that Mr. Stevens has made his home in California 
only since the year 1900, he has entered into the spirit of life in the west with 
a zest and enthusiasm that speaks well for the opportunities of the west, and 
more particularly of Healdsburg, where he has made his home since coming 
to the state. A native of New York state, he was born in Washington county, 
in 1850, and in the vicinity of his birth was reared and educated up to the age 
of fifteen years. In the meantime, however, all had not been smooth and peace- 
ful in the breast of the youth on account of parental refusal, when he was a 
lad of thirteen years, to go into the army. He attempted to carry out his plan 
by running away, but he was intercepted by his father, brought back home and 
continued with his parents in the east, until the removal of the family to the 
middle west in 1865. Being of a mechanical turn of mind, after his school days 
were over voung Charles turned bis energies in the direction of marine engineer- 
ing, a business which he was following in Chicago, 111., at the time fire dev- 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY ^7 

astated that city in 1871. The same eagerness to be in the forefront of activity 
during the war again asserted itself, and throughout the time of devastation he 
manned a steam fire engine and performed a noble service to save his home city. 
He continued to make his home with his parents in that city until 1875, when 
he removed to Colorado and remained there for the following twenty-five years. 
The year following his removal to Colorado, in 1876, Charles D. Stevens 
was united in marriage with Miss Isabella A. Bacon, who was born in Illinois in 
1857, tne daughter of Lafayette W. and Jeanette A. (Swena) Bacon, natives of 
Pennsylvania. (A sketch of the life of Lafayette W. Bacon will be found else- 
where in this volume.) Eight children were born to the marriage of Mr. and 
Mrs. Stevens, but two of the number are deceased. The eldest of those living 
is Clarence C, born in 1878: he is employed as an engineer in the beet sugar fac- 
tory at Betteravia, Cal. : he married Miss Abbie J. Shinn, by whom he has two 
children. Harry F., born in 1880, served in the Spanish-American war from 
Colorado, entering as a trumpeter, and it was in response to his call to arms that 
the" forces gathered for the battle of Manila ; he was mustered out of the service 
at the end of three years with an excellent record ; he is married, and with his 
wife, formerly Miss Ivy Colby, and their two children, lives in San Francisco, 
where he is conductor and student teacher in a college for United Railroads. 
Edward D., born in 1884, served four vears in the navy, coming out of the serv- 
ice at the end of that time as chief electrician, with a splendid record, and he is 
now following the trade of wireless operator in San Francisco ; before her mar- 
riage his wife was Miss Edna K. McQuown. Nellie A., who was born in 1886, 
was married to R. W. Simmons in 1906 and is now living in San Francisco, where 
Mr. Simmons follows his trade of pattern-maker. Irma A., born in 1891, was 
married in 1910 to O. V. Dickson, now employed in the Sacramento Bee, and in 
that city the family live. Flora M., born in 1893, was married July 25, 1910, 
to B. E. Rough, a native of California, and now living in Black Diamond, this 
state. Frank L.. born in 1883, died in 1903, and Elsie L., born in 1888, died 
the following year. Much of Mr. Stevens' life before coming to California' had 
been passed as a marine engineer, many of the large battle-ships bearing his 
handiwork, but since taking up his residence in Healdsburg he has been employed 
in the Healdsburg Bottling and Ice Company. The family have a pleasant home 
at No. 231 Lincoln street, property which was bequeathed to Mrs. Stevens by her 
aunt, Mrs. Nancy Peck, one of the pioneer settlers of the state. 



WILLIAM D. JONES. 
Legion were the caravans that wended their tedious way over the lonely 
plains and across the trackless deserts during the years that followed the dis- 
covery of gold in California. Not the smallest or least important among them 
was the emigrant train commanded by Captain Sewell, who led a large company 
safely into the land of destiny and brought the journey to an uneventful con- 
clusion at the expiration of six months of constant travel. Among the travelers 
was William D. Jones, who was born in Kentucky in 1842 and who at the time 
of the expedition was a boy of ten years. Always ready to assist in the care of 
50 



97 8 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

the wagons or the oxen, on more than one occasion he proved himself the pos- 
sessor of patience in hardship and heroism in danger. Arriving in California 
during the autumn of 1852. he came with the family to Sonoma county in 1853, 
and here passed the remainder of his useful existence, earning a livelihood through 
the careful tilling of the soil. To the end of his life he retained a vivid recollec- 
tion of the trip across the plains, and often referred to it during advanced years, 
dwelling especially upon the contrast between modes of travel then and now. 

The founder of the family in California was Robert W. Jones, a native of 
Kentucky, born in 1782, and deceased in Mendocino county, Cal., when about 
one hundred years of age. By his marriage to Margaret March, who was born 
in Kentucky in 1816, he became the father of five children, William, Eli, Mary, 
Elizabeth and Susan. Eli, a resident of Potter Valley, Mendocino county, is mar- 
ried and has three children, Walter, Leroy and Lena. Leroy married Agnes 
Berryhill and they have two children, Leroy and Agnes. Lena, Mrs. Charles 
Whittaker, of Potter Valley, has one son, Charles. Mary, the eldest daughter of 
Robert W. Jones, became the wife of George Pickle, and nine children were born 
of their union, namely : William, Jesse, George, Frank, Margaret, Mattie, Delia, 
Ellen and Josie. The first-named son, William, married Lulu Jackson, by whom 
he has five children, Samuel, Robert, Ella, Bessie and Georgia. Jesse, who chose 
as his wife Miss Julia Jackson, resides at Potter Valley, and has four children, 
Henry, Cecil, Laura and an infant unnamed. Mattie Pickle married Fisher Day, 
of Potter Valley, and they have six children, Grover, Marion, Ralph, Ruth, Stella 
and an infant unnamed. Delia Pickle became the wfe of Warner Neil, of Potter 
Valley, and they have five children, George, Francis, Ora, Edith and Ruth. Ellen 
Pickle married Edward Shelton, of Rock Tree Valley, and they have three chil- 
dren, the two elder being Harold and Marion. 

Elizabeth, daughter of Robert W. Jones, became the wife of John Pickle. 
Their twelve children were named as follows : Wiley, George, John, Frederick, 
Hattie, Nannie, Mamie, Elizabeth, Effie, Susan, Dovey and Mabel. Wiley mar- 
ried Emma Maze, and they with their three children reside at Potter Valley. 
George is married and has two children, Ray and Jennie. Hattie, Mrs. Barnard 
Berger, of Coalinga, Fresno county, has three children, Hattie, Frank and Anna. 
Nannie is married and has four children, Johnson, Minnie, Mary and Lulu. 
Mamie, Mrs. Jerome Worth, of Coalinga, Cal, has two children. Elizabeth, 
Mrs. Edward Banker, is the mother of two children. Effie married Frank 
Banker and has three children. Susan is the wife of Samuel Spears, of Ukiah, 
this state, and they have two children, Innis and Ruby. Dovey married James 
Guinn and has three children, Wilbur, Dorothy and Erma. Mabel, Mrs. Frank 
McKee, resides at Potter Valley and has one child, Blanche. Susan, the youngest 
daughter of Robert W. Jones, became the wife of D. Taylor and settled at Upper- 
lake, Lake county, Cal. Their family comprised eight children, Leonard, Jessie, 
George, Charles, Ernest, Josephine, Ellen and Alice. 

The establishment of domestic ties by William D. Jones united him in mar- 
riage with Mrs. Laura (Berryhill) Adams, who was born in Linn county, Iowa, 
in 1852, and who was his faithful companion and capable helpmate until he passed 
away, August 13, 1910. She was the daughter of Joseph T. and Jane (Butler) 
Berryhill, natives of Ohio, who subsequently settled in Iowa, and still later in 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 979 

Dade county, Mo., where the mother died. Later the father came to Califor- 
nia and now resides in Potter valley, at the age of eighty-eight years. Five chil- 
dren were born of Mr. Jones' first marriage, Robert, William, Hattie, Hester and 
Edna. The first-named, Robert, married Sarah Ryan and resides in Rio Grande ; 
their children are Albert, Ernest, William and Myrtle. Hattie married George 
Berryhill, of Fort Bragg, Mendocino county, and is the mother of seven chil- 
dren, Rhoda, Pearl, May, Myrtle, Ruth, Flazel and Gladys. Hester Jones is the 
wife of E. A. Preston, of Garden Grove, Orange county, and they have four 
children, Elmer, Mont, Alvin and Delbert. Edna Jones, now the wife of Bert 
Hayes, make her home at Garden Grove, and has two children, Leta and Wilford. 
By his second marriage Mr. Jones had two children, Cecelia, the wife of Carl 
Nozler, of Healdsburg, and Clarence, at home. Mrs. Jones' first marriage united 
her with Matt Adams, of Missouri, by whom she had three children. The eldest, 
Joseph Adams, married Clara Spencer, by whom he has three children, Harold, 
Trilby and Alvin ; they reside in Potter Valley. Viola Adams, who became the 
wife of George Pickel, of Potter Valley, died in 1910", leaving three children, 
Herbert, Littie and Earl. Alice Adams became the wife of Richard Corvel, of 
Fort Bragg, and they have two children, Meta and Laura. 

The old homestead in Sonoma county, where for so many years Mr. Jones 
lived and labored, is now owned by his widow, who has shared with him the 
good-will of neighbors and the regard of a large circle of acquaintances. She 
maintains her membership in the Baptist Church, and for a long period he served 
as a deacon in the congregation, always contributing generously to religious 
movements, and giving his sympathy to all uplifting enterprises. His sons have 
been active in local lodge work in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, but his 
inclinations did not lead him toward fraternal organizations. His was a busy 
existence, and a modest degree of success rewarded his exertions, but greater 
than his pride in material prosperity was his devotion to his children, his sac- 
rifices for their good and his earnest hope of their well-being. Through his own 
labors he cleared ten acres out of his homestead of forty acres ; the balance of 
the estate contains valuable redwood and oak timber. The place stands as a land- 
mark of his industry, a memorial to his pioneer labors. With it are associated 
memories of his quiet perseverance, his long years of toil and his unselfish inter- 
est in the welfare of the community and the county. In the local annals his 
name is worthy of a position of honor and of permanence as that of a resolute, 
patriotic and brave pioneer. In October, 1910, after the death of her husband 
and daughter, Mrs. Jones took up her residence in Healdsburg, where she now 
lives. 



SAMUEL S. MITCHELL. 
Favored alike in soil and climate, the township of Mendocino has attracted 
as permanent residents many of the most enterprising and resourceful farmers of 
Sonoma county, included among whom may be mentioned the name of Samuel 
S. Mitchell, the owner of a valuable property lying in proximity to the city of 
Healdsburg. The ranch which he owns and occupies comprises four hundred 
and twenty acres of land, a large proportion of which is in meadow and pasture, 



980 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 



thus affording ample facilities for the care of his large number of stock. Some 
cattle and sixty-five head of blooded Angora goats have been income-producers 
for the owner, who also has on the farm three head of horses, used in the culti- 
vation of the land. One of the valuable features of the farm is a redwood and 
fir grove of forty acres. Neat buildings occupy a desirable site on the tract and 
contain the conveniences needed for their various uses. Of recent years fruit- 
growing has sprung into popularity in this township and a new orchard has been 
planted here, so that in years to come horticulture will probably be an important 
adjunct to the annual revenue. 

The early life of Samuel S. Mitchell was passed in Oxford, Ohio, where he 
was born in 1848 and where he received such advantages as the locality and 
period afforded. The lure of the west drew him onward toward the Pacific coast 
regions, and at the age of twenty-two years he settled in California, where since 
he has made his home. For a considerable period he resided in Lake county, 
and during that time he ^filled the office of school trustee for thirteen years, be- 
sides serving the people in other local positions of trust. 

At Ukiah, Mendocino county, Cal., in 1882, occurred the marriage of Sam- 
uel S. Mitchell and Alice Berryhill, who was born in Butler county, Iowa, in the 
year 1867. Her father, J. T. Berryhill, was born in Greene county, Ohio, June 
16, 1823, and during early life was a resident of Indiana, where he was a leading 
local worker in the blue lodge of Masonry. His wife, who bore the maiden name 
of Jane Butler, was born September 19, 1826, and died on the 4th of July, 1867, 
when her youngest child, Alice, was an infant. The eleven older children in the 
family were named as follows : James, Thomas, George, Frank, Sylvester, Mary, 
Celia, Laura, Sarah, Josephine and Alice. During the Spanish-American war 
James and Sylvester enlisted in the army and served with distinction until the 
expiration of their time. The elder of the two soldiers, James, is married and 
has two sons, Archie and John Berryhill. Thomas married Elizabeth Knapp 
and has two children, Otis and Daisy. George married Alice Snuffens and has 
one son. Frank chose as his wife Miss Sarah Farrence, and by that union there 
are six children, Joseph, Neliie, Agnes, May, Ethel and Seline. Sylvester mar- 
ried Lillie Campbell and has two sons, Grover and Eugene. Mary, Mrs. William 
Hardinger, has one son, William. Celia, wife of Clarence Heath, has five chil- 
dren, Frank, Volard, David, James and May. Sarah is the wife of George Caf- 
felt and the mother of four children, William, Inman, Elizabeth and an infant 
unnamed. During the year 1875 J. T. Berryhill brought his family to California, 
and here he continued to reside throughout his remaining years, meanwhile serv- 
ing as a school trustee and in other local offices. Honorable in act, upright in 
character, earnest in endeavor and patriotic in devotion to commonwealth and 
country, he added another to the list of the men whose sterling principles laid 
well and thoroughly the foundations of our state. 

There are ten children in the family of Samuel S. Mitchell and wife, namely : 
Joseph E., Ernest S., Harry T., Elizabeth J., Cecil, Frank V., Claude D., Delmer 
N. and Clarence and Curtis (twins). The eldest of the family, Joseph E., was united 
in marriage in 1905 with Miss Ellen Wilier, and they have two daughters, Emily 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 981 

A. and Josephine G., who are the joj of their grandparents and a large circle of 
other relatives. The religious associations of the family are with the Presby- 
terian Church, and in politics Mr. Mitchell gives stanch allegiance to the Repub- 
lican party. 



MONROE EUGENE GOODENOUGH. 

The discovery of gold that lured many an Argonaut to the mines of Cali- 
fornia was the incentive that brought to the western coast the first member of 
die Goodenough family ever attracted beyond the sandy plains of the American 
desert and beyond the shadow of the towering mountain peaks. This traveler 
to the modern Eldorado was Sylvanus Reed Goodenough, a frontiersman by- 
nature, a traveler by choice and a lover of adventure whether in peace or in 
war. Born in Chautauqua county, N. Y., in March, 1826, he passed his early 
days in an uneventful routine strikingly different from the changing exper- 
iences of mature life. At the age of twenty he removed to Erie, Pa., and there 
met and married Miss Polly Ann Palmer, born in 1824, a daughter of Ulysses 
and Martha Palmer, members of a colonial family of honored name and patriotic 
spirit. Ulysses Palmer was an own cousin of the late Potter Palmer, whose 
name is indissolubly associated with the early development of the city of Chicago. 

From the village of Baraboo, Wis., early in 1852 Sylvanus R. Goodenough 
started with an expedition for the west and traveled with horses as far as 
Omaha, Neb. In that city the horses were traded for oxen as being better 
adapted to the hardships of the plains. When Lonetree, Neb., was reached 
the two companions of Mr. Goodenough became homesick and returned east, 
but his determination to reach the objective point remained undaunted. Indians 
became troublesome. Several skirmishes occurred with the Sioux and Blackfoot 
Indians. On reaching Muddy creek, a tributary of the Snake river, the travelers 
found that Indians had built a pontoon bridge and were charging toll. The 
leader of the band inquired the amount of toll and the answer was so offensive 
and threatening that the whites decided to go up the creek a mile or more 
and camp until they were joined by other emigrants. This decision was reached 
after they realized that the Indians outnumbered them two to one and therefore 
an encounter was unwise until others joined them. Twenty-four hours later 
they were able to proceed with a large train of white men equal in number to the 
savages, who, however, still refused to permit them to cross. A skirmish followed 
in which eleven Indians were killed and one. white man wounded. 

The victory won and the bridge passed over, the emigrant train proceeded 
peacefully upon its weary way. Before entering the sink of the Humboldt river, 
where a difficult sandy stretch of forty miles awaited them, they were obliged 
to rest their stock and provide themselves with an abundance of water. The 
journey was very trying and consumed two days and one night. After reaching 
the foothills of the Rocky mountains they discarded their oxen for burros, 
which followed the trails with more ease than did the cattle. Eventually they 
entered Placer county and disbanded at Hangtown, a mining camp so called from 
the large number of white men who paid a quick penalty for their thefts. Al- 
though the first excitement incident to the discovery of gold had subsided, large 



y 82 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

throngs still sought the mines and fortunes were still made by a few of the more 
lucky Argonauts. 

During the winter of 1852-53 Sylvanus Reed Goodenough mined at Placerville, 
Marysville and Mountain Slide and later he made the last-named camp his head- 
quarters for a considerable period. At the expiration of four and one-half years 
from the time of coming west he returned to Baraboo, Wis., via the Isthmus of 
Panama, and walked the twenty-eight miles between the Pacific ocean and the 
Gulf of Mexico. Thence he sailed to New Orleans and from there boarded 
a steamer on which he journeyed up the Mississippi and the Missouri rivers, 
landing at Kansas City in November of 1857, and next going on to Wisconsin. 
His son, Monroe Eugene, was born at Madison, Wis., August 20, 1858, and was 
a mere infant when the family removed to Grant county, same state. A year 
later the father took the family to Iowa during the winter season, crossing the 
Mississippi river on the ice at Dubuque. Settling six miles from Brooklyn in 
Poweshiek county, he bought one hundred and twenty acres at a very low figure 
and there he improved a tract known far and near as the Goodenough farm. 
Shortly after his settlement on the farm, in 1861 he enlisted as a private in Com- 
pany H, Twenty-eighth Iowa Infantry, under Captain Phillips. Going to the 
front he served throughout the balance of the Rebellion and was honorably dis- 
charged as corporal in 1865 at Richmond, Va., whence he returned to his Iowa 
farm. 

Many years of agricultural activity, interspersed with efficient service in 
township (Warren) and district offices, brought Sylvanus Reed Goodenough into 
local prominence in Poweshiek county, where he was honored as a man of 
recognized ability and superior intelligence. Upon finally retiring from business 
and farm cares he removed to Mexico for the benefit of his health and there he 
now makes his home, looking back over a career of honor and usefulness. The 
cares of years have bowed his frame and silvered his hair, but his mind retains 
the vigor of youth and his broad intelligence grasps national problems with an 
alertness native to the man. His family comprised four sons and three daughters, 
namely: James E., Monroe Eugene, Charles H., Frederick W. (who died in 
infancy), Lorana M., Alvina J. and Eva Belle. The first-named son married 
Catherine Riser, of Clinton county, Iowa, and they have two children, Walter 
H. and Minnie ; the son married Bettie Williams and has a child, George, and 
Minnie married John Evans, now. deceased. Charles H. married Jessie Ballen- 
tine, a member of a Scotch family, and five children were born of their union. 
Lorana, Mrs. David McKee, formerly of Freeport, III, now residing in Hum- 
boldt, Iowa, is the mother of five children, Fred, Burney, Blanche, Katie and 
Doda. Alvina J., by her marriage to Charles W. Williams, was the mother of a 
daughter, Minnie, Mrs. Fred Irwin, who in turn is the mother of one daughter, 
Birdie. After the death of her first husband Mrs. Williams became the wife of 
Henry Ball, of Brooklyn, Iowa, and one son, William, was born of that union. 
The youngest daughter of the Goodenough family was Eva Belle, Mrs. George 
Coom, of Brooklyn, Iowa, in whose family are the following children : George, 
Ollie, Maude, Ranie and Cecil. 

While quite young Monroe Eugene Goodenough was sent to school during 
the entire time it was in session, but as he grew large enough to be of help on the 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 983 

farm he was sent to school only during the winter months when the work at home 
was light. At the age of twenty-two years he started out to make his own way in 
the world, his first venture being the filing of a tree claim in South Dakota, but 
after a time he sold his right to the quarter section and forthwith secured employ- 
ment with the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Company. On leaving 
the railroad he went on an inspecting tour through Arkansas and Missouri, later 
going to Kansas. In the vicinity of Wichita he spent two years as an employe 
on a fruit ranch owned by M. R. Mosier. Next he engaged with the firm of E. 
Bennett & Sons, of Topeka, Kan., to become foreman of their stock ranch and 
continued as such until the large importations of the firm rendered desirable his 
services in the capacity of salesman. For four years he acted as a seller of their 
imported stock, beginning at $50 per month and working his way forward to 
$150 per month. Finally he resigned in order to embark in business for him- 
self. With F. B. Rix as a partner he organized the firm of Rix & Goodenough, 
of Topeka, Kan., importers of live stock from Europe. The responsibilities of 
the business necessitated annual trips to the old world on the part of Mr. Good- 
enough, who displayed such wisdom in his purchases, such sound judgment in 
his selection of registered animals and such energy in his sales that at the ex- 
piration of four years he sold his one-half interest in the business to his partner 
for $20,000, and moved to Adrian, Minn., and incorporated. 

The Leeds Importing Company at Adrian, Minn., a stock company in which 
Mr. Goodenough owned one-half of the stock, secured the benefit of his splendid 
judgment and efficient services in the offices of president and general manager. 
The selection of foreign stock obliged him to go abroad every year in order to 
make the necessary purchases. The finest breeds of horses were imported, also 
the most desirable strains in sheep and cattle, and for five years he made the 
business one of profit to the stockholders. On resigning and disposing of his 
stock in the concern he embarked in the buying and selling of land and for fif- 
teen years conducted a very large business covering almost every part of Minne- 
sota and the Dakotas. During the year 1906 he removed from Minneapolis to 
Seattle and thence came to California, settling in Sonoma county, where now he 
is devoting his attention to the compilation of a county history. By trade he is 
a carpenter and by occupation a farmer, and during his residence in Minnesota 
he always had agricultural interests in addition to other work. For two years 
he has served as justice of the peace and in politics he votes with the Republican 
party. In 1890 he married Miss Mamie Stephenson, who died in 1902 leaving 
him alone and childless. His reiigious views are liberal and he concedes to all 
the same freedom of thought which he demands as his own birthright. 



CHARLES PAUL WEYHE. 
One of the many worthy and esteemed citizens of Sonoma county was the 
latt Charles P. Weyhe, who passed away on his ranch near Forestville June 26, 
1909. He was one of those citizens who had watched the growth and upbuild- 
ing of this part of the county with deep pride and not a little of its advance- 
ment was due to his own individual effort. A native of Germany, he was 
born in Berlin May 27, i860. When he was a child of two years the parents 



984 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

set out on the voyage that was to bring them to the United States, but the 
father did not live to reach his destination and realize his hopes in the Land 
of the Free. Widowed and alone the mother proceeded on the journey as 
planned, coming to California and settling on a ranch in Contra Costa county. 
In the meantime Charles P. Weyhe continued with relatives in the Father- 
land, attending school until he was fourteen years of age, when he immigrated 
to the United States, landing in New York City, and from there proceeded to 
California, via the Isthmus of Panama, to join his mother in Contra Costa 
county. There she had a ranch of twelve hundred acres devoted principally 
to stock-raising, and of this her son became manager, remaining with her and 
caring for her interests until he attained his majority. Starting out on his own 
behalf at this time, he went to Humboldt county and purchased a ranch of three 
hundred and twenty acres upon which he resided for about two years, when the 
death of his mother made an entire change in his plans. Disposing of his own 
property in Humboldt county he returned to Contra Costa county and assumed 
charge of his mother's property, a duty which devolved upon him, he being his 
parents 7 only child. For a number of years he continued to cultivate the prop- 
erty, but finally disposed of it and in 1891 came to Sonoma county and pur- 
chased the ranch near Forestville which was his home until his death, and is 
still the home of his widow and sons, who in following his plans as to cultiva- 
tion and improvements are meeting with a success of which they have cause 
to feel proud. The ranch comprises one hundred and sixty-six acres, devoted 
to orchard and vineyard and to the growing of hops and grain. The forty- 
acres in orchard produced during the year 1910 $9,000 worth of fruit, and 
indications for the present year are even brighter. In addition to the crops 
mentioned Mrs. Weyhe finds pleasure and profit in raising turkeys, having 
about one hundred and fifty. Besides the home place Mrs. Weyhe also owns 
the ranch which was formerly the property of W. T. Ross ; this adjoins her 
other property and comprises seventy acres, of which twenty-five acres are in 
vineyard, and the remainder in Gravenstein apples, prunes and peaches. 

In early manhood Mr. Weyhe was married to Miss Rosinie Wessell, who 
survived her marriage only about one year. Later, in 1877, he was married 
to Miss Elizabeth Freeh, a native of Germany born in 1861, the daughter of 
Michael and Elizabeth (Weber) Freeh, both of whom were also born in Ger- 
many. The mother is deceased, but the father is still living, a resident of San 
Francisco, at the age of eighty-two years. A large family of fourteen chil- 
dren were born of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Weyhe, all of whom are 
living with the exception of the eldest, Pauline Rosinie, who was born August 
5, 1878, and died May 23, 1883. Frederick Wilhelm, born May 6, 1880, is at 
home with his mother, and as her eldest takes charge of the management 
of the ranch. Charles Alfred, born June 17, 1881, was married in 1908 to Miss 
May Egloff, a native of Iowa. August Rudolph, born July 17, 1882, is at 
home with his mother. Elizabeth Martha, born June 20, 1883, is now the wife 
of C. M. Arnold, and with their one child they are making their home in San 
Rafael. Dorothea Wilhelmine, born November n, 1884, became the wife of 
Richard Fairclaw, of Sebastopol. The other children in the family are: Will- 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 985 

iam Edward, born January 17, 1887; Paul Herman, April 6, 1888; Arthur 
Lewis, March 16, 1891 ; Leroy Chester and Oscar Christian, twins, born March 
26, 1892; Edith Esther, July 20, 1895; Herbert Hiram, March 23, 1899: ami 
Earl Everett, April 5, 1905. 



ROBERT CUNNINGHAM. 

As one of the popular, well-known men of the Blucher valley, Sonoma 
county, mention belongs to Robert Cunningham, a rancher of this locality. 
and a factor in financial circles through his association with the Analy Savings 
Bank as vice-president. 

For generations the Cunningham family had been identified with the Em- 
erald Isle, and it was there, in County Monaghan, that Robert Cunningham was 
born August 31. 1853. Although born in Ireland he has no recollection of his 
birthplace, for soon after his birth his parents removed to Scotland, remaining 
there until i860, when they set sail for the United States, their family con- 
sisting of three other sons besides Robert. California was their destination, 
and in Bodega, Sonoma county, which was their first location, young Robert 
attended school. A later move brought the family to Big valley, in the Bloom- 
field section, the father there putting his agricultural knowledge and experience 
to good account on a ranch which he devoted to dairying and general farming. 
Since 1882 the elder Mr. Cunningham has owned the property on which he 
now lives in the Blucher valley, in close proximity to the thriving village of ' 
Sebastopol. Here he has two hundred and seventy-five acres of fine, productive 
land, in the cultivation of which he has the help and co-operation of two of his 
sons, Joseph and Robert, the latter of whom has from boyhood been associated 
with his father in all of his agricultural undertakings. 

His accomplishments as a rancher do not represent all that has occupied 
the thought and attention of Robert- Cunningham, for it is possible that his 
record as a financier exceeds his agricultural record. In him the Analy Savings 
Bank of Sebastopol has a vice-president who is conservative, and yet wide- 
awake to grasp any opportunity to forward the interests of those who have 
intrusted their savings in his institution. 

In- 1905 Mr. Cunningham formed domestic ties by his marriage with Miss 
Katherine E. Morse, and two children, Helen and Lucile R., have been born 
to them. Personallv Mr. Cunningham is highly respected, and has the entire 
confidence of all who know him. 



WILLIAM N. SHELLEY. 

The cultivation of fruit in California, especially in Sonoma county, has 
grown to be not only a business, but a science, and a thorough knowledge of 
the most successful methods is worthy of careful study. Mr. Shelley has made 
a study of fruit-growing in general, but more particularly of the raising of 
apples, and in this particular branch of horticulture he is considered an expert 
in the vicinity of Sebastopol, where he has a fine ranch. 

The Shelley family originated in the south, and in West Tennessee William 
N. Shelley was born March 10, 1876. the son of John C. and Nancy A. (Fos- 



9 86 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

ter) Shelley, they, too, being natives of the south. With the idea of finding a 
better location in which to rear and educate his family John Shelley left Ten- 
nessee in 1883 and located in southern Texas, where he carried on a stock 
ranch successfully for many years. Altogether the family remained in Texas 
for about ten years, the spring of the year 1893 finding them in Oregon, where 
they continued for the following two years-. It was then that they came to 
California, coming direct to Sonoma county, and their identification with Sebas 
topol dates from October 5, 1895. 

After coming to this locality William N. Shelley was quick to see the pos- 
sibilities of the fruit industry, and as foreman of the Hunt & Hatch Packing 
Company he has gained an insight into the business that has been invaluable to 
him. In the meantime he had purchased a ranch near Sebastopol and set it out to 
fruit, principally to Gravenstein apples, which are now coming into bearing. 
While much of his study and investigation has been along the line of fruit-rais- 
ing, he has been no less a student of the chicken industry, and now has a flock of 
fifteen hundred chickens, which has yielded a splendid income ever since he 
started in the business several years ago. It is his intention to enlarge his flock 
and engage in the business even more extensively, and with the success which 
he has already achieved along this line, with the excellent outlook in the apple 
industry, his ultimate success is a foregone conclusion. 

By his marriage in 1902 Mr. Shelley was united with Miss Evelena Chris- 
tie, a native of Canada. Four children have been born of this marriage, Mil- 
dred, Alma, Elbert and Laura. Mr. Shelley is identified with two fraternal 
organizations, the Independent Order of Foresters and Acoma Tribe, I. O. R. 
M., of Sebastopol. In 191 1 the Sebastopol Apple Growers Union was organ- 
ized, and Mr. Shelley was placed in charge of packing house No. 1, located at 
Sebastopol. As one of the rising young horticulturists and poultry raisers in 
this part of Sonoma county the efforts of Mr. Shelley are being watched with 
interest, and the opinion is unanimous that his citizenship in Sebastopol is a dis- 
tinct advantage. 



EDWIN FRANCIS O'LEARY. 

The name above given is one well and favorably known in Sebastopol, 
not only in business circles as proprietor of the principal undertaking parlors in 
the city, but also as an efficient public official, having been almost continuously 
in office since he took up his residence here in 1886. 

A native son of the state, born in Hay wards, Alameda county, June 15, 
1861, Edwin F. O'Leary is a son of Thomas and Bridget (Quigley) O'Leary, 
the former of whom came from New York state to California in the early '50s 
via Panama. While the finding of gold in the state was the direct cause of his 
coming hither, it was not his purpose to engage in mining himself, but rather 
to interest himself in some allied business, from which he could expect a fair 
profit without the uncertainty and fluctuation that invariably attaches to mining. 
His expectations in this respect were realized in the maintenance of a butcher 
business at Marysville, Yuba county, for some time, after which he went to 
Alameda countv, where in the vicinity of Haywards he carried on a ranch for 
manv vears. From there he came to Sonoma county in 1865. making his home 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 987 

at Petaluma for two years, from there going to Valley Ford, and finally coming 
to Sebastopol in 1869. Near town he purchased a ranch of two hundred acres, 
a part of which was cleared for cultivation, and the remainder in timber. Here 
he made his home and carried on his ranch until his death, which occurred 
about 1900. 

Edwin F. O'Leary continued with his parents on the old homestead until 
the ranch was sold, when, in 1886, he located in Sebastopol. Here he learned 
the undertaking business, and in August, 1901, he opened parlors and has since 
followed his profession as an undertaker and embalmer, being located on Bo- 
dega avenue. His election as the first marshal of the town on its incorporation 
marked the beginning of his career as an office-holder, and was continued by 
his re-election to the same office at the close of his first term. Later he was 
appointed a member of the board of town trustees, to fill the vacancy caused 
by the resignation of A. H. Laton. In this position, too, the satisfaction given 
during his first term of service led to his re-election, his second term beginning 
in 1908. During three years of his service in this capacity he served as presi- 
dent of the board. In September, 1910. he resigned as trustee. In addition to 
his other duties he is rendering faithful service as a school trustee of Sebastopol, 
a position in which he has been continued through re-election, and for five years 
he has been clerk of the board. 

On May 11, 1892, Mr. O'Leary was united in marriage with Miss Mary 
F. Hamilton, a native of Iowa, and two sons, Archie and Owen, have been born 
to them. Politically Mr. O'Leary is a Republican, and fraternally and socially 
he is identified with the Odd Fellows, Independent Order of Foresters, Native 
Sous of the Golden West, Redmen and the U. P. E. C. 



JOHN XE1L. 

Ireland has not been the least of the European countries to give us citizens 
of fine characteristics. A large class of these men who have found on the 
other side of the Atlantic a restriction of their ambitious hopes and desires have 
immigrated to the west and in a measure have realized the fulfillment of their 
life's plan. One of these was the late John Neil, who at the time of his death, 
November 18, 1880, was a resident of Petaluma township. 

Mr. Neil was born in County Donegal, Ireland, in the year 1805, the son 
of parents who were also natives of the Emerald Isle, though of Scotch and 
English descent. Mr. Neil's early years were passed in Scotland, where the 
family removed when he was four years of age, and in Glasgow he found 
opportunity to develop an inborn taste for mechanics. While a worker in iron 
and brass in that city he also gave vent to his inventive ability by bringing for- 
ward the first corrugated iron plate, and he was also the inventor of the screw 
type of ocean propeller. Another product of his brain and hand was a tin 
boat four feet wide and twelve feet long, which was a model of strength and 
lightness. After coming to California, which he did in 1850. he still continued 
his activities in the line in which he was so keenly interested, planning and 
building a tin boat similar to the one which he had made on the other side 
of the water, and in this he sailed on the Petaluma river. 



988 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

In Glasgow, Scotland, John Neil was united in marriage with Miss Cath- 
erine Moopy. who was born in the Lowlands of Scotland. Six children were 
born of this marriage, as follows : Francis, John, Washington, Henry, Sarah 
and Elizabeth. Washington chose as his wife Julia Mack, and they became the 
parents of nine children, John, Frank, Daniel, Charles, Walter, Alfred, Wash- 
ington, Sonoma and Sadie. Sarah became the wife of John Bloom, a ship- 
calker. and two of the children born to them are living, Louisa and Elizabeth. 
The next daughter, Elizabeth, became the wife of William Gardner and the 
mother of four children. Some time after the death of his first wife Mr. Neil 
was married, in Liverpool, England, to Miss Harriet Snape, who was born in 
that city. Six children were born of this marriage, but of the number only 
three are now living, Walter W.. Harriet W., and Margaret A. 

After coming to Sonoma county Mr. Neil purchased land from time to 
time, owning at the time of his death seven hundred and ninety-two acres. 
The property is now being maintained by his son Walter W. and two daughters, 
who have a well-kept dairy of twenty-five cows, one hundred hogs of the Berk- 
shire, Essex and Durock breed, and four horses. The ranch is known as 
Neil's Island. It lies five miles below Petaluma and is studded with oak trees 
which the owners carefully preserve. Tn the early days the father had a sloop. 
Mary Ann, in which he made trips to San Francisco every two weeks with 
wood and produce. Mr. Neil attained the age of seventy-five years, and had 
lived in Sonoma county since March 3, 1853. The wife and mother died in 
1867. Walter W. Neil is a Republican, in his political views. 



J. B. LOSER. 

h falls within the experience of very few indeed to have traveled over 
forty-two states of the Union, but this has been Mr. Loser's privilege, and the 
fact that he still finds California the only place in which he would wish to make 
his home, speaks more eloquently than can words of the superiority of this 
state over others in points of advantage both as a place of residence and a 
business center. 

A native of Pennsylvania, J. B. Loser was born in Lebanon county Sep- 
tember 23, 1859, tne son °f Benjamin and Catherine (Sugar) Loser, the parents 
also natives of that eastern state. When their son was a child in arms the 
parents immigrated westward as far as Indiana, settling in the town of Bluff- 
ton, Wells county, where the father conducted a mercantile business and also 
carried on an extensive business as a stock-raiser. This continued to be his 
home throughout the remainder of his life, his death occurring in 1886, while 
his wife passed away four years later, in 1890. At the age of thirteen J. B. 
Loser left the home in Indiana and returned to Pennsylvania, where he ap- 
prenticed himself to learn the cabinet-maker's trade, and after mastering it, 
followed it for a couple of years in the east. Wisely divining that a larger 
field for his line of work could undoubtedly be found in the newer west, he 
began working his way in this direction, and for a number of years found 
remunerative work in his line in shops in Sedalia, Mo. From there he went to 
the state of Washington in t88o. after which for seven years his duties took 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 989 

him between that state and California, following which he went up in the 
timber districts of the Cascade mountains in the interests of the tunnel con- 
tractors of the Northern Pacific Railroad, who were then constructing a tunnel 
between Easton and Weston. It was this experience in California that at- 
tracted Mr. Loser to its possibilities from various standpoints, and the decision 
which he then and there made to make it his permanent home was acted upon 
and has been adhered to ever since. After leaving the employ of the railroad 
he went to Sacramento and worked at his trade in the car shops for a time, 
from there coming to Sebastopol in 1S89 and this has been his home ever 
since. Soon after locating here he purchased the Analy hotel and conducted it 
with success for the following eighteen years, during which time he gained 
the reputation as "mine host" which any hotel proprietor might envy. At the 
end of this period he leased the hotel property and opened a real-estate office 
in Sebastopol, and since 1907 ha? been successful in this line. He still owns the 
hotel property and receives a good annual rental from it. 

While in Sacramento, in 1889, Mr. Loser was united in marriage with 
Mrs. Martha Strobel, a native of California and the mother of two children, 
both of whom are now married and in homes of their own. Lillian is the 
wife of Robert Surryhne, of Sebastopol, and the mother of one child, Norine. 
John Loser is married and has one son, John, Jr., and resides in San Francisco. 
Fraternally Mr. Loser is a Mason, and also belongs to the affiliated order, the 
Eastern Star. Mr. Loser is one of the best-known and most highly respected 
citizens in Sebastopol, whither he came and settled when there were only a few 
houses scattered about to denote that a settlement had been started. The part 
which he has played in its advancement in the years that have passed is not 
inconsiderable, and as one of the town's upbuilders much credit is due him. 



JAMES P. KELLY. 
The history of the Kelly family dates back to Ireland, where, in C oullt y 
Cork, the name was well and favorably known through the long and honorable 
citizenship of the grandparents of the subject of this sketch, William and Ellen 
(Kinfick) Kelly. A happy and peaceful home life was shattered through the 
untimely death of the mother, when her only child, James W., was very young. 
The latter was born in January, 1841, and was about eleven years old when 
with his father he came to the United States, an ocean voyage of over thirty 
days finally landing them on these shores. For a time they made their home 
in Massachusetts, where the son attended school until 1854, after which he 
accepted a position in a lumber mill, this being his first attempt at self-support. 
Subsequently he made a number of removals toward the west, in 1856 going 
to Keokuk, Iowa, and later to Monroe county, Mo., where he carried on a 
farm until 1861. In the meantime the grandfather had gone to the Pacific 
coast, and in 1865 he was joined by his son, who was fortunate in finding agree- 
able and remunerative employment in the furniture factory of McDonald Broth- 
ers, under the direction of John Miller. The employment was agreeable but less 
exciting than the mining prospects which were then attracting so many young 
men to Nevada. Giving up his position with Mr. Miller he made plans to fol- 



jiyo HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

low the life of the miner, but ill-health prevented their consummation, and he 
went to Portland, Ore., instead, and for a time was engaged in a furniture 
manufactory there. Subsequently he returned to San Francisco and resumed 
work with his old friend, Mr. Miller, remaining with him in the furniture 
factory until 1871. It was in that year that he came to Sonoma county and 
located on a ranch near Cloverdale, following this after one year by a resi- 
dence of two years on the old Carrillo ranch near Sebastopol. His residence 
on his present ranch dates from the year 1876, at which time he settled upon it 
as a renter, but subsequently purchased the property and brought it up to its 
present high state of development. It consists of three hundred and fourteen 
acres of fine land on the Santa Cruz and Sebastopol road, in the Lano school 
district. Here he has a vineyard of forty-seven acres, and seven acres of fruit, 
besides which he conducts a thriving, up-to-date dairy business. 

The marriage of James W. and Mary (Pierce) Kelly was celebrated in 
San Francisco in 1867, rne latter being a daughter of Patrick and Mary (Don- 
Ion) Pierce, natives of County Roscommon, Ireland. Seven children were 
born of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Kelly, as follows : William H., James 
P., Edward, John (now deceased), Frank, George and Thomas. 

The second child in the parental family, James P. Kelly, was born in San 
Francisco March 5, 1870. As he was a small child when his parents removed 
to Sonoma county the greater part of his life has been passed within its con- 
fines, first in the vicinity of Cloverdale and later in Sebastopol. As soon as he 
was old enough he gave his assistance to his father in the management of the 
home farm, in fact he remained at home until he was twenty-six years old, at 
this age starting as an agriculturist on his own account. In this vicinity he 
rented what was known as the Solomon ranch, consisting of two hundred and 
twenty acres of rich land. He had carried on the ranch successfully for three 
years when, in 1899, County Assessor Frank E. Dowd appointed him deputy- 
county assessor, a position which he has since filled through successive appoint- 
ments. Added honors came to him in April, 19 10, when he was appointed to 
the highest office within the gift of his fellow-townsmen, being made mayor of 
the town of Sebastopol. In addition to the public duties mentioned he is also 
president of the Chamber of Commerce, and on his own account represents 
five well-known and reliable fire insurance companies, and is a representative 
of Rosenberg Bros. & Co., of San Francisco, one of the largest dried fruit 
firms on the Pacific coast. 

Mr. Kelly's marriage, December 20. 1896, united him with Miss Myrtle M. 
Matthews, a native of California, and two children, Lillian M. and James Rus- 
sell, have been born to them. Public duties and business associations do not 
consume all of Mr. Kelly's time and interest, and at least two social organiza- 
tions benefit by his membership, the Elks and the Native Sons, the latter of 
which he served as district deputy for one year. 



WILLIAM S. LAMBERT. 

The old-settled communities of the eastern and central states are largely 

populated by their native sons, but in the newer regions along the Pacific coast 

it is not a matter of everyday occurrence to find a farm cultivated by one who 

has spent his entire life thereon. Such, however, is found to be the case in the 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 991 

history of William S. Lambert, a well-known and prosperous rancher of 
Sonoma county and the present occupant of the homestead where he was born 
on the 10th of October, i860. It has been his privilege to witness the trans- 
formation of the country from a wilderness bearing few indications of settle- 
ment to a cultivated region with every mark of prosperity and progress. In 
this slowly-wrought change he has been a factor, and as he looks back upon the 
past fifty years with its improvements and evolutionary growth he may well 
exclaim "All of which I saw and part of which I was," yet his part has been that 
of a progressive man, a capable rancher and a patriotic citizen, for he has 
avoided the notoriety of public leadership and the prominence associated with 
office-holding. 

Early in the colonization of the new worid the Lambert family became 
established in Virginia, and from the Old Dominion came Charles Lee Lam- 
bert to California in 1851, crossing the plains with an ox-team. Just before 
setting out on the long journey he was united in marriage with Margaret Lakey, 
a native of Indiana, and with his bride he arrived safely in Sonoma county, 
where he settled five miles from Healdsburg. Here he settled on land which 
he supposed belonged to the government, and acting on that belief he developed 
the claim, only to find later that it was owned by a private party. It then 
became necessary for him to buy the tract of two hundred and ten and one-half 
acres, and in doing so he paid $12.50 for the bottom land and $2 per acre for 
the hill land. After having spent thirty-five years on the same place he passed 
away July 26, 1886; his wife had died in February, 1869. Their family com- 
prised four sons and four daughters and one of the daughters, Jane, was the 
first white child born on Dry creek; she became the wife of John Lavell and 
died November 3, 1900, in the locality familiar to her earliest memories. 

People familiar only with conditions as they now exist in Sonoma county 
cannot realize the en/>~onment in which William S. Lambert passed his early 
years, still less the situation of affairs during the first years of his father's 
residence here. Flealdsburg had not yet sprung into existence. A^illages were 
few, ranches isolated, schools widely scattered and facilities for marketing 
produce the most limited. Perhaps in no way did his father experience greater 
trouble than in his relations with the Spanish and Indians. The latter were 
untiring in their depredations, and he was constantly on his guard for possible 
dangers. On one occasion he assisted in hanging an Indian who had murdered 
a white man. Ot) ^r exciting experiences gave color to his early residence 
in the county, aiio the memory of some of these incidents lingers in 
the mind of the son, who at that time was a mere child, but 
whose quick powers of observation and keen faculties enabled him to under- 
stand much that was going on around him, presumably only appreciated by older 
eyes and more mature minds. In 1888 he married Miss Ellen Kirby, a native 
of Illinois. Their only son, Ira, born January 5, 1889, completed a grammar- 
school education and a course in the business college at Santa Rosa. 

In former years Mr. Lambert maintained active relations with the For- 
esters and the Native Sons of the Golden West. In politics he votes with the 
Democratic party, and gives his influence to the aid of its principles. The only 
office he has consented to hold is that of school trustee. It is his preference 
to keep aloof from offices and public positions and to devote his attention unre- 



99 2 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

servedly to private affairs, concentrating his attention upon his tract of thirty 
and one-fourth acres on Dry creek. There is a fine orchard on the farm, also 
a vineyard producing in grapes a value of between $800 and $900 per year, 
and bearing only the choicest varieties. Fruit is the main industry of the owner, 
and as a grower he is resourceful and skilled. The stock raised on the land is 
solely for his own use, and is therefore quite limited in quantity, but of the best 
quality obtainable. Perhaps no place in the region has been cultivated with 
greater profit in proportion to its size, and this gratifying condition is due to the 
owner's industrious application and sagacious management. 



JAMES WILLIAM KELLY. 

If one were to make a list of the citizens of Sonoma county who had meant 
most to her growth and upbuilding, the name of James W. Kelly would be fore- 
most of the number enumerated. One mile east of Sebastopol, on the Santa 
Rosa and Sebastopol road, may be seen the thriving ranch of three hundred 
and fifteen acres, of which he is the owner. His chief interest, perhaps, centers 
in his vineyard, which contains forty-five acres, thirty acres of which are in 
Zinfandel grapes, and the remainder in a variety of table grapes. In his or- 
chard of twenty-seven acres may be found almost every variety of fruit, includ- 
ing twelve acres of apples, peaches, French prunes, pears, plums and smaller 
fruits. One hundred acres are in hay and grain, the remainder of the land be- 
ing devoted to stock-raising, besides which he raises such horses as he requires 
upon the ranch. Some idea of the resources of the ranch may be obtained 
from the statement that during the year 1909 he gathered one hundred and 
twenty tons of grapes from his vines, and his crop of oats from seventy acres 
amounted to one thousand sacks. 

A native of Ireland, James W. Kelly was born in County Cork, in Janu- 
ary. 1 841, the only son of William and Ellen (Kinfick) Kelly, they, too, being 
natives of that county. Before he was old enough to realize his loss he was 
deprived of his best friend in the death of his mother. Thereafter the father 
did a noble part in supplying this loss to his only child, in addition to eking 
out a scanty livelihood on a small farm heavily mortgaged. With the idea of 
furnishing a better outlook for his young son, Mr. Kelly made arrangements 
to come to the new world, the year 1852 witnessing their 'immigration to the 
United States and settlement in Massachusetts. In that state the son received 
such education as he was destined to enjoy, going to school for about two years, 
when he undertook his own maintenance by working in a lumber mill. He 
continued at this for about two years, and in 1856 went to Keokuk, Iowa, from 
there going to Monroe county, Mo., a year later and remaining until 1861. In 
the meantime, in 1854, the elder Mr. Kelly had come to California, and was 
located in San Francisco, and there his son joined him in 1861. James W. 
Kelly was fortunate in finding employment readily, work awaiting him in the 
furniture factory of McDonald Brothers, where under the superintendence of 
John Miller he remained for about two years. An entire change of occupation 
and a new location was his next plan, which was to take up mining in Nevada, 
but the project which he had nlanned was not carried out owins" to ill-health. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 993 

From Nevada he went to Portland, Ore., and engaged in the manufacture of 
furniture, continuing this but a short time, however, for the year 1865 found 
him in San Francisco again in the furniture factory with his old friend, Mr. 
Miller, with whom he continued for about six years. 

In the meantime, in 1867, Mr. Kelly was married to Miss Mary Pierce, the 
daughter of Patrick and Mary (Donlon) Pierce, natives of County Roscom- 
mon, Ireland. Coming to Sonoma county in 1871, Mr. Kelly located on a 
rented ranch near Cloverdaie, remaining there for about a year, when he settled 
on another rented ranch in Santa Rosa township. His next removal, two years 
later, found him on the old Joaquin Carrillo property near Sebastopol, upon 
which he continued until 1876, when he took a lease of the property which has 
since become his by purchase. To the original tract he added by purchase of 
adjoining property from time to time, until at one time he owned altogether 
five hundred and forty acres, but of late he has reduced his acreage by the sale 
of land, and now has three hundred and fifteen acres in his ranch, which is 
admirably located six miles west of Santa Rosa and one mile east of Sebastopol. 
Mr. Kelly has not allowed his personal interests to consume all of his thought 
and energy, but has taken time to do his duty as a good citizen. Politically 
he is a Democrat, and on the ticket of this party has been elected to a number 
of offices, among them that of school trustee. His fraternal affiliations are 
with Evergreen Lodge No. 161, I. O. O. F., of Sebastopol; Santa Rosa En- 
campment No. 53, I. O. O. F. ; the lodge of Woodmen of Santa Rosa, and the 
Sebastopol lodge of Chosen Friends. Seven children were born to Mr. Kelly 
and his wife, as follows : William H. ; James P., deputy assessor of Sonoma 
county, and of whom a sketch will be found elsewhere in this volume; Edward 
T. ; Frank; George Robert; Thomas E. and John Joseph, the last-mentioned 
deceased, having died at the age of eight years. 



G. B. LEVERONI. 

For over forty years Mr. Leveroni has made his home in the vicinity of 
Petaluma, Sonoma county, towards whose upbuilding he has contributed in a 
quiet but nevertheless substantial way. He is one of the large number of for- 
eign-born citizens who have here found the combination of conditions which 
were lacking in their own countries to permit them to move forward and make 
the most of the latent possibilities within them. His earliest recollections are 
of a simple home in Italy, where he was born in 1850, and where his parents 
labored untiringly in tilling a, small patch of ground to provide for the neces- 
sities of their family. 

When he was eighteen years old Mr. Leveroni came to the United States, 
coming to California during the same year, 1868, and soon engaged in garden- 
ing in San Jose. It was not until 1870 that he came to Sonoma county and 
established himself as a gardener in the vicinity of Sonoma, on the Col. Rogers 
place, where he made a specialty of raising vegetables. His years of effort were 
put to good account, and the luscious vegetables which he raised found a ready 
sale in the near-by markets. In 1909 he bought ten acres on San Antone creek, 
where he has a nice residence and improvements, located about five miles south 
of Petaluma. 

51 



994 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

In Petaluma, in 1879, Mr. Leveroni was united in marriage with Miss 
'Rosa Solari, and ten children have been born to them, as follows: Mary, 
Toney, David, Victor, Isadore, Manuel, Olivia, Anita, Genevieve and Florence. 
One of the sons, David, is married, and he and his wife, formerly Julia Bossi, 
have one son, David, Jr. 

Mrs. Leveroni is the daughter of Joseph and Anna Solari, who were 
born in Italy. The six children born of their marriage were David, Victor, 
Toney, John, Rosa and Lena, and with them the parents came to California in 
1870. Lena subsequently became the wife of James Hansen, and is now the 
mother of one son. It was nine years after her parents settled in California 
that Rosa Solari met and married Mr. Leveroni. They have a comfortable 
but unpretentious home on ten acres of land near Petaluma, upon the proceeds 
of which Mr. Leveroni has been able to provide a comfortable living for his 
large family. Three horses of high grade are being raised on the ranch. Mr. 
Leveroni and all of his family are communicants of the Roman Catholic 
Church in Petaluma, and owing to the fact that Mr. Leveroni has never taken 
out naturalization papers, he is not eligible to vote. In all other respects, how- 
ever, he is a loval citizen of the United States and of California in particular. 



HOYT BROTHERS. 

To attain so honored a place in the community as have Henry A. and 
Frank L. Hoyt is to live worthily and improve the opportunities within reach 
of one's ability and industry. Without doubt the surroundings of their youth 
had much to do with formulating those principles of truth and honesty which 
have helped them in surmounting difficulties in their pathway to the attainment 
of the position they hold today, as the largest contractors and engineers in 
northern California. 

So closely have the lives and interests of the brothers been associated, 
that it would be practically impossible to write the history of one without in- 
cluding the other. Through long residence in the east the Hoyt family was 
well and favorably known in that section of the country, especially in Saratoga 
county, N. Y., where for many years the father followed fine stock breeding 
as a means of support for his family. It was while the parents were living 
in that county that the birth of both sons occurred, both being born in Galway, 
Henry A. in 1877, and Frank L. in 1881. Every advantage for gaining good 
educations were given to both sons, the parents appreciating its value as im- 
perative to a successful future. A thorough public-school education in Sara- 
toga county was followed by a practical training along the line of work in which 
thev are now engaged, a work for which they exhibited a predilection at an 
early age. In 1891, when the brothers were fourteen and ten years of age 
respectively, the parents removed from the east and located in Wisconsin, 
where in the town of Whitewater, their training was continued for a number 
of years, Henry A. following architectural designing and drafting, while Frank 
L. became proficient as a millwright and engineer. The preparation for their 
life work had been so thorough that when they united their forces they had a 
fund of knowledge and ability to draw upon that precluded any possibility of 
failure. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 995 

The year 1901 witnessed the arrival of the Hoyt brothers in California, 
two years being passed in San Francisco and Tehama county before they came 
to Santa Rosa in 1903. The history of their success dates from the last-men- 
tioned year, and has been little short of phenomenal. It must not be supposed 
that their accomplishments have been confined to this city, pr even in Sonoma 
count} - , but on the other hand are to be seen in every town of importance 
in northern California. A list of the more recent structures erected by the 
Hoyt Brothers is here given, which will indicate the character as well as the 
large amount of work which has passed through their hands in a comparativelj 
short time. In Santa Rosa they have erected the Carithers building (in which 
their office is located), Crosse Building, Mailer-Barnett building, K. of P. 
Hall, C. F. C. Association warehouse, Rosenberg-Green building, besides twenty- 
five residences ; in Sonoma county, Felta school, Kenwood school and the Lam- 
bert school; in Sebastopol, the grammar school, Forsyth building and the Barnes 
building ; in Cloverdale, the Chalfant Memorial Church and the Bank of Clo- 
verdale building; in San Francisco Hotel Leo (five stories) and the Albertson 
building; near Truckee, the club house building for the San Francisco Fly- 
Casting Club; the Orland grammar school in Glenn county, the following four 
Carnegie Libraries : St. Helena, San Rafael, Lincoln, and Livermore ; the 
United States government postoffice in Santa Rosa, the San Benito County Hall 
of Records at Hollister, and the Preston apartments in San Francisco, the latter 
a five-story structure costing $100,000. It is conservatively estimated that more 
than a half million dollars worth of work has been turned out by the brothers 
since they came to Sonoma county, a truly marvelous record, but one which 
has been faithfully and honestly earned. 

Both of the brothers are married and established in homes of their own. 
Henry A. Hoyt was married in 1901 to Miss Ora Mabelle Smith, a native of 
Minnesota, and they have one child, Frances Louise. « They have a beautiful 
and commodious home at No. 827 Spencer avenue. Frank L. Hoyt was married 
in 1906 to Miss Leah Louisa Barrows, a native of Colorado, and they make 
their home at No. 926 Humboldt street. Both of the brothers keep in touch 
with progress made in the line of their profession through their membership 
in the Builders Exchange of San Francisco and in the Chamber of Commerce 
of Santa Rosa. 



HARDY R. HARBINE. 
Another of the native sons of Sonoma county who is nobly acquitting him- 
self as a rancher is Hardy R. Harbine, whose birth occurred on the ranch he 
now occupies near Forestville in 1868. Three years previous to his birth, in 
1865, nis parents, Leander and Elizabeth (Leggett) Harbine, had settled on 
this ranch, making it their home throughout the remainder of their lives, the 
death of the father occurring in 1888, while the mother died Januarv 18, 1911. 
As a boy Mr. Harbine attended the public school of Forestville, receiving a 
fairly good education, and when the school was not in session and at other 
times when he was not preparing his lessons, he found ample exercise in doing 
the various chores that fall to the lot of farmers' sons generally. His was no 
exception, and in performing the tasks allotted him he acquired a knowledge 



996 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

and understanding of the principles of agriculture which in his later years he 
has found invaluable to him. 

Until he was twenty-one years of age Mr. Harbine gave his services to 
his father in the care of the home ranch, after which he gave vent to a long- 
felt desire to try his luck in the mines, and from the year 1889 until 1905, or 
for about sixteen years, he followed the interesting life of the miner in San 
Diego, Trinity and Shasta counties. After the death of the father the mother 
continued the management of the ranch with the aid of her son, J. L. Harbine 
(now ranching near Occidental) until 1905, in which year Hardy R. Harbine 
undertook the supervision of the ranch. Here he has under his management 
one hundred acres of fine land, of which forty acres are in mixed fruits, twenty- 
two acres in Gravenstein apples principally, and a few winter-apple trees, 
four acres in berries, and on the remainder of the land he raises hogs and 
conducts a large hennery, having between three hundred and four hundred hens 
throughout the year. In addition to the care of the homestead ranch he cares 
for a ranch of his own comprising twenty-two acres. 

Mr. Harbine's parents, Leander and Elizabeth (Leggett) Harbine, were 
natives of Pennsylvania and Iowa respectively. Although born in Pennsylvania 
the early years of Mr. Harbine's life were passed in Ohio, where he located 
when quite a young boy, going there empty-handed and alone, and with no 
knowledge of the English language, his education and training thus far having 
been in the German language entirely. He was industrious and thrifty, a com- 
mon inheritance from his ancestors, and these obstacles did not long interfere 
with his progress. Subsequent years found him in Iowa, where he amassed 
a large fortune in the pork-packing business, but the ravages of the Civil war 
reduced him to straitened circumstances, and with the remnant of his once 
large fortune he came to California in 1861, coming by the water route. He 
first located in Petaluma, but subsequently bought the ranch which is now the 
home of his son, Hardy R. Not only was he known as one of the first pork- 
packers of Keokuk, Iowa, but he was also one of the pioneer hardware and 
furniture dealers in that city, and as one of the most substantial upbuilders 
of that city his departure for the west was looked upon as a direct loss to the 
community. 

The parental family included seven children, and of them we make the 
following mention : Daniel Reed Harbine is a blacksmith in Sterling, Butte 
county, Cal. ; J. L., a fruit-grower at Occidental, married Alice Clarke, of Forest- 
ville, the daughter of W. S. Clarke, and they have two daughters, Florence and 
Jessie; N. W., a rancher at Klamath Falls, Ore., married Nettie Pitkin, of 
Forestville, and they also have two daughters, Edna and Ella ; Hardy R. is the 
next in order of birth; Anna is the wife of A. L. Raffetty, of Ukiah, Mendocino 
county^ and they have three children, Keene, Vera and Una ; Hetty lives with 
her brother oh the home ranch ; Ella married H. W. Scott, and at her death in 
1879 lef-t one daughter, Edna, who was reared by her grandmother, Mrs. Hardy. 
Four of the children in the parental family, J. L., Anna, Daniel and Ella, were 
born in Keokuk, Iowa, while the others, N. W., H. R. and Hetty, were born in 
Sonoma county. 

Hardy R. Harbine was married in 1894 to Miss Eugenia Remstedt, a 
native of California, and five children have blessed this marriage. Named in 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 997 

the order of their birth the children are as follows : Ollie E., Eugenia Myrtle, 
Elvvin H., Ruth and Hazel. Politically Mr. Harbine is a Republican, and fra- 
ternally belongs to the Odd Fellows lodge at Forestville and also to the en- 
campment. 



JOHN HANSEN. 

Various business undertakings in as many different locations preceded Mr. 
Hansen's coming to Sebastopol in 1903, all of which have contributed directly 
or indirectly to the business in which he is now engaged, dealing in real-estate 
under the firm name of Hansen & Caya. While they do a general real-estate 
business, transacting any business that might be included under that heading, 
still it is in the sale of ranch property that their greatest successes have been 
made, their sales of this nature alone during the season of 1909 being con- 
servatively estimated at forty-seven. 

Mr. Hansen's earliest recollections are of a home in Dodge county, Neb., 
where, near Fremont, he was born November 11, 1863, into the home of his 
parents, Lars and Laura Hansen. The father had settled in that state when 
it was a wilderness, and upon land which he had taken up undertook the diffi- 
cult task of clearing the land of underbrush and otherwise preparing it for 
cultivation. As soon as his young strength would permit of it his son John was 
called upon to take a share in the duties of the farm, and though the tasks may 
have been irksome at times, still in the main he performed his duties willingly 
and in their performance was gaining a knowledge of agriculture which has 
stood him in good stead throughout his life. It was with the knowledge gained 
under the direction of his father on the Nebraska farm that he started out in 
the world for himself in early young manhood, his first efforts being in western 
Nebraska, where he engaged in the cattle business for three years. Encouraged 
by his success in his first independent undertaking, he ventured further west, 
going across the mountains into Wyoming, where, in Cheyenne, he conducted 
a restaurant with equal success for three years. His next change of location 
brought him to California in 1893, an d the same year he located in Stockton, 
where he conducted a furniture business for five years. At the expiration of 
this time he came to Sonoma county, in 1898, going first to Santa Rosa, where 
for five years he filled a position as state manager of the Chicago Art Company. 
The year 1903 witnessed Mr. Hansen's arrival in Sebastopol, where he estab- 
lished the first furniture store in town, maintaining it with increasing success 
for four years or until 1907, when he disposed of his business and formed a 
partnership with P. T. Caya for the purpose of carrying on a general real- 
estate business in the town and vicinity. The firm of Hansen & Caya have 
every reason to congratulate themselves on their success during the compara- 
tively short period that they have been in business, for they have received 
a large share of the real-estate business transacted in this part of Sonoma county. 
The sale of ranches alone for the year 1909 numbered forty-seven, a record 
not equalled by any other firm or individual in the town. 

While a resident of Nebraska. November 25, 1883, Mr. Hansen was united 
in marriage with Miss Christine Nelson, a native of Denmark. Two children 
have been born of this marriage, Sadie M., the wife of L. P. Mapes, and Nellie 



998 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

May, who is still at home with her parents. In his early manhood Mr. Hansen 
decided that the Democratic party upheld the principles which he believed were 
best for the good of the nation, and ever since casting his first vote he has sup- 
ported the candidates of this party. Although he has been active in party 
ranks, his activity has not been in the nature of self-seeking, but rather for 
the larger good of the party, as he has no taste for nor desire to hold public 
office. Fraternally he is well known, being an active and enthusiastic member 
of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of Amer- 
ica, in the latter of which he was district deputy for two vears. 



JOHN MARSHALL GUTERMUTE. 

A series of removals, each of which brought him a little nearer to the 
Pacific coast, eventually made Mr. Gutermute a resident of Sonoma county, 
where since about the year 18S6 he has been identified with general affairs and 
various commercial enterprises. Pennsylvania is his native commonwealth and 
he was born in Beaver county on the 22d of February, 1864, being a son of 
the late John Casper Gutermute, a Pennsylvanian by birth and a German by 
ancestry. The father, who was born in 1838, removed to Parkersburg, W. Va., 
during the early life of the son and there he spent the remaining years of his 
existence, passing away at the age of sixty-two years. His wife, who like him- 
self was a native of Pennsylvania, was born in 1845 anc ' married a second time, 
coming to California with members of the family and settling in Sonoma county 
in 1886. Prior thereto a brief sojourn had been made in Missouri, so that the 
sons and daughters had the advantages to be derived by experiences in various 
sections of the country. The family comprised seven members, namelv : David, 
John Marshall, Henry, Mary, Anna, Adaline and Clara. Of these the first- 
named son married Eva Treg-al and has four children, Frank, Earl, Helen and 
Grace. The youngest son, Henry, married Linda Derby and has four children. 
Adaline, Mrs. John Foster, is the mother of four children, Walter, Charles, 
Ella and Dollie. Clara is the wife of Stephen Foster and the mother of four 
children, John, David, Hill and Henry. 

Educated in country schools and trained to habits of thrift and useful 
activity, Mr. Gutermute has proved an intelligent and resourceful citizen, devoted 
to the welfare of the community and helpful in progressive enterprises. June 
26, 1895, he was united in marriage with Miss Etta S. Miller. Three children 
blessed their union, Carlisle Smith, Stella Genevieve and John Marshall, Jr. 
Throughout the vicinity of Petaluma Mrs. Gutermute is well known and highly 
honored. Not only is her financial standing high, but she is deeply interested 
in educational advancement and in the moral upbuilding of the locality. Gentle 
yet firm, modest yet the possessor of intelligent opinions, she is a member of 
that increasing class of modern women who are not only economical house- 
keepers but also capable citizens. 

Carlisle S. Miller, father of Mrs. Gutermute, was born in Pennsylvania 
February 16, 1828, being of New York state parentage. In those days educa- 
tional opportunities were meager, hence his time was spent on the farm rather 
than in the schoolroom and in addition he acquired a knowledge of the black- 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 999 

smith's trade. During the year 1847 he crossed the plains to Oregon, with a 
party of sharpshooters, for service on the frontier against the Indians. After 
numerous escapes from massacre by the Indians the party finally reached 
Oregon. When gold was discovered in California Mr. Miller turned his steps 
toward this state, settling in Sonoma county in 1850 and becoming one of the 
very earliest settlers of this region, where for years he was an honored citizen 
and successful rancher. The last thirty-seven years of his life were passed 
on his ranch one mile east of Petaluma, where his death occurred. By his 
marriage to Sarah E. Fearly, a native of Ireland, he has seven children, Charles, 
John, George C, Hugh W., Rosanna, Lizzie J. and Etta Sarah, Mrs. Guter- 
mute. The first-named son married Mattie Benson and had two daughters, 
one of whom is deceased. John has been married three times, but has no 
children. George, who married Clara Woods, also has no children. Hugh W. 
married Mary Watson and is the father of two children, Carlisle S. and Ellen 
W. Rosanna, Mrs. David J. Shiek, has a daughter, Ethel. Lizzie J., Mrs. 
George Waters, became the mother of four daughters, Lillie, Avis, Myrtle, and 
Lizzie L., the latter now deceased. In politics Mr. Gutermute has voted with 
the Republican party ever since he attained his majority, while fraternally he 
is identified with the local lodges of Woodmen and Knights of Pythias. Besides 
owning $30,000 worth of property in Petaluma and outside estates, Mrs. Guter- 
mute has the title to a quarter section in Sonoma county, where a large acre- 
age of meadow furnishes valuable crops of hay for the stock kept on the ranch 
and a well-kept orchard affords to the family fruits of several varieties during 
the season. Movements for the general welfare receive the stanch support of 
the family and their position is among the public-spirited and progressive 
citizens of the countv. 



MARCELJN GAYE. 

The cultivation of grapes, which from time immemorial has engaged the 
attention of a large proportion of the population of the world, and which at 
one time was one of the chief resources of California, is still extensively carried 
on in Sonoma county, and those who follow this branch of agriculture find it a 
remunerative as well as pleasant occupation. Among the most successful grape 
growers in the vicinity of Sebastopol is Marcelin Gaye, who owns a ranch whose 
location is particularly advantageous for the proper cultivation of this luscious 
fruit. He has given a great deal of attention to the scientific side of grape cul- 
ture, and that his efforts along this line have been of the practical and useful 
kind is strikingly apparent from his universally large yield, which averages 
one hundred and twenty-five tons a year. 

That Mr. Ga)'e takes so kindly to grape culture and is so successful in fol- 
lowing it is not surprising when it is known that he comes of a race renowned 
for their understanding' and appreciation of the grape. In a home nestled among 
the vine-clad mountain slopes of southern France Mr. Gave was born August 
22, 1849, the son of parents who never left their picturesque surroundings for 
a home in newer and untried lands. Marcelin Gave remained in the locality 
of his birth throughout boyhood, youth and young manhood, in the meantime 
preparing himself for the business world by learning the baker's trade first, and 



iooo HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

later by learning the wine-maker's trade. It was with a working knowledge of 
both that he came to the United States in 1875, when he was twenty-six years 
old, coming direct from the eastern metropolis, at which he landed on these shores, 
to California. The same year, 1875, found him in San Francisco, where he 
readily found employment at the baker's trade, which he followed in that citv 
for twenty-two years. It was at the end of this long and successful experience 
as an expert baker that he gave up the business and came to Sonoma county 
and put to practice his knowledge of the grape industry. Coming to Sebastopol 
in 1894 he purchased fifty acres of vineyard land on a hill one mile north of 
town, and here he has been engaged ever since in raising grapes and manufactur- 
ing them into wine. The Valley View winerv, as his ranch is known, is truly 
named, being located on a hill, than which no better location could be found in 
the county. It is a fact well known to vineyardists that the grape sugars bet- 
ter when grown high and dry on hillsides than on low or level land, and thi? 
feature is undoubtedly one of the reasons of Mr. Gaye's remarkable success, 
During the season of 1909 he manufactured fifteen thousand gallons of wine, 
both red and white, a statement which will give the reader some idea of the 
enormous business maintained by the Valley View winery. The Valley View 
brand of wine is well known and in great demand throughout all parts of the 
country, being sold from the ranch in wholesale quantities only, in casks and 
barrels. 

In San Francisco, in 1870. Mr. Gave was united in marriage with Miss 
May Dustin, also a native of France, and four children have been born to them, 
Albert. Adel, Liza and Lawrence. 



MICHAEL EDWARD CUMMINGS. 

One of the best-known residents of Sonoma county is Michael E. Cum- 
mings, who with his partner, S. B. Lewis, is maintaining one of the most thor- 
oughly up-to-date meat-markets in Sonoma. Every department of the business 
is under the immediate supervision of the proprietors, from the slaughtering 
of the cattle to the salt of the meat in the retail store, and their customers are 
thus assured of the best that is possible to be obtained in their line. 

A native son of the state, Michael E. Cummings was born in Haywards, 
Alameda county, November 17, 1874, the son of Michael and Catherine (Nealon) 
Cummings, both natives of Ireland, and both of whom are now deceased, the 
father dying in 1903 and the mother in 1904, the death of both occurring in 
Santa Rosa. Four children besides our subject were born to this couple, three 
sons and a daughter, the latter a resident of Santa Rosa; one son died in 
Santa Rosa, one son still lives in that city, while the other son is a resident of 
Willits. Mr. Cummings has no personal knowledge of his birthplace, for when 
he was one year old his parents removed from Haywards to Santa Rosa and 
there and in Sonoma he received his education, first attending the Ursuline 
Academy and public schools, and later taking a business course in Morrison's 
Business College, Santa Rosa. Following this, when he was about twenty 
years of age, he began his business career as office-boy in the office of T. J. 
Ludwig, a contractor in Santa Rosa, remaining with this employer until 1891. 
For the following five vears he was associated with the firm of Noonan & 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY iooi 

Tovvey, butchers, of the same place, after which he went to San Francisco and 
continued his interest in this same business with Hammond & Bros., continuing 
with them for four years as foreman. In 1900 he returned to Santa Rosa and 
for four years was associated with his old employers, after which, in 1904, he 
came to Sonoma and with S. B. Lewis engaged in the business of which they 
are now the proprietors. No better equipped or more up-to-date plant of this 
character can be found in this part of the county than that of which they are 
the owners. To supply their large trade they slaughter from ten to fifteen 
beeves a week, in addition to smaller stock, all of which is placed in the excel- 
lent cold-storage quarters with which the plant is equipped. 

Ever since taking up his residence in Sonoma Mr. Cummings has been an 
earnest worker in behalf of his home city and that his efforts have been appre- 
ciated and put to good account by his fellow-citizens, was demonstrated in 
April, 1910, by his election as president of the board of city trustees, for a term 
of four years. His popularity was recognized in the fact that he polled the 
largest majority of votes of any of the candidates. Politically he is a Demo- 
crat, and fraternally he is a member of Lodge No. 646, B. P. O. E., of Santa 
Rosa, and also the Knights of Columbus and the Native Sons of the Golden 
West, joining the latter in Santa Rosa in 1904. Mr. Cummings is exceedingly 
fond of fine horse flesh, and possesses a fine specimen in Mike C, sired by 
Sidney Dillon, a famous pacer that won the records in the July 4, 1910, races at 
Sonoma, his records on this occasion being 2:14^4 and 2:15. At the San Fran- 
cisco stadium he won a cup in the 2:15 race. Little less proud than the owner 
on these days was the driver, Joe Ryan, of Sonoma. Since Mr. Cummings has 
been mayor of Sonoma the council have inaugurated various improvements, among 
which may be mentioned the installation of a city rock crusher and the sewer 
system, besides which a donation for a Carnegie library has been secured. 



JOHN BLANK. 
A more harmonious or satisfactory association can hardly be conceived 
than that of John Blank and three of his sons, William, Louis and George, 
whose combined efforts have evolved one of the most remunerative as well 
as one of the most picturesque ranches in Sonoma county. John Blank, the 
owner of this fine property, comes of a long line of German ancestors, and he 
himself was born in the Fatherland, his birth occurring in Marburg, Hesse- 
Nassau, November 10, 1848. Reared in an agricultural community, he under- 
took farming on his own account when he reached years of maturity, and it was 
with a practical experience of some years on a farm of fifty acres in the Father- 
land that he came to the United States in 1878. Before leaving his native land 
he had formed clear-cut ideas as to his place of location, and instead of linger- 
ing in the east, where he landed from the ocean vessel, he came at once to 
California and direct to Sonoma county. It was his intention to engage in 
general farming as soon as he had become somewhat familiar with American 
methods of farming, and for this purpose he worked as a farm hand for 
a number of years. His first experience was in Penn Grove, where he was 
engaged in baling hay, and subsequently he was employed on the McDowell 
ranch at Cotati. It was with this recently acquired knowledge at his command 
that he undertook ranching on his own account as a renter on the Leavern 



1002 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

ranch at Perm Grove, the property comprising one hundred and ninety acres. 
Here he began wheat-raising with a will, and the result of his first year's ef- 
forts amounted to seven hundred sacks of grain. In addition to that property 
he also rented forty acres near Penn Grove, retaining this for two years, and 
after he had accumulated $800 he came to the Bloomfield section and pur- 
chased eighty acres of land upon which he made a specialty of raising potatoes 
and grain. 

As his means would permit Mr. Blank provided himself with the farming 
machinery essential to a well-managed ranch, one of these acquisitions being 
a hay-press. As he was the only person in the locality owning one of these 
necessary farm implements he was in constant demand among ranchers in the 
vicinity to bale their hay, one season baling thirteen hundred tons, which he 
considered a large season's work in addition to the management of his own 
ranch. This record was more than doubled, however, when, in 1893, he baled 
over three thousand tons of hay. From Penn Grove he came to the Bloom- 
field section in 1884 and purchased the ranch of eighty acres previously men- 
tioned, and upon which he now resides. In addition to this he has since 
purchased two hundred and twenty acres of adjoining land, and now owns 
altogether three hundred acres of fine land, in fact, its exceptional location on 
a hill makes it one of the choicest ranches in the county. Here may be ob- 
tained an unbroken view of the entire valley, rich in verdure and clotted with 
the homes of contented ranchers. Of this home ranch twenty-four acres are in 
vineyard, which yields on an average of one ton to the acre, twelve acres are 
in orchard, the fruit from which he dries before shipping, also twenty-five acres 
of young orchard not in bearing, besides which he raises potatoes extensively, 
his vield for die year 1909 amounting to eight thousand sacks. In addition 
to the various crops mentioned he also raises large quantities of hay and grain, 
besides berries of all kinds, three acres being devoted to strawberries alone. 
In the care of this immense undertaking Mr. Blank has the efficient help and 
co-operation of three of his sons, William, Louis and George, all of whom are 
experienced ranchers. 

In Germany Mr. Blank was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Kamm, 
and four children, all sons, were born of their marriage. The eldest, George 
M., married Miss Huber, and resides on the ranch. John married Miss Ann 
Becker. Louis married Miss Eve Becker. The youngest son, William, in ad- 
dition to receiving a good grammar school education is a graduate of the Santa 
Rosa Business College, and is now associated with his father and two brothers 
in ihe maintenance of the ranches. Wherever Mr. Blank has chanced to make 
his home he has entered heartilv into the activities of the locality, and during 
his residence in Penn Grove he gave efficient service as road overseer for a con- 
siderable period. 



JOHN HENRY ANDREWS. 
A native of Ohio. John Henry Andrews was born in New Philadelphia, 
Tuscarawas county, May 8, 1853, the son of Henry Wadsworth and Julia 
(Kidder) Andrews, the former born in Portage county September 1, 1826, and 
the latter in Medina county September 28, 1833. The father, who was a sheet 
metal worker, in i8=;8 removed with bis family to Akron, Ohio, where he 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1003 

died in 1869, his wife having passed away in 1864. Of their four children our 
subject is the only one living and after completing the common schools was 
apprenticed at the sheet-metal worker's trade in Wadsworth, Ohio, for three 
years, and after completing his trade he returned to Akron, entering the employ 
of Cramer & May, later the successors, May & Fieberger, continuing with 
them for fifteen years and for twelve years of this time was foreman. 

In 1890 Mr. Andrews located in Denver, Colo., where he followed con- 
tracting in his line until 1894, when he located in Petaluma and became fore- 
man for L. L. Cory, remaining there four years, and then became foreman 
for the Petaluma Incubator Company, which position he held until 1904. After 
resigning that position he engaged in manufacturing and established his present 
sheet-metal and cornice works, being the most extensive contractor in his line 
in Petaluma. Among the buildings he has completed in his line are the Upham 
street school house. Gross building, the three McNear buildings, Swiss-Amer- 
ican Bank and many others. He has completed many of the buildings in Santa 
Rosa, Healdsburg, Ukiah, San Rafael, San Jose and San Francisco. 

Mr. Andrews was married, in Akron. Ohio, to Miss Lillie Margins, a 
native of that city. Fraternally he is a member of the Elks and the Woodmen 
of the World, while in politics he is an ardent Republican. 



WILLIAM DAVID BASSETT. 
A few miles out from Petaluma on Rural Route No. 4 may be seen the 
flourishing ranch property of which William D. Bassett is the proud owner. 
A visitor here, glancing over the one hundred acre ranch, with its substantial im- 
provements and comfortable residence, feels a thrill of admiration for the man 
whose ability, unaided by friends, influence or capital, has brought about such 
results as are here visible. While the ranch is not the largest that one may see 
in this locality, still it would be hard to find one laid out more advantageously 
or one whose income per acre exceeded the one of which Mr. Bassett is the 
owner. 

Of foreign birth and parentage, William D. Bassett was born near Cardiff, 
Glamorganshire, Wales, September 9, 1872, the third in order of birth among 
the six children born to his parents, Daniel and Mary (Evans) Bassett, the 
former born in 1840 and the latter in 1841. William D. and his brother Thomas 
were the only sons in the family, the daughters being, Elizabeth, Margaret, 
Jane and Katie. The eldest daughter, Elizabeth, became the wife of Thomas 
Day and is the mother of four children. Margaret is the wife of David Thomas 
and the mother of four children also. All of the children were reared to lives 
of usefulness by their faithful, God-fearing parents, and on the home farm one 
and all contributed in some way toward the common good. William D. gave 
his services to his father until he had attained his majority, and the year 1893 
found him setting sail for the United States, his chief assets, in addition to a 
sturdy frame and stout heart, being a practical knowledge of farming and mill- 
ing. The ocean voyage completed in safety, as soon as he debarked at the port* 
of New York he secured transportation to the Pacific coast, and in October 
of the same year in which he left his bovhood home he landed in Marin county. 



1004 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

His knowledge of farming as conducted in his own country stood him in 
good stead, and by applying its principles to conditions which he here found 
he was able to make a success of his efforts from the first. The ranch upon 
which he located in that county was well adapted to dairying and poultry rais- 
ing, and it was therefore along these two lines that he confined his efforts until 
coming to the vicinity of Petaluma in 1904. Here he has one hundred acres 
of choice land, of which four acres are in orchard, set out almost exclusively 
to apples. A small dairy of twelve Jersey cows is also maintained, besides 
which pasturage is given to three head of heavy draft horses. The crowning 
effort is undoubtedly the poultry industry in which the owner takes a just 
pride, and whereas he now has a flock of three thousand White Leghorn chick- 
ens, it is his purpose to increase this branch of his ranch enterprise from time 
to time as he is able, for he is convinced that it is the most profitable line of 
agriculture in which one can engage in this section of country. Five acres of 
gum trees add to the beauty of the ranch, which taken as a whole is one of the 
finest and most productive in the entire country round about. His farm is 
located about two miles northwest of Two Rock church and only one mile north 
of the celebrated Two Rocks, from which the valley receives its name. 

For a life companion Mr. Bassett chose Miss Gertrude Marie Nielsen, who 
was born in Denmark, one of a large family of eleven children born to her 
parents. Four of these children were sons, Andrew, Christian, Louis and Jen- 
sen, while the remainder were daughters, Gertrude Marie, Catherine, Laura, 
Anna. Julia, Laura and Christina. Mrs. Bassett has been a resident of Sonoma 
county since 1904 and since her marriage has made her interest one with her 
husband in making the ranch all that is possible financially and in every other 
way, and that they have succeeded in their efforts a casual glance over the 
ranch will determine. They are both active members of the Two Rock Presby- 
terian church, of which he is one of the trustees. 



CHARLES A. BAKER. 

It would be a difficult matter for the most casual observer to pass the 
ranch owned and occupied by Mr. Baker in the Bloomfield section, Sonoma 
county, without noting its well-kept appearance, home-like surroundings and 
general air of thriftiness. This comment would be just, and especially so when 
it is taken into consideration the comparatively short time that it has been 
in the hands of the present owner. The ranch is entirely in orchard, from 
which the owner reaps a substantial income. 

In Butte county, Gal., in 1874, Charles A. Baker was born, the son of 
Andrew K. and Louise (Walker) Baker, the former, of whom was a native 
of Arkansas. On a farm in an unprogressive portion of that southern state 
the news of a larger opportunity for his energies reached the ears and pene- 
trated the consciousness of Andrew K. Baker, and it was not without due delib- 
eration that he decided to leave the locality in which his ancestors had lived 
.for so many years and cast in his lot with the immigrants to the Golden West. 
The year 1852 found him crossing the plains with ox-teams, and in due time he 
halted in San Joaquin county, where, near Lodi, he turned his knowledge of 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1005 

farming to good account. He remained in that locality for about seven years, 
when he went to Butte county, in 1865, and settled in a section as yet very 
sparsely inhabited. There he bought two hundred acres of land which he 
sowed to grain, which yielded large crops, and in the course of the more than 
twenty years that he was spared to carry on this property he became well-to-do 
financially. There he passed away in 1887, and there his widow still makes her 
home, in the house in which all of her seven children were born. Named in order 
of their birth the children born to these worthy parents were as follows : Will- 
iam, living in Oregon ;■ Arthur, Jessie, May, Mattie and Bessie, all of whom make 
their home with their mother; and Charles A., the subject of this sketch. 

When he was a boy in school Charles A. Baker suffered the loss of his 
father by death, and as soon as his education was completed he assisted his 
brothers in carrying on the work of the home ranch which the father had laid 
down. This association continued in harmony and with profit for many years, 
when, in 1909, Charles A. came to Sonoma county and bought part of the 
Andrews ranch of forty-two acres near Bloomfield, the same property on which 
he resides today. The cultivation of the best grades of apples constitutes his 
chief industry, twenty-five acres being in the Gravenstein, Alexander, Belle- 
flower and winter varieties. Since Mr. Baker has become the owner of the 
property he has put it in the best possible condition through supplying whatever 
was lacking to make it an up-to-date ranch, and the appearance which it presents 
today bespeaks the owner to be a man of method and one who appreciates the 
necessity of caring for details. During his first season, 1909, his crop netted him 
returns to the amount of $600, and the outlook for the present year bids fair to 
exceed that considerably. 

The marriage of Mr. Baker in 1909 united him with Miss Frances V. 
Perry, who like himself is a native of Butte county. They have one daughter, 
Frances Louise, born October 4, 1910. In his political preferences Mr. Baker 
is a Democrat, and fraternally he is associated with the Odd Fellows order. 



CARL W. ARFSTEN. 

That congenial work means success is borne out strongly in studying the 
career of Carl W. Arfsten, whose fruit ranch in the Blucher section is one of 
the show places of this part of the county. He is a native of this immediate 
vicinity, his birth occurring on a ranch near Sebastopol in 1878, upon which his 
father, C. P. Arfsten, had settled when he came to the county in 1870. The 
public schools of the Canfield section supplied his early educational training, and 
as soon as he was old enough he was eager to begin his independent career. 
By working as a ranch hand until he was twenty years of age he was enabled to 
purchase twenty acres of land in the Blucher section, entirely covered with a 
virgin growth of timber. He proved himself equal to the task of clearing and 
developing the land and when it was in condition, planted it to apple and other 
fruit trees. 

Mr. Arfsten's early efforts was the beginning of one of the most thriving 
and remunerative ranch enterprises in this part of Sonoma county, all of which 
has been developed under his immediate supervision, in fact, all of the manual 



ioo6 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

labor was performed by himself, and it is therefore with even greater pride and 
satisfaction that he notes the increased income from his orchard produce from 
season to season. Seven acres of his land are in strawberry vines, the crop from 
which nets him annually $125 per acre. His orchard is made up of the best 
varieties of apples (about one-half of them Gravensteins) which yield abundant 
crops, a number of the trees at times yielding fourteen boxes of fine apples 
each, while the average annual yield from the entire orchard is twenty-five 
hundred boxes. All of this is in addition to the apples which are dried, which 
amount to five tons a year. Two drying houses are maintained by Mr. Arfsten, 
one on his ranch, and the other at Petaluma, in the latter of which he dries 
fruit for other parties principally, and it is no unusual occurrence for him to 
turn out forty tons of dried fruit during the season. Besides his strawberry 
and apple crops Mr. Arfsten has sixteen cherry trees that during the season of 

1909 yielded fruit to the amount of $80, and ten acres of grapes that bore three 
tons to the acre. He also has six twelve-year-old walnut trees that yield about 
one hundred pounds to the tree. Mr. Arfsten is intensely interested in the line 
of work in which he is engaged, no part of which he does not understand 
thoroughly as the result of continued study and investigation as to the best 
methods of growing the fruits which he has chosen for his specialty, and his 
success is the natural outcome of right conditions of soil and climate, with the 
equally necessary knowledge and ability which he possesses. It is his aim 
to keep his ranch up-to-date, and each year he adds some improvement. In 

1910 he built a new barn and erected a new windmill, besides which he fenced 
the ranch with woven-wire. He is still a young man, his career as an orchardist 
scarcely begun, and with what he has already accomplished, a brilliant future 
undoubtedly awaits him. 

Mr. Arfsten is not so completely absorbed in his private interests that he 
has no time for matters of public import, but on the other hand is alive to the 
best interests of the community in which his entire life has been passed. Fra- 
ternally he is associated with the Odd Fellows order, also with the allied order 
of Rebekahs. and the Woodmen of the World. 



SAMUEL 1. ALLEN. 

The history of California is replete with instances of men who have come 
to the state poor in pocket, in fact many of them penniless, but rich in courage, 
hopefulness and a determination to win success. The life of Samuel I. Allen, 
at one time sheriff of Sonoma county, is an illuminating example of what may 
result from such untoward conditions, and the account of his rise from penury 
to prosperity will be read with interest. 

A native of Ohio, Mr. Allen was born in Brown county October 18, 1846, 
and he grew to young manhood in the locality of his birth. It is quite evident 
that he had not found congenial or remunerative employment in his home lo- 
cality, if the state of his finances may be taken as a criterion. He was in his 
thirtieth year when, in 1875, he came to California, landing at Ukiah, Mendocinc 
county, where he took an inventory of his financial condition, and found that 
he had just thirty-five cents in his pocket. Undismayed by the realization 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1007 

of the true condition of his affairs he accepted the first honorable employment 
that presented itself, and altogether remained in the vicinity of Ukiah variously 
employed for the following two years. Coming to Sonoma county at the end 
of this time he located in Santa Rosa and established a butcher business that 
he maintained for fifteen years, from 1877 until 1892. While a resident of 
Santa Rosa he was honored by election to the state legislature as a candidate 
on the Republican ticket, a circumstance that was unique from the fact that 
never before had a candidate on that ticket been successful in winning the 
candidacy to this office. It speaks eloquently of the regard in which he was 
held by his fellow-citizens, and this regard was strengthened during his term of 
faithful service, from 1884 to 1886. Other honors of a public character came 
to him in 1893, when he was elected county sheriff and tax collector on the same 
ticket. After the expiration of his first term he was elected his own successor, 
this election recording the largest number of votes ever cast for any candidate 
to the office of sheriff. 

It was while he was still a resident of Santa Rosa that Mr. Allen pur- 
chased the ranch near Sebastopol of which he is now the owner, and in which 
his energies have been centered ever since disposing of his interests in Santa 
Rosa. When he purchased the property in 1884, the whole of it, forty acres, 
was covered with timber, but this he succeeded in clearing and finally, he set 
out fruit trees of choice varieties, prunes, apples, and cherries principally, his 
orchard numbering twenty-three hundred prune trees, thirteen hundred apple 
trees, and three hundred cherry trees. One hundred dollars an acre is the 
average yearly return from the ranch, which is in charge of a competent 
foreman, Mr. Allen and his family making their home in Sebastopol, where they 
have a fine residence. 

Before her marriage, in 1881, Mrs. Allen was Miss Olive Teague, a 
native of Iowa. With her husband she shares in the esteem of friends and 
neighbors, and both are prominent in the best social circles of the town in which 
they live. Fraternallv Mr. Allen is a well-known Mason, belonging to the 
lodge and commandery at Santa Rosa, and he also belongs to the Odd Fellows 
lodge of the same place. 



JOHN LYNCH. 

A worthy pioneer of Sonoma county and one who has won the highest re- 
gard of all who know him is the gentleman whose name heads this article. He 
was born in the county of Tyrone, Ireland, about the year 1831, a son of William 
and Catherine (McCue) Lynch, both natives of Ireland and farmers by occupa- 
tion. Besides John there was a brother William who came to the United States 
and later to California and died in Petaluma ; one sister, Catherine Lynch, also 
immigrated to the Golden West and is a resident of Petaluma. 

John Lynch was reared and educated in his native heath, and like a great 
many of the young men of his locality, decided to investigate the conditions of 
the New World for himself and accordingly, in 1850, started for New York. 
Soon after his arrival he went to Swampscott, Mass., where he was variously 
employed until 1854, at which time he took passage for California via the 
Nicaragua route and landed in San Francisco April 15th. or 16th, that same 



1008 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

year. He remained in the metropolis rive years, working at any honest em- 
ployment he could find, and being of a frugal nature, he saved some money from 
his earnings, and in January, 1859, came to Sonoma county and made a pur- 
chase of four hundred acres of land from Gen. M. G. Vallejo, that being the 
nucleus of his present ranch of six hundred and fifty acres. This land was in 
its primeval condition when he secured title to it, but he at once set to work to 
transform it into a prosperous ranch. He made all of the improvements seen 
on it today and had to haul fencing from Bodega. He raised grain, then bought 
fifty head of cattle and embarked in the stock business, which has gradually 
grown from that small beginning. Three hundred acres of this valuable ranch 
are under plow. Lynch creek, named for the owner, waters the place, besides 
a number of springs that flow the year round. Some years ago the Petaluma 
Water Company laid an injunction against Mr. Lynch, restraining him from 
using the water. The case was carried to the higher courts and was decided in 
favor of Mr. Lynch, thus establishing his riparian rights. 

Mr. Lynch manages a large dairy, and brought in full blooded Durham cat- 
tle, and for some years he has been breeding full-blood Durhams. He is the 
second man in the locality to engage in raising shorthorn Durhams, and he has 
met with unqualified and deserved success. His ranch is located five miles north 
and east from Petaluma, about which he has constructed roads and otherwise 
improved his surroundings by using the Johnson patent gate. Everything about 
the ranch bespeaks the thought of the owner, who has been interested in the 
advancement of the county's interests for more than half a century. 

In 1859, m San Francisco, occurred the marriage of John Lynch and Mary 
Ann Riley, who was born in county Cavan, Ireland. She passed away on Sep- 
tember 22, 1880. Of their children we mention the following: Joseph William, 
who died in June, 1907, was graduated from St. Mary's College in San Fran- 
cisco and was employed as manager for Baker & Hamilton, in Los Angeles, 
for many years, and was thus engaged at the time of his death ; John A. re- 
ceived a business education in Heald's Business College in San Francisco, and 
is now superintendent of the Lynch ranch; James M., also a graduate of this 
business college, is salesman for a Los Angeles packing company ; Mary A. is 
Mrs. Eugene Sweeney, of Los Angeles ; and Katherine E. and Susanna are both 
at home. 

The family are members of St. Vincent's Catholic Church in Petaluma, 
and Mr. Lynch has been since its organization, assisting materially in its up- 
building. In politics he is a Democrat, and for many years has served on the 
county central committee. 



J. NOBLE JONES. 
The opening years of the twentieth century have given a very noticeable 
impetus to the desire for specialization, and this may be named as one of the 
attributes of the era through which we are passing. Nor is California less eager 
in its devotion to this progressive trait than are other commonwealths of the 
Union ; in fact, in the onward march of progress her citizens have been fore- 
most in reaching success through devotion to certain specialties. A marked 
attribute in the life of J. Noble Jones has been his intense faith in California's 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1009 

future, and his earnest support of all movements for the state's advancement. 
Especially identified with Sonoma county's development, he is now giving his 
time and thought and means to the development of Orchard addition to Santa 
Rosa, a venture involving an enormous outlay, but promising excellent returns 
to its investors. 

Some years ago Luther Burbank, the famous "wizard" in plant develop- 
ment, offered the following suggestion : "When you plant another tree, why 
not plant the walnut? Then, besides sentiment, shade and leaves, you may 
have a perennial supply of nuts, the improved kind, which furnish the most 
delicious and healthful food that has ever been known." Mr. Jones is not only 
an admirer of the walnut tree and a lover of the nut itself, but in addition he 
has the utmost faith in the adaptability of Sonoma's soil and climate to the profit- 
able growing of this product. Faith took visible form in works, and he began 
the development of the Orchard addition, with the intention of selling the young 
walnut groves to small purchasers. Already a deep interest has been awakened 
in the project. Its feasibility recommends it to men of small means, who do 
not wish to give up their occupations for a time, yet desire in the future to 
remove to small farms which will afford them a means of livelihood . 

Tradition tells us that the first walnuts were raised in Persia and shipped 
by merchants to Rome, where the people considered them a great delicacy. 
In 1769 the Franciscan monks planted walnut trees about their missions in 
California and thus was inaugurated an industry that has grown wonderfully 
from that day to the present. The state produced in 1907 almost sixteen million 
pounds of walnuts. During the year a few hundred thousand were raised 
in other states and thirty-two million pounds were imported, regardless of the 
fact that a tariff was paid on every pound. In 1902 statistics show that more 
than fourteen million pounds were imported and in 1906, almost twenty-five 
million pounds. The product in California during the year 1895 reached only 
four and one-half million pounds, but this increased every year and in 1908 
twenty-two million pounds were produced. With this increased production 
there is an increased demand. It has come to be realized that as a food the 
walnut closely approaches perfection because it contains the three important 
food elements concentrated in large proportions. It is more than half fat, more 
than one quarter protein and contains about one-tenth carbohydrates, along with 
a little mineral matter. The fact that walnuts now form a large proportion of 
the diet of vegetarians is proof of their high value. The oil from the Fran- 
quette nut has valuable medicinal qualities, a discovery of modern times that 
gives promise of a larger demand for this variety. 

The plan adopted by the owners of the Orchard addition is the one exper- 
ience has proved to be the most practical. The land is planted with vigorous 
black walnut trees two years old, indigenous to the soil of the state, and scions 
of the Franquette variety are grafted to the stock. The Franquette is said to be 
more prolific, more hardy and more rapid in growth than the English walnut. 
It has never been attacked by disease and avoids the frost because it blooms a 
month later than many of the early varieties. The shell can be broken' between 
the fingers, but is hard enough to ship in safety. The company is following the 
methods that have produced the best results on the Vrooman grove, adjacent to 
Orchard addition, where the Franquette has yielded splendid crops and has 



ioio HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

proved adapted to the climate and soil conditions of Santa Rosa. In past 
years growers did not know what varieties to plant nor how to plant and care 
for the trees. Thousands of dollars were lost because the walnut blossoms were 
not properly fertilized and because grafting was not managed with the neces- 
sary care. The Franquette has staminate and pistillate elements which bloom 
at almost the same time, ensuring fertilization of all blossoms upon every tree 
and in consequence a full crop of nuts every year. 

After the planting of the trees the company cares for the trees for four 
years in the interest of the purchaser. The entire care of the young grove 
is under the experienced supervision of William Farrell, Jr., a man who has 
given his life to horticulture and walnut growing especially being raised in Santa 
Clara valley. The land is sold in tracts from one to ten acres at $500 per acre, 
with a discount of five per cent allowed for cash. A deposit of $10 per acre 
reserves a tract. When twenty-five per cent of the purchase price has been 
paid the purchaser may remove to the property, but if he prefers to delay his 
removal the company will continue to take care of the trees, after the fourth 
year and market the crops for ten per cent of the net profits. The Franquette 
walnuts fall to the ground free of the hulls and the sun bleaches them, an 
advantage over many nuts that must be picked and husked by personal work. 
The tree thrives in the climate of Santa Rosa, where the mean temperature 
of January is fifty-two degrees and of August sixty-seven degrees. The rain- 
fall is sufficient so that irrigation is not necessary. The soil is the right quality 
and depth, an important consideration, for a rich soil is needed from twenty- 
five to thirty feet in depth, in which water does not gather and remain long. 
However, enough moisture is needed so that the tree will carry its foliage late 
in the fall, because a long growing season is necessary to the ripening of the 
nut. Walnut trees in shallow soils are not a satisfactory investment and in 
such locations the tree invariably begins to die back from the top. 

Aside from pecuniary considerations few sights are more beautiful than 
a Franquette walnut grove. The trees are slender yet compact, rising from the 
loamy soil in a sturdy column of gray bark, and branching out into a cluster 
of many slender and graceful limbs. The foliage is delicate yet abundant and the 
entire aspect is pleasing to the eye. Walnuts attain great age, yet the tree 
shows no signs of a decreased productiveness. In the Naidar valley near 
Balaklava, in the Crimea, stands a walnut tree at least one thousand years old. 
It yields annually about eighty thousand nuts and is the joint property of five 
Tartar families, who share equally in its product. In the village of Beachem- 
well, Norfolk, there is a walnut tree ninety feet tall, thirty-two feet in cir- 
cumference near the ground, several hundred years old and producing in one 
season fifty-four thousand nuts. The grafted trees will maintain an average 
growth of six feet in the first year, while the French or English seedlings would 
consume three years in making that growth. 

The Orchard addition is near Santa Rosa, a city of twenty thousand in- 
habitants, with five banks, one high school, two daily papers, electricity, gas and 
free water, also an interurban electric railway. As the city increases in size 
and its limits are extended the value of the addition will be enhanced. It has 
the further advantage of being within six miles of Kenihvorth, Altruria, Mark 
West, Fulton, Mount Olive, Molino, Sebastopol, Bellevue, Oak Grove and 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY ion 

Yulupa. Nearness to various towns increases its market and shopping facil- 
ities., yet at the same time gives to the property owners all the delightful quiet 
of the country. In future years, it is the hope of the promoters of the plan, the 
addition will be the abode of hundreds of contented, prosperous and pro- 
gressive people, whose identification with the walnut industry will be profitable 
to themselves and helpful to the permanent growth of this locality. 



JOHN HENRY JACOBSEN. 

The agricultural development of Sonoma county owes much to the industry 
and thrift of our German-American citizens, who, trained to habits of frugality 
in their native land, have been admirably qualified to endure the hardships in- 
cident to the material progress of any region and have proved their worth as 
capable ranchmen in many a difficult situation. Alone, friendless and without 
capital, Mr. Jacobsen came to the United States in young manhood, seeking 
opportunities which he believed would be greater than those offered by his own 
country. From that position of poverty and dependence he has risen, solely 
through his own efforts, to an honored place in his community and an influen- 
tial standing as a farmer. The property which he now owns and occupies con- 
sists of one hundred and thirty-five acres on Dry creek near Healdsburg. Thir- 
ty-five acres are in bottom land, twenty acres have been planted to prunes of the 
choicest varieties, almost four acres are in apples and an equal acreage in 
peaches, the balance of the ranch being in wood land with valuable timber that 
adds to the financial rating of the property. 

Born in Germany in 1846, John Hem-)- Jacobsen is the son of parents who 
spent their entire lives in that country and who gave to him such advantages 
as their limited means allowed. When barely twenty-three years of age he bade 
farewell to old friends and kindred and started alone on the long voyage to 
the new world. The ship on which he, sailed cast anchor in Boston, and from 
that city he proceeded to New York, thence to New Jersey and secured em- 
ployment as a laborer. Six months of drudgery convinced him that conditions 
were not favorable in the east, and thereupon he came to the Pacific coast, 
landing at San Francisco in 1869, and securing prompt employment in a dairy. 
Next he worked on a ranch and later bought a way-station in Santa Cruz moun- 
tains, where for six months he cared for stage horses. At the expiration of 
that time he bought a place, where he remained for a year. The sheep industry 
next engaged his attention, and for fifteen years he maintained a growing and 
profitable drove. After a visit back at the old home in 1888 he removed from 
Porterville to Windsor, Sonoma county, where he bought one hundred and 
sixty acres for $8,000. Twenty years were spent on the ranch, and he then sold 
out for $16,000, after which he purchased the tract he now owns and operates. 

It was not until 1894 that Mr. Jacobsen established domestic ties. During 
that year he married Miss Freda Michel, a native of Switzerland. They are the 
parents of six bright, active sons, named as follows : Henry George, born in 
1895; Frederick, 1896; Paul Sebastian, 1898; William McKinley, 1900; Teddy 
Roosevelt, November 7, 1903 ; and Christian Peter, 1907. Ever since becoming 
a naturalized citizen of the United States and a voter at elections Mr. Jacobsen 



1012 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

has supported Republican principles with all the enthusiasm of his nature. 
Official honors he does not solicit, and the only position he has held is that of 
deputy assessor. Active in a number of fraternities, he has been identified for 
years with the blue lodge of Masonry, having been made a member in Russian 
River Lodge, F. & A. M., at Windsor, besides which he is identified with Osce- 
ola Lodge, I. O. O. F., at Windsor and the encampment at Santa Rosa. For 
more than forty years he has witnessed the growth of California, and to it he 
has contributed his quota. With a clear and lasting memory of pioneer events, 
he often interests friends by relating incidents connected with the era of early 
settlement. These forty years have brought him a large degree of success and a 
large circle of friends, and they have witnessed the evolution of the country 
from frontier conditions to an environment of scenic beauty, material prosper- 
ity and contented population. 



FRANKLYN A. MECHAM. 

It would be difficult to find in Sonoma county a more popular or better 
informed man than Franklyn A. Mecham, a native son of the county, and 
whose life-time home has been in this section of the state. Though born and 
reared in an agricultural community and made familiar with the duties of the 
farm from his earliest boyhood days, his versatility and large capacity for man- 
aging a number of enterprises with equal facility, has made him one of the best- 
known as well as one of the wealthiest men in the county. Rancher, dairyman or 
banker, Franklyn A. Mecham has been the same hearty, whole-souled gentle- 
man, making and retaining friends, and to-day he stands as the best type of the 
sturdy westerner, a man whose word is as good as his bond, ever ready to 
advance any interest that is for the betterment of the community in which he 
lives or the country he loves. 

Mr. Mecham was born at Stony Point, Sonoma county, June i, 1854, a son 
of Harrison and Melissa Jane (Stewart) Mecham, natives respectively of St. 
Lawrence county, N. Y., and Indiana. (For a full account of the history of 
the Mecham family the reader is referred to the sketch of Harrison Mecham, 
which will be found on another page of the history.) Six children were born 
into the parental household, of whom four attained mature years, one son and 
three daughters, Franklyn A. being the eldest. He was educated in the public 
schools at Petaluma during his early years and later attended the California 
Military Academy at Oakland for three years. As he was the only son it was 
quite natural that he should become of great assistance to his father on the 
ranch, and when he attained maturity he had no inclination to seek other em- 
ployment than that with which he was familiar, father and son continuing to 
work harmoniously together, and when the elder man passed away in April, 
1909, the son assumed the entire responsibility of the large property, and has 
managed it alone ever since. Not far from Petaluma, in Petaluma township, 
he owns five thousand acres of excellent land, in addition to which he owns 
twenty-six hundred acres in Vallejo township, known as the old Sears Point 
ranch. This he leases out to tenants for dairy purposes. The remainder of the 
laud is used as grazing land for five thousand head of sheep, all of which are 
of the best-known breeds. He also has a iarsje herd of Red Polled stock of the 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1013 

best varieties, besides twenty-five head of horses which are also of high breed. 
Stock-breeding has been a life-time study with Mr; Mecham, which accounts 
for his unparalleled success and for the fact tl^at his stock invariably brings 
the highest price in the market. Not only is Mr. Mecham the largest stock- 
raiser in this part of Sonoma county, but he also claims credit for being the 
largest raiser of wild turkeys in this part of the state, having a flock of five 
hundred at the present time. No part of his large acreage is allowed to remain 
idle, and in planting a portion of it to eucalyptus trees he has laid the founda- 
tion for another valuable source of income. In the foregoing enumeration of 
the enterprises in which Mr. Mecham is interested all of his interests have not 
been mentioned, for he is as well known in banking circles as he is in agricul- 
ture and stock-raising. Altogether he is interested in one capacity or another 
in seven banks in Sonoma county and the state, being a director of the Sonoma 
County National Bank of Petaluma, also a large stockholder in the Santa Rosa 
Bank and a director in the Santa Rosa Savings Bank, and a large stockholder 
in the American National Bank of San Francisco. After the death of his 
father he succeeded the latter as director of the Santa Rosa' Savings Bank, 
being elected by the stockholders to take his place. 

In Fulton county, 111., November 9, 1895, Mr. Mecham was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Corinne Belle McOuaid, the daughter of James McQuaid. who 
was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, December 11, 1844. He immigrated to the 
United States, going to Pennsylvania first, and from there the same year went 
to Illinois and located in Canton. At the present time he is in Montana, where 
he maintains several large stock ranches. In maidenhood his wife was Miss 
Mintie Lucinda Craig, who was born in Lexington, Kent, January 1, 1846. 
They were married in Canton. 111., April 4, 1868, and all of the seven children 
born of their marriage are living. Their daughter, Corinne Belle, was born on 
the Illinois homestead in November, 1872, and in 1895 she became the wife of 
Mr. Mecham. Five children have been born of this marriage, as follows : Har- 
rison. Francis A., Corinne Gladys, Margaret Craig and Franklyn A., Jr. 



ROBERT A. GIGGEY. 
Success in life is often due to the hardships and struggles of youth, illus- 
trating as it does the law of compensation. As an example of this worthy of 
comment is the life of Robert A. Giggey, born August 1, 1865, in Carlton county, 
Canada, just over the state line of Maine. His youth was spent in continuous 
change, his father leaving Maine when he was but five years of age going first 
to Waterloo, Iowa, and after three years sojourn, to Yankton, S. Dak., and in 
1880 back to Harrison county, Iowa, and four years later coming to Portland, 
where one month after his arrival his death occurred. Through all this country 
William Giggey and Nancy Jane Giggey, parents of Robert, farmed and toiled 
with but small returns and with a family of seven children, the wolf was not 
far from the door many times. While in Dakota, however, William Giggey 
hauled freight into the Black hills with ox team and was one of the first in 
the hills after gold was discovered. These trips were very hazardous on account 
of the Indians, and Mr. Giggey had many narrow escapes. 



ioi 4 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

On account of the many changes of locality during Robert Giggey's school 
years, his opportunities along educational lines were meager and at the age of 
fourteen, on account of his father's ill-health, he was compelled to take entire 
charge of the farm. In 1884, with the family, he made the trip overland to 
Portland. Ore., making the journey with three teams. They started from Iowa 
June 1 1 , and reached Portland October 28. Upon his arrival in Portland Robert 
Giggey started in the teaming business, continuing this until the year 1897, 
when he moved to Santa Barbara and for six years farmed with a reasonable 
share of success, but changing his occupation in life for the last time and awaken- 
ing a latent business ability he engaged in his present business, under the firm 
name of Giggey & Clough, the largest street and grading contractors in the city. 
They have a large outfit for doing heavy work, using eleven two-horse teams, 
and among the streets they have paved are Baker, Hinman, Keokuk, Kent, Harris, 
Yallejo, Liberty and West. 

While in Portland, Mr. Giggey was united in marriage to Miss Mary Smith, 
a native of Ohio, the daughter of John Smith, one of the pioneers of Hillsboro. 
Washington county, Ore., and to them were born two children : Dorotha and 
William. The latter's death occurred July 5. 1908, when he was accidentally 
drowned at Lakeville. 

Fraternally Mr. Giggey is associated with the Odd Fellows Lodge No. 350, 
Paso Robles, and politically he is in sympathy with the Republican partv. At 
No. 610 Main street, Mr. Giggey resides with his family, still a young man 
with a goodly number of years, in all probability, before him in which to enjoy 
life, with the satisfaction that the comforts that he is able to provide for him- 
self and family were due to a youth of diligence, sagacious thrift and persever- 
ance. As a member of the Methodist church and his lodge, his charities are num- 
erous and as a progressive, highly esteemed citizen he is well and favorably 
known. 



MORRIS H. FREDERICKS. 

A resident of Petaluma for many years, Morris H. Fredericks has taken an 
active part in its upbuilding, as well as in municipal affairs, so much so that he 
was selected as a member of the board of Freeholders that drew up and framed 
the city charter that was adopted by the people in 1910 and by the legislature of 
191 1. At the election in April, 191 1, he was elected a member of the first city 
council under the new city charter, being chairman of the finance committee, 
by virtue of which he is also chairman of the fire commissioners. It is his be- 
lief that every man should do all in his power, not only towards the upbuilding 
of the community, but also in the administration of a clean, moral city govern- 
ment, and to this end he is working to the best of his ability. 

Mr. Fredericks was born in Fohr, Sleswig, Germany, December 18, 1859, 
the son of Henry L. and Inka (Jurgens) Fredericks, both natives of Fohr, Ger- 
many. The father passed away in his native place and the mother spent her 
last days in Petaluma, dying in 191 1, at the age of eighty-five. 

Morris Fredericks received a good education in the schools of his native 
land, where he remained until 1875, when he came to Sonoma county, Cal., fol- 
lowing farming at Bloomfield until 1886, when he located in Petaluma and two 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1015 

years later he began the building business, in which he has had marked success. 
Among some of the jobs he has completed are the Realty building, Healey's 
furniture store, Lugia residence, Allen residence, Gossage residence and many 
others. He has a comfortable and pleasant home at No. 525 Seventh street, 
where he resides with his wife and children. In San Francisco he married Theo- 
dora Lauritzen, who was also born in Fohr, Germany, and to them were born 
six children, as follows: Ida, who is a clerk in Newburgh's store; Henry; 
Minnie, Mrs. J. H. Galleher, of San Bruno ; Tillie, a stenographer for the Cali- 
fornia State Home at Eldridge ; Dora and Martin. Mr. Fredericks is a member 
of the Foresters, Druids and Elks, and is a man who is appreciated and much 
respected for his honesty, worth and integrity. 



SAMUEL CASSIDAY. 

A gratifying practice in the newspaper profession and an honored place 
as man and citizen in the community of Petaluma, came to Samuel Cassiday 
not through any special dispensation of fortune or encouragement along lines of 
influence or money, but rather as the result of untiring devotion to the pro- 
fession which he had chosen as his life work and the possession of personal 
traits that made him a friend of all who were permitted to know him. He 
passed away April 5, 1904, in Petaluma, after a residence of many years in 
this city and community. ' 

Samuel Cassiday was a native of Ohio, born in Reedsburgh, Wayne county, 
April 12, 1830. His parents were John and Sarah (McGee) Cassidy, who were 
born respectively in Washington county, Pa., October 21, 1800, and Jefferson 
county, Ohio, October 22, 1800. The marriage of the parents occurred in Wayne 
county, Ohio, June 23, 1823, and resulted in the birth of a large family of child- 
ren, named in the order of their birth as follows : David, William, Alexander 
M., Samuel, Esther, Robert, ' Margaret, Rachel, Benjamin, Sarah, John W., 
Benjamin Franklin, Lizzetta and Laura. With this large family to be provided 
for it is not surprising that the advantages which the parents were able to offer 
their children were meagre. Samuel Cassiday made good use of the educational 
advantages which were offered by the district school in the vicinity of his Ohio 
home, and the very lack of opportunity undoubtedly did much to stimulate his 
determination to get an education in spite of existing conditions and take his 
place in the world of activity for which his power of mind fitted him. 

Mr. Cassiday 's identification with the west and with Petaluma in particular 
dated from the year 185 1, and in 1861 he began the practice of his profession 
in this city. For reasons not stated, although presumably in the hope of secur- 
ing a better location for more rapid progress in his profession, he removed to 
Salinas, Monterey county, some time after settling in Petaluma, but after re- 
maining in that city for ten years he returned to Sonoma county and made this 
his home throughout the remaining years of his life. Politically he was a Re- 
publican and a stanch adherent of its principles. 

Mr. Cassiday's marriage united him with Miss Cynthia Frances Denman, 
who was born in Sullivan county, N. Y., February 4, 1841. She was the young- 
est of the large family of children born to William and Nancy (Curry) Den- 



IO i6 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

man, the former of whorn was born in England February 8, 1793, and the latter 
born in New York February 2, 1799. Named in the order of their birth the 
children born of this marriage were as follows: John, Daniel, Michael, Stephen, 
Ezekiel, James, Thomas, Anne, Elizabeth, Martin and Cynthia Frances. Five 
children were born of the marriage of Samuel Cassiday and his wife, all of 
whom reached maturity and are now taking their place worthily in the world's 
activities. The eldest of the children, Sara Frances Cassiday, is the efficient 
librarian of the public library of Petaluma; the next in order of birth, Elizabeth 
Louisa, is also a resident of Petaluma, while Benjamin Franklin makes his home 
in Vallejo, and Samuel Denman and Minnie Belle are residents of Petaluma. 



WILLIAM R. BARRY. 

In William R. Barry we find a native son of the state who is making a suc- 
cess of his life in the community in which he was born and reared, and in which 
also it is his intention to remain permanently, for from all the evidence which he 
has been, able to gather he feels assured beyond a doubt that Sonoma county is 
the finest agricultural center in the entire state. A few miles from Petaluma, 
on Rural Route No. 5, one may see the ranch of which Mr. Barry is the owner 
and proprietor, a ranch whose appearance marks the owner as a man of industry 
and as one who appreciates the value of detail in whatever he undertakes. 

The first representative of the Barry family in the United States was 
Richard Barry, the father of the gentleman above named, who was born in 
Ireland in 1812, and was among the immigrants to California during the early 
period of the gold fever, the year 1848 marking his advent in Placer county. 
There his interests were sufficiently sustained to satisfy his ambition for four 
years, and it is probable that his mining efforts were more satisfying than fell 
to the experience of the average miner. At the end of this experience he gave 
up mining altogether and settled down to agricultural life in Sonoma county, and 
it was on this ranch that he and his wife (the latter formerly Julia Murphy, a 
native of Ireland) reared their family. The eldest of the children born to them 
was Thomas Barry, who was born here in 1862 and is now the owner of a fine 
ranch in this same vicinity, comprising two hundred and fifty acres of land. Here 
he is engaged in the dairy business, his herd at the present time numbering 
thirty head of fine stock, which he expects to increase by the addition of' seventy- 
five head as soon as his herd of yearlings are available. 

William R. Barry was born on the Sonoma county homestead February 
8, 1867, and from the time he was old enough to handle the ordinary farm im- 
plements has been engaged in tilling the soil. He is the owner of a splendid 
tract of land three miles south of Petaluma, consisting of three hundred and 
nine acres of fine dairy land, upon which he maintains a herd of fifty milch cows, 
of the Durham breed. He also pastures a number of fine horses, from the sale 
of which he expects to realize a good profit. 

Mr. Barry's marriage united him with Miss Margaret Willis, who was born 
in Canada in 1881, and who has been a resident of Sonoma county, Cal., since 
she was a child of ten years. Three children have been born of this marriage, 
William W.. Lillian M. and Catherine A., and their devoted parents are bestow- 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1017 

ing every advantage upon them which their means will permit. The children 
are being reared in the teachings of the Roman Catholic faith, which has been 
the faith of the family for many generations, and in his political preferences 
Mr. Barry is a Democrat and is a member of the Knights of Columbus in Santa 
Rosa. 

Besides William R. and Thomas Barry, of whom mention has been made, 
there were four daughters in the parental family, Nellie, Elizabeth, Julia and 
Susie. The first, mentioned, Nellie, is the wife of William McGuffick. Julia is the 
wife of John J. Sweney and the mother of five children, John, Russell, Homer, 
Mary and Isabelle. Susie became the wife of Peter Sartori and has five child- 
ren, as follows : Zilla, Viola, Loretta and Leticia and Hayden. 



ALBERT BAKER. 

Identification with the ranching interests of Sonoma county, extending 
back to the time when he came here a boy of twelve years, has given to Mr. 
Baker a thorough knowledge of this part of the state, as well as a loyal devotion 
to its welfare and a keen appreciation of its material resources. The ranch 
which he occupies and operates stands near Duncans Mills and comprises five 
hundred acres, a portion of which is still in timber containing about five thou- 
sand cords of wood. Twenty acres are in meadow, a large tract in pasture, 
and in addition one and one-half acres have been planted to fruit trees suited 
to the soil and climate. In the near future other trees doubtless will be set out, 
for horticulture is proving its special adaptability to local conditions, and the 
ranchmen are eager to grasp the opportunity for material results thus presented 
to them. On the stock ranch may be seen the usual equipment of machinery, 
horses, cattle and hogs, as well as facilities for managing a small dairy business. 
It is well wooded with redwood, pine and oak, and is located at the foot of 
Mount Ross, about four miles above Duncans Mills. The first one hundred 
and sixty acres of the ranch he entered as government land. 

The Baker family has been represented in Illinois for about one hundred 
years. J. C. and Jane (Hendrickson) Baker were natives of Illinois, born 
respectively in 1819 and 1826. The former, a flour miller and farmer in Marion 
county, that state, in 1862 brought his family to California by way of the Isth- 
mus of Panama and settled in Sonoma county. For a time he ran the Washoe 
house, and later settled on government land above Duncans Mills, where he and 
his wife died. They became the parents of nine children, namely : George W., 
James M., Monroe, Albert, Matilda (Mrs. Albert Canfield), Shrilda (Mrs. 
Robert Powell), Martha (Mrs. Lincoln Edwards), Sarah (Mrs. Joseph Powell) 
and Mary. Mrs. Canfield has two sons, Edward and William. Mrs. Robert 
Powell has eight children, namely : . Charles, William, Herbert, Robert, George, 
Ernest, Sallie and Maude. Of these William married Amelia Scott and has one 
son, Percy. George is married and has four children. 

Albert Baker was born May 29, 1856, and was therefore about six years 
of age when the family removed to California. The only schooling he obtained 
was in Sonoma county; his advantages were limited, as in those days the popu- 
lation in the countv was widely scattered, the schools were few and the methods 



ioi8 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

of instruction crude. In spite of the handicaps he become a man of wide in- 
formation, this being due largely to his habits of careful observation and thought- 
ful reading. On April 29, 1885, he was united in marriage with Miss Anna 
Kelogg, who was born at Healdsburg, Cal., in 1865, and by whom he has one 
son, Albert Stewart, who assists his father on the farm. Mrs. Baker and her 
sisters, Emma, Ella and Clara are the daughters of Warren Kelogg, who was 
born in Missouri. The sisters have all entered homes of their own and are hon- 
ored members of the society of their several communities. Clara, Mrs. Allen 
Morris, is the mother of four children. Emma, Mrs. Ralph Smith, has no child- 
ren, while Ella married William Graham and has one son, Malcolm. 

Such movements as conduce to the material advancement of Sonoma county 
receive the co-operative assistance of Aft. Baker, who is loyally devoted to the 
growth of the county where for so many years he has made his home and where 
now he is earning an honorable livelihood through the raising of stock and the 
tilling of the soil. Like his father, who was an industrious farmer, he has made 
agriculture his lifework and has put all of his energy and sagacity into develop- 
ing his ranch so that each year it may become more productive and valuable. 
His inclinations do not lie in the direction of politics and he takes no part in 
the public affairs of the county, but quietly pursues the even tenor of his way 
on his large farm and industriously labors with thrift and energy so that he may 
surround his family with the comforts that enhance the happiness of life. 



WILLIAxM C. ANDREWS. 

More than three score and ten years formed the life span of the well- 
known resident of Sonoma county, where the most useful half of his life had 
been passed in agricultural pursuits. A native of Indiana, he was born near 
Aurora, Dearborn county, May 9, 1828, one of a family of six children born to 
his parents. A taste and adaptation for following the surveyors profession 
early in life led him to take up the study, and so proficient did he prove him- 
self that when he was little more than a youth he was placed in the responsible 
position of surveyor of Franklin county, Ky. In case of controversy as to 
proper lines of division he was called upon as the court of last appeal, which 
is an unmistakable evidence of the light in which his ability and work were held. 

It was three years after his marriage before Mr. Andrews determined to 
come to California, the year 1865 finding him crossing the plains with a party 
of one hundred wagons drawn by oxen. Six weary months were consumed 
in the journey, during which they were mercifully spared any encounter with 
or disturbance from the Indians, although the party immediately preceding 
them suffered greatly at the hands of this dreaded foe. The San Joaquin val- 
ley was finally reached, and there the family remained a year. From there they 
came to Sonoma coun-ty, settling first in Green valley, and later in Bloomfield 
section, where Mr. Andrews purchased a ranch of one hundred and .ten acres. 
Here he energetically set about the cultivation of what has since been developed 
into one of the representative ranches of the county. From time to time, how- 
ever, he sold off portions, until today it comprises only thirty-eight acres. Dur- 
ing the lifetime of the original owner it was conducted as a grain ranch, barlev 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1019 

being raised almost exclusively, but some time after Mr. Andrews' death, when 
the management devolved upon his sons, they planted an orchard, which is now 
in bearing condition and takes rank with the best orchards in the valley. 

At his death, August 27, 1901, Mr. Andrews left a widow and three chil- 
dren, all sons, to mourn the loss of a devoted husband and kind, affectionate 
father. His marriage in Kansas in 1862 united him with Miss Elizabeth Palmer, 
the daughter of Jerry M. and Pency Camden Whitehead Palmer, who became 
residents of California in 1864. The three sons who blessed the marriage of 
Mr. and Mrs. Andrews are William C, Sylvanus M. and Austin W., the two 
oldest sons remaininng with their mother and maintaining the home ranch, 
while the youngest son, Austin, owns and cultivates a ranch near Lodi, San 
Joaquin county, Cal. 



JOHN D. SULLIVAN. 

Numbered among the prosperous and progressive business men of Sonoma 
county is John D. Sullivan, of Santa Rosa, who in all probability has the largest 
cement contracting business maintained by any one person in this section of 
country. Although a native of Ireland, born in County Cork in 1852, he has 
no recollection of his birthplace, for when he was a babe in arms he was brought 
to this country by his parents, who settled in Providence, R. I., and there he 
was reared and educated. When he was sixteen years of age he apprenticed 
himself to learn the trade of mason in -ill its branches with a cousin, who was 
one of the prominent contractors <\{ chat city. After he had learned the trade 
he followed it until 1875 in "Providence, then we find him starting out for the 
mines in the west, goinsr *o the Big Bonanza mine in Virginia City, Nev., where 
after about four years' experience he decided to come to California. 

Going direct to San Francisco, Mr. Sullivan was fortunate in that he soon 
found employment, first in the United States arsenal at Benicia, and later he 
was employed on the large Hastings estate in San Francisco. His identifica- 
tion with Santa Rosa dates from January 16, 1884. At that time no cement 
or concrete contractor had located in the young town, and as the need for such 
a business was apparent on every hand Mr. Sullivan assumed no venture in 
supplying himself with the necessary outfit and implements for the work. At 
first he took contracts for general masonry work, to which he later added the 
construction of cement sidewalks and curbs, the cement coping in the Santa 
Rosa cemetery being a notable example of this latter class of work. The uses 
to which concrete and cement work have been put in recent years has been of 
tremendous advantage to those engaged in this industry, and Mr. Sullivan 
has kept abreast of the times and been able to take advantage of each new 
development in the business. One of these innovations is the construction of 
cement foundations for buildings, many of which Mr. Sullivan has built in 
Santa Rosa, but probably the most notable example of his handiwork may be 
seen in the Exchange Bank and the Nickelodeon theatre, both reinforced con- 
crete buildings. For nine years he was employed at the Home of the Feeble- 
minded at Glen Ellen doing mason work and repairs, also building, by contract, 
the water works system and the Lux cottage. The last mentioned was the only- 
building on the grounds that was not damaged by the earthquake of 1906, 



1020 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

though it is constructed of brick. At the present writing (1911) he is engaged 
in erecting, on contract, the Doyle building, a business block that is being 
erected on the site of the old postofHce. When completed this structure will 
cover more ground than any other business block in Santa Rosa. 

The family home is located on College Avenue and was built by Mr. Sul- 
livan in 1891. It is surrounded with shrubbery and lawn and is one of the fine 
homes in that section of the city. Politically Mr. Sullivan is a Democrat in 
national politics. He is highly respected among his acquaintances, and popular 
everywhere. 



FRANK B. SINGLEY. 

A native son of California, Frank B. Singley was born in Petaluma Febru- 
ary 5, 1865, a son of the late Hon. James Temple Singley, a pioneer settler and 
resident of Petaluma for fifty years and one of the prominent men of his time 
in the upbuilding of the city. 

Frank B. Singley was educated in the public schools of Petaluma, and 
began his railroad career at the age of seventeen years with the San Francisco 
& North Pacific Railroad in the train service. Subsequently he was appointed 
local agent at Petaluma, and from here he was transferred to the general office 
of the Northwestern Pacific Railroad in San Francisco, where, at the time of 
his retirement in July, 1910, he held the position of auditor of the company. 
In April, 191 1, he was elected city clerk and auditor under the new freeholders 
charter, taking office April 17, 191 1. 

Mr. Singley was married November 7, 1894, to Miss Marie Caroline Mc- 
Carron, a native of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada. Their fam- 
ily consists of three children, Marie Villalta, Edwin Temple and Helen Ann. 
Fraternally Mr. Single}- is a member of the Elks and the Native Sons of the 
Golden West, and is a junior member of the Society of California Pioneers. 
He enjoys the confidence and respect of many friends, and his public spirit is 
demonstrated in many ways through his interest in the welfare of the com- 
munity. 



HARRY O. WHITE. 

One of the successful railroad men of Petaluma is Harry O. White, fore- 
man and yard master of the Petaluma & Santa Rosa Railway Company. Mr. 
White is a native of New Hampshire and was born in the same town, Ossipee, 
as that of his father's birth and death. His father, George O., was a jeweler 
in Ossipee for many years, and in his early youth married Annie L. Felper, a 
native of Maine, and four children were born to them, of whom only one, Harry, 
has ventured as far west as California. 

Harry O. White was born February 27, 1874, and after his school days were 
completed in his home town, at the age of twenty, without any particular vo- 
cation in mind, left home for Swampscott, Mass., and there became baggage 
master for the Boston & Maine Railroad, and while in the employ of the com- 
pany also learned telegraphy. After some years he became assistant agent and 
then agent for the same road. In the meantime he had been taking a course in 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1021 

stationary engineering through the International Correspondence School at 
Scranton, Pa., from which he graduated. In 1906 he went to Lovelock, Nev., 
and entered the employ of the White Cloud Mine Company as stationary en- 
gineer, but not liking the climate, he gave up the position after seven months 
and came to California, arriving in Sebastopol in January, 1907. The following 
year he entered the employ of the Petaluma & Santa Rosa Railway Company as 
bill clerk and during the same year was advanced to foreman and yardmaster, 
a position which he has held ever since. 

Mr. White is fortunate in having a twenty acre ranch, the fruit of his labor, 
from which he derives much enjoyment. Upon it he raises peaches and a great 
variety of apples, of which he has had most successful crops. It is located on 
the Forestville road, one and one-half miles from Sebastopol and easy of access 
to his business in Petaluma. 

In Providence, R. I., Mr. White was united in marriage to Inez F. Moulton, 
a native of Florida. Maria being their only child. Fraternally he is associated 
with the Jr. O. N. A. M. of Petaluma and as a citizen he is very popular, being 
a man of splendid principles and a high type of Christian manhood. He is a 
member of the Baptist church and politically is a Republican. 



CARL PLOW. 

The "Alpha," as its name would indicate, is as near the first creamery in 
the land as science, intelligence and diligence can make it. It is the hobby and 
the pleasure of its proprietor, Carl Plow, as well as his occupation, and there is 
no patent or improvement in the dairy line that he does not studiously investi- 
gate and put into practice if he deems it for the betterment of his plant. 

Carl Plow was born in Denmark, near Haderslev, December 24, 1863, the 
son of Thomas S. Plow, who followed the profession of teaching until his 
declining years, when, in 1909, he died at the old homestead in Slesvig, surviving 
his wife, formerly Catherine M. Vogensen, by many years, her decease occurring 
in 1872. The family consisted of six children, of whom four are still living, 
those besides our subject being Georgina, Mrs. J. Breckwoldt, of Petaluma: 
George, a farmer living near Albany, Ore.; and Christene M., a teacher in 
Denmark. 

Receiving his education while at home on the farm, Carl Plow taught 
school for a short time, when at sixteen and a-half years of age, he came to 
the United States,' arriving in New York July 4, 1880. An uncle, John Caltoft, 
a farmer near Petaluma, was desirous of his assistance on his dairy farm, 
and he was in his employ for one year, after which he worked for two years in 
the creamery business with John Vonson. With this training and preparation 
along agricultural lines, Mr. Plow went first to Novato, Marin county, where 
he managed a creamery and dairy for a year, then to San Antonio, on the ranch 
of Abraham Ward, which he managed for nine months, after which he rented 
the Ward ranch and engaged in the dairy business for a period of twenty years, 
or until the death of Mr. Ward, when he sold out his stock of one hundred 
head of Jersey cows and bought a ranch at Willow Brook on the Nicasio road, 
four miles south of Petaluma. Here he engaged in the poultry business for 



1022 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

four years, when he sold out and located in Petaluma, where he started the 
'"Alpha" creamery, his business being located in the Rialto building, where cream 
is delivered, there being an electrical power plant for the manufacture of but- 
ter, and shipment is made to San Francisco. 

In 1900 Mr. Plow was united in marriage to Miss Anna M. Neilson, born 
near Als, Denmark, and coming to Petaluma in 1890. They are the parents of 
three children : Carl Thomas, Harold Raymond and Norma Catherine. 

Mr. Plow is a very public-spirited and enterprising citizen, has served 
several years on the school board and is a member of many fraternal orders. 
He is identified with the Dania Society of California, of which he was elected 
the Grand President in 1899 ^d 1900, and has served as Grand Secretary of 
the order since 1906. He was made a Mason in Petaluma Lodge No. 180, F. & 
A. M., and is a member of the Eastern Star, Petaluma Lodge No. 30, I. O. O. 
F., Relief Encampment No. 29, the Canton and Rebekahs, Foresters and Fra- 
ternal Aid, Dana Society and the Danish Masonic Club, of San Francisco. To 
all these orders he is a generous donator. He is a man of sterling worth, integ- 
rity and genial personality, and his sincerity and good fellowship have made 
him a favorite in the business and social communitv. 



PETER PETERSEN. 

Through earnest devotion to agriculture in some of its manifold departments 
the German- American citizens of Sonoma county have risen from obscurity to 
prosperity and from an humble station to one of independence. Among them per- 
haps none is more worthy of mention by reason of his persistent and pains- 
taking application to ranching pursuits tiran Peter Petersen, who is of German 
birth and Danish parentage, combining in his forceful personality the thrift of 
the one race with the frugality of the other, and supplementing both with an 
energy distinctively American. His identification with western activities dates 
from May 1, 1887, when he landed in California and became associated with 
the country as a permanent resident. From the first he has made his home in 
Marin county and here he has engaged in general ranching and in the poultry 
business. At this writing he owns and occupies a farm of thirty acres situated 
near Petaluma, where he conducts a chicken yard containing six hundred hens, 
also has on the place three head of fine horses and two valuable milch cows. 
Sagacious judgment exercised in the management of the small farm has secured 
for the owner a neat annual income and a reputation for skill as a farmer. 

Born in Germany, April 29, 1863, Peter Petersen is a son of Peter, Sr., 
a native of Denmark, born in 1827, and by trade a carpenter and cabinet-maker. 
The mother bore the maiden name of Ellen Maria Mortensen and was born in 
Denmark in 1823, living to the advanced age of eighty-three years. Six chil- 
dren formed the parental family, viz. : Martin, Ebbi, Peter, Hans, Anna and 
Alvena. The son first-named married a Miss Lynch and has five children, 
Peter, Henry, Magnus, Emil and Lena. Ebbi, who resides in Iowa, married 
Maria Hansen and has nine children. Hans, who makes his home at Lakeville. 
Sonoma county, married Mary Ericksen and is the father of nine children, 
namely : Harold, Malcolm, Ebbi, Alma. Heda, Helen, Mabel, Hilda and Marv. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1023 

The elder daughter, Anna, is the wife of Jacob Bergstrom, of Iowa, and the 
mother of fifteen children. The younger daughter, Alvena, who married Nels 
Jensen, of Sonoma county, has a family of seven children, Victor, Peter, Ebbi, 
Harry, Dagmar, Ellen and Mary. 

The marriage of Peter Petersen united him with Hedvig Erickson, who 
was born in Sweden November 9, 1866, and arrived in California August 8, 
1889. A large family came to bless their union. There were two sons bearing 
the name of Olaf and two daughters bearing the name of Hedda, the first-born 
of each having been removed by death in infancy. Another son died at a very 
early age. The others bore the names of Peter, Harry, Ebbi, Eric, Maria. 
Goldie, Dorothy, Hilda and Genevieve. Of these the eldest son, Peter, who 
resides in Petaluma, married Josie Costi and has one son. The eldest daughter. 
Maria, is the wife of Frank Bolz, of Petaluma, and has two sons and a daugh- 
ter. Mrs. Petersen was one of six children, the others being Olaf, John Mal- 
colm, Maria, Matilda and Hilda. The parents, Eric Johann and Hedda (Melin) 
Erickson, were born in Sweden, the former in 1836, the latter in 1839, and both 
are still robust and hearty notwithstanding their advancing years and their 
lives of strenuous toil. Of the Erickson sons and daughters Olaf, who resides 
in Denver, Colo., has a family of six children, Axel, Olaf, Jr., Hjalmar, Selma, 
Carrie and Golda. John Malcolm married Emma Swenson and has six chil- 
dren, Hjalmar, Malcolm, Ellen, Hilda, Esther and Emma. Matilda married 
Eric Johnson and they and their son reside in Sonoma county. The youngest of 
the Erickson girls is Hilda, who resides in Sweden, is married and the mother 
of three children. 

Reared in a firm belief in the doctrines of the Lutheran Church, Peter 
Petersen has remained loyal to the religion of his youth and is a consistent 
upholder of the Lutheran denomination, a contributor to its missionary enter- 
prises and a champion of its creed. Not only the cause of religion, but also all 
worthy movements, receive his sympathetic co-operation and he has been inter- 
ested particularly in the public-school system and in securing for future genera- 
tions the educational opportunities he was denied. Since becoming a citizen 
of our country he has voted with the Republican party and upheld by his ballot 
the men and measures associated with the history of that political organization. 
Our state and county have been benefited by the accession to the population of 
men as progressive and patriotic as Mr. Petersen. 



REUBEN KOCH. 
Pennsylvania has contributed a number of substantial citizens to Santa Rosa 
and vicinity, and among them mention belongs to Reuben Koch, who for forty- 
five years has been a continuous resident of this locality. Recollections of his 
boyhood are of a home in Reading, Pa., where he was born August 20, 1842, 
the son of parents who had also been born in that same eastern state. With the 
other children of the parental family Reuben Koch was given such advantages 
as the time and place afforded, and while still quite young began contributing to 
his own support by working in a hardware store in Reading. It was while 
filling this position that the call of President Lincoln for able-bodied men to come 
to the country's rescue led him to give up his position and enlist his services in 



io2 4 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

the Union cause. Though he was in the service altogether only nine months, 
he participated in some of the most severe battles of the entire war, among them 
the battle cf Harper's Ferry, Bull Run, Antietam and the battle of Fredericks- 
burg, being wounded in the last-mentioned engagement. 

After the close of his war service Mr. Koch returned home and resumed his 
position in the hardware store, but continued there only a short time, however, 
for the year 1864 found him making his way to California in company with a 
brother who had also participated in the Civil war. Their journey's end brought 
them to Petaluma, Sonoma county, where Reuben Koch was variously em- 
ployed for about a year, when he became interested in mining and followed it for 
about six months. Contrary to the general rule, he was one of those who was 
fortunate in the undertaking, and with the proceeds of his six-months venture 
he came to Santa Rosa and settled down to make his permanent home. 

In 1870 Mr. Koch was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Welsh, a 
native of Massachusetts, who passed away in 1902, leaving, besides her husband, 
three children, two sons and one daughter, all natives of California. The eldest 
of the children, Edward, was born in 1872 and is now interested in mining in 
Alaska, Mamie, born in 1874, is in San Francisco; William, born in 1876, is in 
the mail service in Santa Rosa. As a citizen Mr. Koch is loyal to his home town, 
a champion of measures for its improvement and an interested participant in 
local affairs. 



NEWTON R. NUNN. 

Since becoming a resident of Sonoma county some years ago Mr. Nunn has 
devoted his attention to the development of land which he acquired in Mendocino 
township and which embraces three hundred and seventy-five acres on Wallace 
creek, three and one-half miles from Healdsburg, costing in its raw, unimproved 
state only $11 per acre and at present assessed at that valuation for the pasture 
and timber acreage. A large area of the tract is in meadow and the sale of the 
hay furnishes a neat sum each year. There is sufficient pasturage for the stock 
raised on the farm, which is sufficient for the owner's needs, none being raised 
for the markets. It is his intention to make a specialty of fruit, for which purpose 
he considers the soil and climate of his locality well adapted. Already he has 
made a start in horticulture, as evidenced by the fact that he sold seven tons of 
prunes and five tons of peaches in 1909. The prunes have proved so profitable 
that he is preparing to plant another orchard of the same fruit during the season 
of 191 1. Sixty acres are under cultivation to grapes, his vineyard being carefully 
tended and made productive by the use of modern methods ; and in addition to the 
vineyard there are forty acres in various deciduous fruits. 

The family genealogy shows that Hiram Nunn was born in Harrison county, 
Tenn., in 1813, and there met and married Jane Robinson, a native of the same 
commonwealth. Seeking the cheap lands of the regions further west they early 
settled in Missouri and pre-empted a large tract in Wright county, where their 
son, Newton R., was born in 1846. Besides this son there were ten children 
in the family, namely : Thomas, a resident of Texas and married to Isabel 
Conger, by whom he has ten children ; Green, who married Mary O. Kelley and 
has two children ; Taylor ; Joseph, who married Rose Ray and has a son, Edward : 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1025 

Cynthia ; Mary ; Emily ; Jane, who died in infancy ; Martha, Mrs. Wilson Smith, 
who has two daughters; and Jane (the second of that name), Mrs. Walter 
Haight, who has two children and makes her home in Oregon in the city of 
Portland. 

As early as 1857, when only eleven years of age, Newton R. Nunn accom- 
panied other members of the family to California and settled in Butte county, 
where he made his home near Oroville for a long period of years. Later he 
removed to Oregon and took up land, remaining in that state for twenty years. 
On his return to California about 1904 he came to Sonoma county and pur- 
chased the raw tract of land which he has developed into his present valuable 
homestead. During 1880 he was united in marriage with Miss Sylvia Lewis, 
who was born in California in 1857 and received a fair education in the free 
schools of this state. They are the parents of two sons, Clarence and Joseph. 
Both were educated in local schools and later sent to the business college at 
Santa Rosa, from which institution the elder son was graduated in 1907 and the 
younger son in 1909. Since completing his studies Clarence has engaged in 
agricultural pursuits and has established a home of his own. In the circle of 
his associates Mr. Nunn has an established reputation for sagacity of judgment 
and energy of character. Persevering industry is bringing to him a well-merited 
reward, while uprightness of character and an exemplification in dealings with 
others of the principles of the Golden Rule have won him the warm regard of 
neighbors. Political matters have not engrossed his attention; indeed, he takes 
no part whatever in such matters aside from casting a Democratic vote at the 
general elections, but he gives encouragement and hearty co-operation to all 
movements for the well-being of the community and in all respects has proved 
himself to be a loval citizen. 



JOHN NERZ. 

Although the country estate owned and operated by John Nerz has been in 
his possession for a comparatively brief period only, already improvements have 
been made indicative of the energy of the man and showing his ambition to 
develop the property. It was during 1906 that he acquired a farm in Mendocino 
township comprising one hundred and fifty-two acres and boasting a soil as 
fertile as any within the limits of Sonoma county. Since then he has been de- 
voting his time to the cultivation of the tract, transferring it from a small pro- 
ducing property into a profitable possession. On the land there are six hundred 
cords of timber which is making a fair growth each year. Seventy acres are in 
hay, a portion of which is fed to his own live stock, but by far the greater amount 
is sold to others. A pasture furnishes grass for the stock in season. Eight acres 
have been planted to fruit of various kinds and in 1907 he set out a vineyard 
of fine grapes, which promises to be a large factor in the annual income as it 
comes into full bearing. 

Born in Germany in 1862, John Nerz received his education in the schools 
of that country and early learned lessons of frugality and industry without which 
his subsequent success would have been impossible. During the year 1880 he 
came to the United States and since 1899 has made his home in Sonoma county, 

53 



1026 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

where he ranks high as a resourceful farmer and progressive horticulturist. In 
addition to the management of his property he has maintained an active identi- 
fication with educational matters, has favored the free-school system and for two 
years has served with intelligence and sagacity as trustee of the school in Junction 
district, Mendocino township. It is his belief that every child should be given 
grammar-school advantages at least and he believes also that such education 
should be acquired without expense to the child, so that the poorest and humblest 
may not be deprived of the inestimable advantages of thorough training in the 
elementary branches. Nor is his interest in progressive movements limited to 
educational work. All projects for the general welfare have his support and 
sympathy. Realizing the value of telephones in isolated rural communities he 
has been a leader in all movements looking toward their establishment and is 
himself a patron of and stockholder in the line passing his farm. 

When a boy in his old German home beyond the sea Mr. Nerz received a 
religious training in the German Lutheran doctrines and at the age of fourteen 
he was confirmed in that church, with which he has been identified ever since, 
supporting its charities and general work to the full extent of his financial 
ability. When he first became a citizen of the United States he joined the 
Democratic party, but later he became more independent in his views and of 
recent years he has not given allegiance to any political organization, but votes 
for the men whom he considers best qualified to represent the people. During 
the year 1891 he was united in marriage with Mrs. Ruby (Jacobs) Odell, the 
widow of Sylvester Odell, by whom she had two children, Harold and Annie. 
Of the children born to her marriage with Mr. Nerz, two are living, Tessie and 
George. In addition to the care of their horticultural and agricultural affairs and 
the supervision of their home, Mr. and Mrs. Nerz have found leisure for the 
development of Paradise Grove, a resort on Mill creek, in a picturesque and 
attractive location on his farm, where he has provided accommodations for twenty- 
people at one time and also can accommodate about twelve tents as campers. The 
resort is becoming well known and increasingly popular each season, and those 
who are entertained there always speak in terms of warm praise concerning the 
location and the accommodating disposition of the proprietors. 



FREDERICK G. NAGLE. 
Residential identification with the city of Santa Rosa on the part of Mr. 
Nagle covers a period of more than forty years, for it was on September 20, 
1870, that he arrived in this place, which was but a hamlet then, and began his 
association with its material development. Since then he has watched the steady 
growth with the alert interest of an enthusiastic citizen, and has contributed 
personally to all movements for the local upbuilding, so that his name is well 
known and his influence favorably recognized throughout the entire community. 
Recognition of his popularity as a citizen and as a man came to him when he was 
appointed to the office of deputy of the county clerk of Sonoma county, in which 
responsible position he remained for eight years, and for the past nine years he 
has held the office of county recorder. In both positions he has exhibited an 
unerring exactness, a decisiveness and courteousness absolutely essential to the 
highest success in the public service. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1027 

The solid qualities of the English race and the genial, appreciative traits of 
the Irish nation meet in Mr. Nagle, whose father, Jeremiah, was a native of Cork, 
Ireland, while his mother, Catherine, was born and reared in Liverpool, England. 
The changing influences of Destiny took the parents to New Zealand, and there 
Frederick G. was born August 16, 1848, but at the age of two years he was 
brought to the United States by bis parents, the discovery of gold in California 
being the lodestar that drew the family from their far distant island home. On 
an April day in 1850, the ship on which they sailed entered the Golden Gate and 
dropped its anchor in the harbor of San Francisco. Shipping and the commission 
business kept the father in California for some time, and meanwhile the son 
entered the primary department of the San Francisco schools. In September, 
[858, removal was made to Victoria, B. C, where he completed the studies of 
the grammar school, returning in 1867 from that city to Alameda county, whence 
he came to Santa Rosa, as before stated, on September 20, 1870. On his arrival 
he opened offices and engaged in the abstract business, being thus engaged until 
he was appointed deputy county clerk of Sonoma county, which position he held 
until igo2, when he was elected recorder, taking office in January, 1903. He 
was elected his own successor to the latter position in 1906, and again in 1910. 
During the period of his residence in this city he has been a prominent worker 
in the Republican party, and a contributor to all enterprises for the general wel- 
fare. His interest in educational matters led him to accept the offices of trustee 
and secretary of the court house school district, which positions he filled for eight 
years, showing the utmost efficiency in the discharge of the many responsibilities 
connected therewith. 

From early youth Mr. Nagle has been an adherent of the Episcopal faith 
and a communicant of that church, which he supports by his contribution of time, 
influence and money. Two lodges represent the limit of his fraternal activities, 
viz. : Santa Rosa Lodge No. 57, F. & A. M.. and Santa Rosa Lodge No. 646, 
B. P. O. E. In these orders he is an interested participant, as well as a generous 
contributor to their charities. 

In this city, April 29, 1875, Mr. Nagle was united in marriage with Miss 
Helen M. Williams, who was born in Sierra county, Cal., February 12, 1856, 
a daughter of James M. and Rachel C. Williams, honored residents of this 
state for many years. Three sons, Arthur F., Ralph G. and Walter H., and one 
daughter, Helen C, comprise the Nagle family, and to all were given the best 
educational advantages the county affords. The second son married Miss Inez 
Poage, an attractive young lady, whose untimely death in 1907 was deeply 
mourned. The youngest son chose as his wife Miss Leota M. Pedigo and they 
have established their home in Santa Rosa. 



JOSEPH MELL. 
Nearly every nation in the world has contributed in some degree to the citi- 
zenship of California, but comparatively few Portuguese may be found in this 
varied contribution. One of these, however, is Joseph Mell, who was born in 
Portugal in 1882. No personal recollections of his native land linger in his 
mind, for when he was only eight months old his parents removed to the Hawaiian 
Islands, in the north Pacific ocean. The voyage of many hundred miles on both 



1028 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

the Atlantic and Pacific oceans was accomplished without disaster, and it was 
not without thankful hearts that the parents set foot on solid soil once more at 
the end of man)- days and weeks of tossing on the bosom of mighty waters. 

Altogether the parents remained on the Hawaiian Islands for five years, 
after which they embarked on a vessel that brought them to California in 1887. 
From San Francisco, the landing place of the vessel on which they had made the 
voyage, they came direct to Sonoma county, and here they still make their home, 
on a ranch near Heaidsburg. Five children blessed the marriage of this coura- 
geous and worthy couple, two daughters and three sons, all living, either making 
their homes with their parents, or in homes of their own in the vicinity of the 
parental homestead. 

At the time the parents settled in Sonoma county Joseph Mell was approach- 
ing school age, and the proximity of the home to Heaidsburg enabled him to at- 
tend the schools of this city. During his boyhood and youth he was absorbing 
an understanding of general farming through helping his father with the chores 
on the home ranch, and it was quite natural that on starting out in life for him- 
self that he should chose the calling with which he was most familiar. He is now 
engaged in farming and poultry-raising. Mr. Mell is a young man, with prac- 
tically his whole life before him, and if the energy and perseverance which he has 
displayed in his ranching enterprise are continued throughout his career there can 
be no doubt as to the ultimate success which must of necessity be his. 

In 1903 Mr. Mell assumed domestic responsibilities by his marriage with 
Miss Florence Eveline Kelley, a native daughter of California, and two children 
have been born to them, Clifford Elmer and Jessie Loretta. Politically Mr. Mell 
has not allied himself with any party, but nevertheless does his duty at the polls, 
voting as his conscience dictates, in an endeavor to put the best possible men in 
office. He has never held office and has never had any aspirations in that direc- 
tion, but he has always done his part in a quiet, unostentatious way to uplift 
and better conditions in his community. 



LAWRENCE MEYER. 
It is a well-known fact that those born under California skies rarely leave 
their native state to make their home in any other part of the country. This tru- 
ism is borne out in the career of Mr. Meyer, for he has not only remained in his 
native state, but he has never left his native county, being satisfied with its out- 
look and not wishing to waste time and energy on speculation as to what other 
localities might offer. This well-known and successful rancher in the vicinity 
of Sebastopol was born in Petaluma, Sonoma county, August 31, 1869, the son 
of Lorenz Meyer, a native of Germany, who came to this country in 1849 m 
response to the attractions offered by the finding of gold in California during 
that year. The mines of Virginia City claimed his attention and energy for a 
time, and from this he turned to teaming, following the latter employment as long 
as he remained in the mining district. From there he finally came to Sonoma 
county in i860, and here the remainder of his life was passed on a ranch in the 
vicinity of Petaluma, his death occurring here in 1893. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1029 

Up to the age of eighteen years Lawrence Meyer had remained at home, in 
his earlier years attending the public schools at Petaluma, and afterward working 
on the home ranch with his father. Though young in years it was with the 
courage of a man that he started out to make his own way in the world at the 
age of eighteen, empty-handed except for seventy-five cents, which he highly 
prized. For a few years he worked as a ranch hand for neighboring ranchers, 
laying by from his wages what was not used for the necessaries of life, and with 
the means thus accumulated he purchased a tract of rough land. Clearing it of 
trees and brush, he planted it to crops, and in this condition he sold it at a good 
profit. Four different tracts of land were thus bought, cleared and put under 
cultivation, and as many times he cleared a good profit on his investment. His 
last purchase is the ranch which he now occupies, comprising fifty-nine acres, 
which he intends to make his permanent home. Like the other tracts mentioned, 
this, too, was covered with a heavy growth of timber and underbrush, and one 
seeing the thrifty condition of the ranch today would have considerable difficulty 
in realizing that it had been evolved from the wild timbered waste that it was 
when Mr. Meyer purchased it. All of this has given place to cultivated fruit trees, 
pears, peaches, plums, prunes and cherries, besides which there is a thriving vine- 
yard of twenty acres, from which he gathers fifty tons of grapes annually. Twelve 
acres of cherries yield annually about twenty tons, apples sixty tons, peaches 
ten tons, and prunes fifteen tons. When it is considered that all of this has been 
made possible on land which when Mr. Meyer purchased it eighteen years ago 
was covered with a virgin forest, his accomplishment has been little short of mar- 
velous. He bought a ranch of one hundred and sixteen acres on Mark West 
creek in 1907, and in 1910 he traded this property for a building in San Fran- 
cisco containing eight flats, which he rents, and from which he derives a good 
income. 

In Sebastopol, in 1897, Mr. Meyer was united in marriage with Miss Bertha 
G. Smith, who though born in England has passed the greater part of her life 
in the United States, California principally. Three children have been born of 
this marriage, Charles L., Wesley G. and William W. Fraternally Mr. Meyer is 
an Odd Fellow, and in his political preferences he is a Republican. 



SVENTE PARKER HALLENGREN. 
The life which this narrative delineates began in Stockholm, Sweden, in 
1836, and closed in Sonoma county, Cal., March 17, 1896. The sixty years 
elapsing between the dates of birth and of death included an era of painstaking 
toil and intelligent management, beginning at an early age under stress of family 
poverty and continuing until the activities of the earthly existence were swallowed 
up in the grave. From a boyhood of self-denial, hardship and laborious struggle 
there developed the maturity of material success, in a region far removed from 
the scenes of early days and in a climate far milder than that of storm-bound 
Scandinavia. The Hallengren family was one of high social standing, but the 
father, a lawyer by profession, had saved little from his practice and at his 
early demise the family were left to face the world in the midst of hardships 
and destitute circumstances. 



1030 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

It therefore became necessary for the boy to forego educational opportunities 
and earn his own livelihood. At an early age he had acquired a thorough knowl- 
edge of the blacksmith's trade. Leaving his native land at the age of twenty 
years he crossed the ocean to the United States and secured employment at his 
trade in New York state, where he remained for several years, meanwhile learn- 
ing the English language and gaining familiarity with the customs of the people. 
It was during 1863 that he entered upon another ocean voyage and came to 
California by way of the Isthmus of Panama. This trip was far more enjoyable 
than the ocean voyage from his native land, for at that time he had started 
from Sweden in a sailing vessel (Nuna) and had spent six weeks on the water. 
Meanwhile the provisions were reduced to such a small quantity that ere land 
was reached the crew almost starved and the passengers had begun to suffer the 
pangs of hunger. 

Bodega and Eldorado county marked the first locations of Mr. Hallengren 
in California and there he worked at his trade. During the year 1866 he came to 
Sonoma county and settled near Geyserville, where he spent his remaining years 
and where his family still reside. Farm pursuits occupied his entire time and 
so devoted was he to his work that he allowed himself no vacation except during 
the year 1889, when on the 22d of July he left home for a trip to Europe and for 
the ensuing three months he renewed the associations of youth. While the visit 
was pleasant he returned to California more than ever delighted with the chosen 
home of his maturity. In politics he always supported the Republican party- 
after he became a citizen of this country and his ballot was given to its candi- 
dates in local and national elections. Movements for the material advancement 
of Sonoma county received his stanch support. In pioneer circles he was prom- 
inent, while among the younger element he enjoyed the respect due to his hon- 
orable character and industrious life. 

Mr. Hallengren's marriage united him with a lady who in maidenhood was 
known as Henrietta Brightenstein. Besides her at his death he left five children, 
Lottie, Lillie, Lind, Lenore and Lloyd, all at home excepting Lenore, who is 
married and living in Inyo county. Mrs. Hallengren was born in 1839 in Nassau, 
Germany, and at the age of eight years came to America with her parents, who 
were also of German birth. Their first home was in Maryland and they also made 
a sojourn of three months in Virginia, after which they came as far west as 
Missouri, and seven years later removed from that state across the plains to 
California. The journey was made with wagons and ox-teams and six months 
were spent on the road, after which the family settled in Eldorado county. After 
her marriage Mrs. Hallengren promoted her husband's success by her economy, 
thrift and sagacious council. Her death occurred December 4, 1910, and was 
deeply lamented by her children and the many friends who had been attracted 
to her by her true womanly nobility and depth of character. Throughout her life 
she had lived up to the teachings of the Bible. After the death of Mr. Hallen- 
gren the family remained together and continued his policy in the management and 
care of the ranch. By dint of energy and economy they purchased adjoining- 
land until they now own twenty-six hundred acres of land, in two ranches, almost 
all of which is adapted for grazing of stock. One hundred and forty acres have 
been planted in a vineyard of thrifty vines producing fine varieties of grapes 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1031 

In connection with their vineyard a winery has been erected, in which they manu- 
facture wine from their own grapes as well as from those of adjoining neigh- 
bors. Cattle and horses are kept on the land in limited numbers. Sheep are raised 
for the markets and at this writing there are one thousand head on the land. 
During 1909 the fleece from seven hundred sheep brought $1,080, and was con- 
sidered the best wool brought to the markets. Two hundred acres of the land 
is in redwood and pine lumber and is quite valuable. Under the judicious man- 
agement of the family a neat income is received from the estate and the returns 
are well merited by their energy, industry and perseverance. 



JOHN F. HALLBERG. 

Synonymous with the name of John F. Hallberg is the Green Valley hop 
yard of which he is the owner, and which is one of the largest industries of the 
kind in Sonoma county. For many years the raising of hops was Mr. Hallberg's 
chief occupation, hence the name of his ranch, but in later years he has branched 
out into horticulture on a large scale, in fact the latter now forms the larger part 
of his ranch enterprise, although the name given to the ranch in earlier days 
still clings to it. 

John F. Hallberg is one of the substantial citizens that Sweden has given 
to Sonoma county, his birth occurring in that country in 1850. Twenty-six 
summers and winters were passed in the Scandinavian peninsula, bringing him 
to a sturdv manhood, and in the meantime he had provided for the future by 
learning the wagon-maker's trade. A stalwart frame and a working knowledge 
of his trade were his chief assets when he landed upon these shores in 1876, and 
although he did not seek employment along this line, he still felt an inward 
security against want, knowing that he could turn to it and make a good living 
at anv time, should other prospects fail. From the port at which the ocean vessel 
landed him he made his way to Illinois, where, in McLean county, he worked as 
a farm hand for about four years. It was with the knowledge of American 
farming obtained during this time that he came to California in 1880, going first 
to San Jose, and from there the following year he came to Sebastopol. Pleased 
with the outlook before him, he determined to make it his future abode and it 
was with this thought in mind that he purchased one hundred and five acres near 
town. The land was in its native condition, covered with a heavy growth of 
timber and brush, and to one less courageous than he the task of clearing and 
preparing the soil for crops would have been well-nigh impossible. The word 
fail was unknown to his vocabulary, as the work of many months proved, when 
the land was finally ready for planting. A considerable portion of the land was 
planted to fruit trees, and while these were maturing he planted the hop vines 
which started his hop industry and gave him the reputation of being the expert 
in hop cultivation in this section of country. Thirty-seven acres are devoted to 
this commodity alone, from which for eighteen years he has gathered large crops, 
the crop for 1909 amounting to two hundred and ten bales. Six acres of black- 
berries yield an average of twelve tons annually, while the thirty acres in apples 
yielded one hundred and twenty-five tons during the season just mentioned. 



io 3 2 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Apples of recognized quality only are raised, his trees being divided among the 
Gravenstein, Baldwin, Belleflower, Spitzenberg, Wagner and Ben Davis varieties. 
Many of the trees of the Gravenstein variety were planted over a quarter of a 
century ago, and are still in excellent bearing condition. One hundred cherry trees 
yield heavy crops of luscious fruit, while the prune trees average a yield of five 
tons annually. From the above enumeration it will be readily seen that Mr. Hall- 
berg is a busy man, but his work is congenial and is therefore not wearing on 
his constitution, as might otherwise be the case. 

Mr. Hallberg was married in Sebastopol in 1885. to Miss Louisa Peterson, 
and three children have been born to them, as follows : Alfred, born in 1886 ; 
Ida, born in 1891 ; and Oscar, born in 1893. All of the children are natives of the 
state, and the eldest, Alfred, is a member of the Native Sons of the Golden West, 
besides which he is a member of the Woodmen. Politically the elder Mr. Hall- 
berg is a Republican. He has always been deeply interested in school matters 
and during the early days of his residence here was trustee of Oak Grove school 
district. During the thirty years that he has resided here he has seen many 
changes take place, none of which have been more marked perhaps than the one 
which his own ranch property presents. 



NEWTON JACKSON GRIDER. 

While practically all of his life from his earliest recollections has been spent 
within the state of California and in the same section of the commonwealth, Mr. 
Grider is by birth an Iowan and was born in Davis county during the year 1863, 
shortly before the migration of the family across the plains to the Pacific 
coast. The family of which he is a member became identified with American his- 
tory at an early period and his parents, Henry and Sarah (Fulkerson) Grider, 
were born in Indiana in the years 1829 and 1830 respectively, removed to Iowa 
prior to the Civil war and during the progress of that struggle turned their faces 
yet further toward the west, becoming residents of California, where the father 
died in 1872; the mother is still living. For a long period he had been prominent 
in local Masonic work, holding membership with the blue lodge at Lakeport, this 
state, and contributing generously to its philanthropies. 

The parental family included five children, William, Theodore, Elmer, 
Newton J. and Armilla. The second-named son married Clara Fulkerson and 
makes his home in Tulare county, this state, his family consisting of wife and 
six children, Henry, Walter, Mabel, Eva, Edna and Erma; the eldest daughter, 
Mabel, is the wife of Harry Hamilton, and Eva also is married. When one year 
old Newton J. Grider was brought to California in 1864 by his parents and in this 
state he grew to manhood, meantime receiving a common-school education. In 
common with many of the progressive men of Northern California he is a land- 
owner and a thorough believer in the possibilities of the soil responding to proper 
methods of cultivation. At this writing he owns a ranch of nine hundred and 
seventy-eight acres in Sonoma county, the tract containing considerable timber 
and pasture, also twenty acres of meadow and a family orchard. For some time, 
in addition to superintending the land, he was engaged in the livery business at 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1033 

Cazadero, where he had a well-equipped barn with accommodations for seventy- 
five head of horses and a complete outfit of vehicles. These were let to the public 
at reasonable prices. He sold the livery business in November; 1910, and located 
in Guerneville, where he now makes his residence, having leased his farm. 

The Republican party has received the steadfast allegiance of Mr. Grider ever 
since he attained his majority and he upholds the principles of that organization 
as favoring the best interests of the people. Besides being active in Masonry 
he has been identified with the Foresters of America for the past twenty years, 
holding membership in Santa Rosa Camp No. 24 and contributing to the main- 
tenance of that body. During the year 1884 he married Miss Jessie Hall, who 
was born in Minnesota and grew to womanhood in Shasta county, this state. 
Their union was blessed with five children, namely : Loren T., Clyde, Harold, 
Eva and Hallie, Mrs. John Dillon. The older daughter is the wife of Frederick 
Pollard and has two daughters, Hallie and Blanche. The Hall family is of 
Canadian ancestry, Joseph Hall, who was born in Canada in 1843, came to the 
United States in early life and for three and one-half years served in the Union 
army during the Civil war, removing to California in 1873 and making his home 
in Shasta county. By his marriage to Luena Banker he had twelve children, 
namely : Halbert, Stephen, Joseph, Ernest, George, Ralph, Archie, Eva, Edna, 
Jessie, Grace and Effie. The first-named son is married and has two daughters, 
Marie and Inez. Ernest has a wife and two children, Halbert and Velma. Edna 
is the wife of Harry Larned and has one child, Effie. Grace is married and has 
a son. Kenneth Zachary. George chose as his wife Miss Bertha Wange and 
Ralph married Fay Henderson, by whom he has one son, Richard. 



CHARLES FILIPPINI. 

The record of the life of Charles Filippini, now living in retirement in 
Petaluma, Sonoma county, is a striking exemplification of the truth that industry, 
perseverance and determination, aided by the sagacity which comes from con- 
tact with the business world, is almost without exception rewarded by success. 
Mr. Filippini is one of the army of men who foresaw the result of patient appli- 
cation in the development of the resources of California, and from the beginning 
of his career within its borders he adhered to a well-thought-out plan to allow no 
opportunity to gain a competency to pass without investigation. 

Mr. Filippini is one of the sons of foreign birth and breeding who have 
contributed so largely to the citizenship of this broad land. He was born in 
Cevio, Canton Ticino, Switzerland, November 9, 1847, tne son 0I Baptiste 
and Maria Filippini, who were born and reared and passed their entire lives in 
that country. After his marriage the father made a trip to the mines of Aus- 
tralia, where he followed mining for five years with good success. On his return 
he engaged in general contracting, building government works, roads and canals, 
and continued this work until his death at the age of seventy-six. The mother 
died at the age of seventy-four years. Five of the children born to them grew 
to years of maturity. Louis learned the jeweler's trade and was following it in 
his native country when, in 1868, his brother Charles sent for him to come to 



eo34 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

California and assist him on his ranch; he soon started in farming for himself, 
having purchased a ranch in Marin county, and there he died in 1892. Milla 
was brought to this country in 1870; she is now Mrs. Moretti and resides in 
Switzerland. Angelica was brought here in 1878: after her marriage, to Paul 
Filippini, she returned to Switzerland to make her home and there she passed 
awav. Leonardo joined his brothers in California in 1882 and is now a well- 
known dairyman in Marin county and owns a fine ranch in Stanislaus county. 

Charles Filippini was educated in the grammar schools until he was eleven 
years of age, following this by four years in the high school, after which he 
was apprenticed to the stone-cutter's trade. He soon realized that the outlook 
for himself in his native land was no brighter than had fallen to the lot of his 
parents, and at the age of nineteen years, he determined to come to the United 
States. He set sail from the town of Cevio December 2, 1866, and debarked at 
San Francisco January 20, 1867. almost penniless, but the dire situation did not 
distress him. On the other hand he calmly set about to find employment at his 
trade, but there were no large quarries nor much of anything to do at the stone- 
cutter's trade in those early days in San Francisco, so he was unsuccessful. 
He then began looking in other directions and was successful in finding work 
on a ranch in Marin county. He was familiar with dairying as conducted in his 
own country, and he readily adjusted himself to his new surroundings. After 
working four months in a dairy he rented a ranch and started on his own ac- 
count. After maintaining a dairy ranch in that countv for fifteen years with 
success he came to Petaluma with the idea of purchasing a ranch, and the same 
year be bought twenty-five hundred and fifty-six acres in the southeastern part 
of Sonoma county, on the Napa county line. Without exception this is one 
of the finest grazing ranches in the state and is known as the Huichica rancho. 
Here he maintains a large dairy herd of fine cows that find excellent pasturage, 
besides horses and cattle, ail of which, in addition to hogs, he breeds and raises 
upon the ranch. In connection with his dairy he maintains a well-equipped 
creamery, where is manufactured the Huichica brand of butter which is in 
keeping with the high standard of excellence which prevails in every other de- 
partment of the ranch. The varied interests already mentioned do not represent 
the extent of Mr. Filippini's resources from his ranch, for he also raises large 
crops of hay, oats, barley and wheat, his output of grain for one season amount- 
ing to eighteen hundred sacks. In August, 1904, Mr. Filippini removed from 
the ranch to Petaluma, where he erected a commodious residence on Sixth street, 
and here he has since made his home, retired from the active duties of the ranch, 
which have been assumed by his sons, although he makes frequent visits in 
superintending its management. 

Since coming to this country Mr. Filippini has made four trips to his old 
home in Switzerland, and on three of these he had enjoyable visits with his 
parents, but prior to his fourth trip they had gone to that home beyond. It 
was on his trip to Switzerland in 1878 that Mr. Filippini was united in marriage 
with Miss Emily Del Ponte, a native of that country. Twelve children were 
born of this marriage, and of them we mention the following : John V. graduated 
from the University of California with the degrees of A. B. and LL. B.. and is 
now practicing law in San Francisco;- he married Charlotte de Martini. Emidio 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1035 

is a graduate of the Napa Business College ; after his graduation from the col- 
lege he worked for three and a half years at the machinist's trade, but instead 
of following this, at the end of the time mentioned he took up ranching ; he 
married Paulina Koch, of Santa Rosa, and they have one child, Vivian, and 
make their home on a ranch in Napa county. Elmira is the wife of Victor De 
Carli, and the mother of one child, Loretta. Alfred who graduated after a four- 
year term in Switzerland, is also a graduate of the Napa Business College ; he is 
interested with his brothers in the maintenance of the home ranch ; he was 
married in Switzerland to Anita Moretti, by whom he has two children, Louis and 
Alfred. Charles, who is also a graduate of the Napa Business College, is assist- 
ing in the care of the homestead ranch. Nellie is the wife of Silvio Pometta and 
the mother of one son, Lester. Vivian is the wife of Americo J. Bloom and 
the mother of two children, Stella and Americo. The other children in the family 
are Rose, Louisa. Emily, Baptiste and Stella. In 1896 Mr. Filippini took his 
family on a trip to Switzerland, and it was while there that the son Baptiste 
was born. 

Mr. Filippini is a man of more than average capability, as is evidenced in 
the many interests in which he has a part outside of the management of his 
large ranch property in Sonoma county. Besides this, he also has an interest in 
a dairy ranch of twelve hundred acres in Marin county. In 1910 he organized 
the Petaluma Swiss-American Bank, of which he is now vice-president, in 
addition to which he is also interested in other financial institutions in Sonoma 
and Marin counties. Notwithstanding all of the business obligations that de- 
mand time and attention from Mr. Filippini, he still has time for social amenities 
of life, and is an active and interested member of the Sonoma and Marin Counties 
Swiss Club, composed entirely of that nationality. During his long residence in 
Sonoma county Mr. Filippini has made a host of friends, by whom he is uni- 
versally respected, and is looked upon as a gentleman of worth. 



ANDREW FREI. 
A short distance from the far-famed river of the Rhine, in the canton of 
Aargau, Switzerland, the humble home of an industrious millwright formed the 
early environment of Andrew Frei, who was born January 30, 1831, and in 
early life learned many lessons of frugality and industry under the patient guid- 
ance of his father, Andrew, Sr. The death of the millwright when his son was a 
lad of nine years proved a heavy loss to the latter, who was thrown wholly upon 
his own resourpes, as his mother had died when he was only two years of age. 
A thorough education was impossible to the young orphan, but by observation 
he has gained a fund of information not always possessed by men claiming 
collegiate degrees. He was not allowed to grow up in idleness, but was bound 
out as an apprentice to the wood-turner's trade in Switzerland and under the 
oversight of a capable master he acquired a knowledge of every department of 
the occupation. During the year 1852 he came across the ocean in a sailing vessel 
which anchored in New York during the month of May after a forty-nine day 
voyage, and from that city he went on to Pittsburg, where he followed his trade. 



1036 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Hearing much concerning the vast undeveloped regions of the west Mr. F'rei 
determined to come hither and accordingly he gave up his position in Pittsburg, 
went to New York and boarded an ocean vessel bound for the Isthmus of Panama, 
and on reaching the Pacific he boarded the steamer Golden Gate, which cast 
anchor at San Francisco January 14, 1859, thus bringing to an uneventful close 
a long and tedious voyage. Shortly after his arrival he embarked in the manu- 
facture of furniture with Charles Field as a partner and continued in that con- 
nection for almost fifteen years, eventually acquiring his partner's share in the 
business, which he conducted successfully until 1895. Meanwhile he had ac- 
cumulated a competence through judicious management of the business and when 
he came to Sonoma county in the year 1895 he had the means necessary for the 
acquisition of considerable property. 

As early as 1882 Mr. Frei acquired four hundred and fifteen acres of raw 
land seven miles west of Santa Rosa. No attempt had been made to place the 
land under cultivation previous to his purchase. Pine trees covered much of 
the tract. Under his subsequent careful oversight and peronsal labor the large 
ranch was brought into a condition for profitable cultivation and it has proved to 
be well adapted to peaches, prunes, apples, pears and grapes. In addition to 
this place Mr. Frei owns a ranch of three hundred and forty-four acres four 
miles north of Healdsburg, in Dry Creek valley, Sonoma county, the greater part 
of which is planted to vineyard. He also has a fully equipped winery on the 
ranch for the manufacture of wine, which he operates. The income from these 
two large ranches is sufficiently large to prove that they are earning a fair in- 
come on the original investment and on the present valuation. 

A comfortable modern residence on Second and Pierce streets, Santa Rosa, 
is the home of Mr. and Mrs. Frei and the center of a delightful hospitality that 
includes their large circle of friends. Mrs. Frei, formerly Louise Zweifel, was 
born in Canton St. Gallen, Switzerland, July 6, 1851, where she received a high- 
school education. During May of 1876 she arrived at Oakland, Cal., in com- 
pany with her mother, and at San Francisco, October 16, 1877, she became 
the wife of Andrew Frei. Four children blessed their union, namely : Louisa, 
born October 4, 1878 ; Andrew M., who was born September 16, 1880, was 
educated in the California State Univeristy at Berkeley, and who died October 
11, 1910; Walter C, who was born October 6, 1881, and completed the course at 
Berkeley in 1901 ; and Louis A., who was born November 26, 1883, and in 1907 
completed the studies connected with civil engineering at Berkeley. Mrs. Frei 
is a daughter of Christian and Salome (Untersander) Zweifel, natives of Swit- 
zerland, the former born August 2, 1816, and the latter November 3, 182 1. 

From early manhood until his death Mr. Zweifel followed farm pursuits. 
In his family there were seven children, but two of these died in infancy; the 
others are Albert, Walter, Adolf, Paulina and Louise. 

Formerly Mr. Frei belonged to the Rifle Club of San Francisco, an organi- 
zation of city men for purposes of sport and recreation. The general elections 
find him a supporter of the Republican ticket, but in local matters he gives his 
allegiance to the men whom he considers best qualified to represent the people. 
Notwithstanding his years of busy activity and his present advanced age. he is 
keenly interested in his farms and manages them with the same judgment and 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1037 

ability characteristic of his younger days. Loyally devoted to his adopted country, 
he cherishes for the commonwealth and the nation a depth of affection not sur- 
passed by native-born sons. His rank as a patriotic citizen is deservedly high 
and in the county of his home he has a reputation for all the qualities that endear 
a man to his community and enrich the local citizenship. 



FRANK E. DO'WD. 
Occupying a position of prominence among the best known and most highly 
esteemed citizens of Santa Rosa is Frank E. Dowd, who for years has been in- 
timately identified with the leading interests of this section of Sonoma county, 
both in ranching and in business circles. As a native son of the state he is living 
up to the reputation of Native Sons generally, in that he is satisfied to make 
his permanent home in his native state. A native of Sonoma county, he was born 
in Petaluma February 11, 1862, the son of Edward and Bridget (Kelly) Dowd, 
the latter natives of Ireland. They came to the United States when young, and 
in New York City were united in marriage in January, i860, and started for 
California via the Isthmus of Panama and it was not long thereafter that they 
were comfortably settled in a home in Petaluma, Cal., the same in which iheir 
son Frank was born. 

Frank E. Dowd grew to sturdy young manhood on his father's ranch in 
this county, and in the meantime had received a good grounding in the public 
schools of his home locality. To this was added the splendid advantages of a 
business training in Heald's Business College in San Francisco, a training that 
has stood him in good stead in his later career. After leaving school and college 
he returned home and for some time carried on general farming and dairying, 
thus putting into practice the training which he had received under his father 
on the home farm. In 1887 he went to Tulare county and there engaged in farm- 
ing. It was two years later that he returned to the county of his nativity and 
accepted a position as deputy county assessor. That he had faithfully performed 
the duties of his position to the satisfaction of the citizens of the county was 
shown by them when they induced him to become a candidate on the Democratic 
ticket for the office of assessor. He was elected, and that he has not lost any of 
the confidence of his friends was demonstrated when he was returned to the 
position by being re-elected the three consecutive general elections following 
He was instrumental in forming the State Assessors Association and has always 
taken a very active interest in it. 

Since taking up his residence in Santa Rosa he has bought property and 
erected a comfortable home, also is owner of a fine, well-improved ranch at 
Lakeville, in the southern part of Sonoma county, which was his home before 
coming to the county seat after being elected to his present office. His private 
interests, varied as they are, have still not absorbed his faculties and blinded him 
to his duty as a good citizen, but on the other hand it would be hard to find 
anyone more enthusiastic in advancing the welfare of his community than is he. 
In San Francisco, October 21, 1903, Mr. Dowd was united in marriage with 
Miss Martha Agnes Latham, their marriage being celebrated in the famous old 



1038 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Mission Dolores Church. Mrs. Dowd is a daughter of James and Charlotte 
(Curran) Latham, and was born in Victoria, B. C. By right of birth in the 
state Mr. Dowd is a member of the Native Sons of the Golden West, is also 
identified with the Knights of Columbus, the Eagles, Woodmen of the World 
and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, in which he has taken a very 
active interest and is now past exalted ruler of the Santa Rosa Lodge. If he 
may be said to have a hobby it is his enthusiasm for Sonoma county, which 
he believes to be the garden spot of the state and the land of opportunity for 
industrious voting men eager to g^et a start in the world. 



HOWARD HOLMES OELLIG. 

The building of the Petaluma & Santa Rosa Railway has been the means 
of bringing much progress and improvement throughout the section of Sonoma 
county which it traverses and the maintaining of the traffic is of still more im- 
portance, so much so that the managers fcr some time looked about for men 
of ability, aptitude and originality to place in charge of their mechanical de- 
partment. In doing so they selected Howard Holmes Oellig, the present mas- 
ter mechanic, who has brought the machine shops and marine equipment to its 
present high standard of excellency. 

Mr. Oellig's paternal grandfather was Dr. John Oellig, a native of Hesse 
Darmstadt, Germany, where he was a graduate physician and surgeon. Sub- 
sequently he located in Waynesboro. Pa., where he was a successful practitioner, 
and of his four sons, three became physicians, and of his grandsons four en- 
tered the profession of medicine. Dr. Francis A. Oellig, the father of our 
subject, was born in Waynesboro and was graduated from the Jefferson Med- 
ical College, after which he practiced medicine in Martinsburg, Blair county, 
and later in Upton. Franklin county, where he died. His wife was Mar- 
garet Byers, also a native of Waynesboro, Pa., the daughter of James Byers, 
of an old and honored family of Pennsylvania. She was the mother of eight 
children, five sons and three daughters, Howard H. Oellig being the youngest 
and the only one of the family to cc-me to the Pacific Coast. He was born in 
Chambersburg, Cumberland county. Pa., September 4, 1867. After graduating 
from the Upton high school he was apprenticed to A. M. Good & Bro.. of 
Waynesboro, manufacturers of building material. He completed the trade of 
woodworking machinist in three years and during this time received a salary 
of sixty-five cents per day with $100 bounty at the end of his apprenticeship. 
However, during his summer vacation of four weeks he went back into the 
farming community, where he worked in the harvest field at $1.50 per day 
and board and this helped him out materially. After completing his trade he 
went to Tacoma, Wash., arriving there May 21, 1888, twenty years of age, 
and great was his satisfaction when he obtained a position with the Tacoma 
Manufacturing Company at $3 per day. He applied himself closely and a 
year later became foreman for them with an advance to $3.50. In 1892 he 
entered a partnership with F. H. Massow (a large contractor of San Fran- 
cisco), M. C Hal! and others of Tacoma, purchasing a mill and engaging 
in the manufacture of building material in that city until the panic of 1893-94. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1039 

when building operations ceased and they, like others, were forced to quit, 
thus losing all. The fall of 1893 found Mr. Oellig in San Francisco with his 
wife and baby, no money and nothing doing at his trade and seemingly no 
opportunity of making a living. Nothing daunted, he applied for a place with 
the street car companies and secured a position with the old Market street 
railway as conductor, accepting it as a makeshift, thinking it would tide him 
over until business would revive so he could again find employment at his 
trade. This proved the turning point and started him in a railroad career, in 
which he has been so successful and where he is so much in his element. 

When the United Railroads acquired the Market street line Mr. Oellig 
was promoted to dispatcher's clerk, then to superintendent's clerk, later night- 
car dispatcher and then inspector, serving until August 1, 1906, when he was 
tendered the position of master mechanic of the Petaluma & Santa Rosa Rail- 
way, which he accepted. Removing with his family to Petaluma, he at once 
entered upon his duties with the same ardor and zeal that had always crowned 
his efforts with success, and the confidence and esteem in which he is" held, 
not only by his associates but by men of affairs in Sonoma county, show how 
well he has accomplished it. Since coming here most of the shops and equip- 
ment have been built, having an up-to-date machine and car shop enabling 
them to build box cars, oil-tank cars and freight motors, besides caring for 
their rolling stock. He is also in charge of the marine equipment consisting 
of the steamers Gold and Petaluma, besides being in charge of all overhead 
construction. 

Tn Tacoma, Wash., Mr. Oellig married Miss Elva Harbaugh, who was 
born in Waynesboro, Pa., and they have one child, Ruth. Mrs. Oellig is a 
member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Oellig is a member of the Benevolent 
Protective Order of Elks ; Junior Order American Mechanics, of which he is 
Councilor : and the Daughters of Liberty. He has contributed liberally to rail- 
road and electrical journals. In the Electric Traction Monthly of November 
19, 1910, is an article on "Car Lubrication" and the same paper of August 20. 
1910, an article on "Special Tuyere Iron or Firepot," both having received 
favorable comment. While still a young man, Mr. Oellig has acquired the 
success that often takes a lifetime to acquire and there is no doubt that with 
his ability he will climb to a still higher place of importance and responsibility. 



WILLIAM BOURKE. . 
A native of Ireland, William Bourke was born in County Kildare in 1830, 
the son of William and Bridget (Coyne) Bourke, farmers, and there this son 
was reared and received his education in the common schools. In 1849, when 
but nineteen years of age, he decided to try his fortunes in the New World 
and accordingly came to New York, thence to Chicago, 111., and later to New 
Orleans. Having heard of the vast wealth uncovered by the miner's pick in 
California he resolved to seek the new Eldorado and cast in his lot with the 
pioneers of the Golden West. In 1852 he came by way of Panama and arrived 
in San Francisco, embarking from the steamer Northerner in June of that 
year. There being plenty of work for a vigorous voung man, Mr. Bourke 



io 4 o HISTORY. OF SONOMA COUNTY 

remained for a time in that city, then worked in the mines on the American 
river, in the Coloma district and later in Sierra county, meeting with consid- 
erable success. 

In the summer of 1858 Mr. Bourke came to the vicinity of Petaluma and 
purchased a squatter's title to some land on San Antonio creek, settling down 
to what became his vocation in life, the dairy business. Being an ambitious 
youth and always looking for a chance to better his condition, he remained 
but four years when he sold out to good advantage and invested in a dairy 
in Nicasio, Marin county, remaining there four years, when he again sold at 
a profit and with his accumulated capital was enabled to purchase nine hundred 
and fifty acres in Hicks valley, which he still owns. The ranch is well watered 
by a creek and numerous springs and is well adapted for dairy purposes. This 
he has improved with modern and up-to-date buildings and it is now con- 
sidered one of the finest dairies in the locality. For many years he ran a dairy 
of one hundred cows with great success and the quality of his butter won such 
a reputation that he received as high as seventy-five cents per pound for it. 
In 1871 he leased the ranch and settled on a tract of three hundred and thirty 
acres on San Antonio creek, that he purchased as a speculation and sold one 
year later at a good profit. Having acquired a competency he retired from 
active work and located in Petaluma. In 1903 he built a very comfortable 
residence on Howard and Basset! streets, where he is content to spend his 
declining years in peace and comfort. 

In San Francisco Mr. Bourke was united in marriage with Miss Amelia 
Fitzgibbon, who was also born in Ireland, and who passed away in 1898. He 
is a Democrat in politics and is a member of St. Vincent's church. Although a 
semi-invalid and eighty-one years of age, he takes a keen interest in the affairs 
of the day and keeps abreast of the times. He enjoys recounting incidents of 
the early days, of his companions in toil. He is a self-made man, highly 
respected and endeared to the entire community, and a hearty sympathizer in 
every good cause. 



DANIEL JAMES JAMIESON. 

The fountain-head of the machinist and moulder's trade is the pattern- 
maker, and unless the pattern is prepared absolutely perfect the casting has a 
flaw that can never be remedied, hence the man who makes the pattern must 
understand every part of his trade and he must be perfect of sight and of steady 
nerve in order to accomplish success. Such a man we find in Daniel James 
Jamieson, who was born in Dayton, Green county, Ohio, October 2.7, 1881, 
the oldest of three children born to James W. and Amanda (Schlutter) Jamie- 
son, the former born in Aberdeen, Scotland, the latter in Pennsylvania. The 
father was a moulder by trade, and when twenty years of age came to the 
United States, following his trade in Ohio until 1897, when he brought his 
family to California, locating first in Oakland and 'ater on a ranch at Cotati, 
where he and his wife still reside. 

The subject of this sketch was but ten years of age when his parents came 
to California, being educated in the public schools of Oakland until eighteen 
years of age, when he was apprenticed as a pattern maker with George F. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1041 

Bnswell, in San Francisco. After completing his trade he continued working 
at it in that city until 1908, when he located in Petaluma and started in business 
for himself as pattern and cabinet maker, and has now the largest business in 
pattern making north of the bay. 

Mr. Jamieson was married in Cotati to Miss Thora Moller, who was born 
in San Francisco. They reside at No. 410 Third street, Petaluma, where they 
have a comfortable and well-kept home. Fraternally Mr. Jamieson is a member 
of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is past Noble Grand; of 
the Encampment, of which he is the present Chief Patriarch ; is also a member 
of the Canton and Rebekahs, besides which he is a member of Engine Co. No. 
1 of the Petaluma Fire Department. Mr. Jamieson has been very successful 
in business, and by his business associates and many friends is held in high 
esteem for his genial personality and noble qualities. 



THEODOR RICHARDS. 

Agua Caliente Springs, the most famous springs in this section of the state, 
are located in the picturesque Sonoma Valley about forty-five miles from San 
Francisco. The climate of this section is almost ideal, the heat of summer be- 
ing always tempered by the cool mountain air, and the evenings are invariably 
cool and pleasant, making a visit to the arms of Morpheus a pleasure. The 
sulphur waters here are among the strongest to be found anywhere, coming 
from five different springs which range in temperature from one hundred to one 
hundred and fifteen degrees. The present institution is located at the old orig- 
inal mineral springs of Sonoma county, which were well known by the Indians 
and extensively used by them for medicinal purposes. To this well-known 
resort many people travel each season and return home much benefited by their 
trip. The springs are under the management of Mr. and Mrs. Theodor Rich- 
ards, enterprising people, who have spent much time, thought and money to 
make their property valuable as a health resort. 

Mr. Richards was born in Erfurt, Turingen, Germany, in 1862. His early 
experiences cluster round his native place, although in 1872, at the age of 
ten years, he came to New York City, in which place he had an uncle residing. 
As a youth he attended the common schools, and in early manhood learned the 
machinist's trade, following this occupation until 1879, m which year he came 
to California. In 1885 he engaged in the hotel business in San Francisco, 
continuing this for a number of years, or until 1901, after he had purchased 
the Agua Caliente Springs in Sonoma county. When he purchased the springs 
he acquired one hundred and fifty acres of land, on which was commenced sub- 
stantial improvement. He first built a hotel to accommodate about fifteen, and 
this was such a success that the building of a large new hotel and other build- 
ings became a necessity, and when accomplished gave the appearance of a small 
town. The main hotel has accommodations for three hundred guests and a 
dining room which can seat three hundred and fifty. There are twenty cottages 
on the place and a club and bath houses, in the latter of which may be found 
the largest mineral water swimming tank in California 75x80 feet, made of 
concrete. There are forty private bath tubs besides the private baths in the 
54 



1642 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

rooms of the hotel, the shower bath, and the private concrete plunges measuring 
6x6x4 : /2 feet, the latter being quite a feature of the springs, all lighted by 
electricity. 

Agua Caliente Springs are located on the Northwestern Pacific Railroad 
and the Southern Pacific Railroad, situated on the Santa Rosa county road. 
Across this road the enterprising proprietor has laid out the Agua Caliente 
subdivision for residence lots, the property being picturesquely studded with 
magnificent live oak trees. The ranch is devoted to general farming, dairying 
and horticulture, thus raising vegetables, fruits and dairy products for the 
hotel. One of the most beautiful sights on the place is the rose arbor leading 
to the hotel, four hundred feet in length. For the amusement of the guests the 
enterprising landlord has erected a music and dance hall with an orchestra im- 
ported from Frieburg, Germany, at a cost of $5,000, which is proving a great 
attraction and is greatly enjoyed by both old and young. On the place he has 
laid out a base ball ground, tennis court, croquet grounds and shuffleboards, 
while in the hotel is a billiard parlor. Aside from the hot mineral springs he 
is fortunate to possess the only iron and magnesia springs in Sonoma county, 
and that, too, is located immediately adjoining the hotel, and the coolness of the 
water is much appreciated by every one. Aside from the large bath house he 
has erected a bath house adjoining the hotel supplied with natural hot sulphur 
water from the springs, which is used for the accommodation of guests in the 
winter season, as the resort is open the year around. The old adobe building 
used for so many years for a public house before the present owner came into 
possession is still standing, adjoining the hotel, and it was visited in years past 
by such men as General Vallejo, General Hooker and President Grant. 

Mr. Richards married Miss Katherine Gorman, and they have three chil- 
dren, Millie, Thomas and Elsie. Mr. Richards is a member of Fidelity Lodge, 
F. & A. M., San Francisco, and is also a member of the Royal Arch and Benevo- 
lent Protective Order of Elks. In addition to the arduous duties of his enter- 
prise, Mr. Richards, for the past eight years, has held the position of postmaster 
at Agua Caliente. 



OWEN J. CLINE. 

Among the manufacturing interests of Petaluma there is none more im- 
portant in its output, the value of its product and the amount paid employes, 
than the shoe factory which has been under the able supervision of Owen 
Cline ever since it was started. By his close oversight and thorough knowledge 
of ever)- detail of the manufacturing of shoes he has built it up until it is now 
one of the most extensive plants of its kind on the Bay. 

The subject of this sketch was born in La Salle, 111., July 2, 1864. His 
father, William Cline, was a native of Maryland and an early settler of La Salle, 
111., where he enlisted and served in the Civil war, afterwards removing to St. 
Louis, Mo., where young Cline was educated in the public schools until the age 
of sixteen years, when he was apprenticed and learned the shoe-making trade 
in the Myers Shoe Company, beginning at the bottom and learning every de- 
partment. Later he severed his connection with them to accept a foremanship 
with the George Gogg Shoe Company, which position he held until 1895, when 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1043 

he came to California. It was at this time that A. L. Bryan severed his con- 
nection with the old firm of Bryan & Brown of St. Louis, came to Oakland and 
purchased the small plant of the Wentworth Shoe Company, located near the 
Southern Pacific Railway Company's Sixteenth street depot. Mr. Bryan selected 
Owen J. Cline as superintendent of the factory then operated as the A. L. Bryan 
Shoe Company, continuing the business there until 1899, when he removed it 
to Petaluma, establishing the factory on Bremen street. In 1901, on the death 
of Mr. Bryan, the Nolan Earl Shoe Company purchased the plant and has since 
continued the business, enlarging it from time to time until it has reached its 
present proportions. Aside from being the superintendent since it was started 
Mr. Cline is also a stockholder and director in the company. Understanding 
ever detail of the business he has secured the latest machinery for each de- 
partment and the factory is run the year round and has a capacity of five hundred 
pairs per day and they now give employment to about one hundred hands, 
theirs being by far the largest pay-roll in the city. 

In St. Louis, Mo., Mr. Cline was united with Miss Anna O'Donnell, a native 
of that city, and they are the parents of five children, Anastacia, Mary, Thomas. 
John and Joseph. Fraternally Mr. Cline is associated with the Elks, Eagles (of 
which he is past president) and the Young Men's Institute (of which he is 
treasurer) and the Petaluma Fire Department, of which he has served as first 
assistant engineer. Both in business affairs and socially Mr. Cline is highly es- 
teemed for his progressive spirit, enterprise, worth and integrity. He is very 
helpful to deserving young men and his charities are many, no worthy person 
or cause appealing to him in vain. It is to such men that Sonoma county today 
owes its present state of wonderful development and his example is worthy of 
emulation. 



FRANK POEHLMANN. 

The tanning industry in Petaluma is represented by Frank Poehlmann, who 
was born in Tackau. Austria, April 24, 1862. His father, Wenzel Poehlmann, 
was a manufacturer in Tackau, where young Poehlmann was reared and edu- 
cated in the public schools until the age of fourteen. He was then apprenticed 
as a tanner, completing the trade in two and a-half years, when he traveled 
as a journeyman through Austria, Hungary and Germany until 1880. At that 
time he came to St. Louis, Mo., and after working at his trade awhile there 
he traveled through Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Wisconsin, Louisiana, 
Tennessee and other states, working as a tanner. 

In 1885 Mr. Poehlmann was married, in St. Louis, Mo., to Bertha Mort- 
horst, a native of Germany, and the same year removed to San Francisco, where 
he became superintendent of a tannery. In 1891 he started a tannery at Oregon 
Hill, Yuba county, which he ran until 1898, when he rented the Nickles tannery 
at Santa Rosa for two years. When his lease expired he located in Petaluma 
and built his present tannery on Bremen street, where he manufactures all kinds 
of heavv leather, such as sole, harness and skirting. The plant has a large 
capacity and is well equipped, having a deep well and pumping plant. 

Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Poehlmann were born five children, as fol- 
lows : Marie, now Mrs. Bailey, of Rainesville ; Otto, a druggist. Max, a tanner. 



1044 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Ruth, all three of Petaluma, while William was killed in the Ignacio wreck of 
the Northwestern Pacific Railway at the age of eighteen. Mr. Poehlmann 
built his residence at No. 744 B street, Petaluma, where he and his estimable 
wife welcome their many friends and dispense their charities to those whom 
they deem worthy. Politically he is a Republican, while fraternally he is a 
member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. 



ELI S. SHAVER. 

Petaluma has the reputation of having the finest streets of any city of its 
size in the country and the credit for this is due to the tireless efforts and 
executive ability of its present superintendent of streets, E. S. Shaver, who has 
held that office for the past eleven years. He was born in Kemptville, Green- 
ville county, Ontario, September 17, 1849, into the family of Levius and Cath- 
erine (Melvin) Shaver, both natives of that section. His paternal grandfather, 
Nicholas Shaver was born in Pennsylvania of German extraction. He removed 
to Johnstown, Ontario, purchased raw land and improved a farm on which his 
son Levius afterwards lived and which is now the home of his grandson, 
Nicholas Shaver. The latter has brought it to such a high state of cultiva- 
tion that he received the first prize at the township fair for the best improved 
farm. 

In the family of Levius Shaver there were four children, viz. ; Allen, who 
died in Colusa, Cal. ; Mary, Mrs. Gilroy, of South Dakota; Eli S., of this review; 
and Nicholas, on the old home place. E. S. Shaver was reared on the home 
place until seventeen years of age, during which time he received his education 
in the public schools of the locality and in February, 1867. he came to Califor- 
nia to join a brother who had preceded him. He spent a year in Marin and 
Santa Clara counties, then located in Bloomfield and farmed the Glover ranch 
for a time. He was later interested in ranching and dairying in various sections 
of Sonoma county, after which he went to Virginia City, Nevada, and engaged 
in lumbering for about one year. On his return to Sonoma county he followed 
teaming for one year, then went into partnership with Alfred Rickett and con- 
ducted the Washoe house two years. The next three years were spent in hay 
baling. In 1879 he located in Petaluma and was engaged in teaming and 
contracting until his appointment to the position of superintendent of streets 
in 1900, which he has since held by appointment until the new charter of April, 
191 1, when he was elected to the office for a term of two years. 

Mr. Shaver's marriage occurred in Petaluma township in 1879, the cere- 
mony being performed by Parson Barnes, and uniting him with Miss Emma 
Vale, a native of Indiana. Of this union three children have been born : Bertha, 
wife of A. W. Agnew ; Mabel, wife of E. L. Robertson ; and Frank, a general 
contractor, all residents of Petaluma. The family residence is located on C 
street, between Sixth and Seventh. 

In politics Mr. Shaver is a Republican and fraternally he is connected 
with the Foresters, Red Men, Fraternal Brotherhood and Knights of Honor. 
He is devoted to his calling and endeavors to do his duty to the best of his 
ability and to the entire satisfaction of those who have placed so much con- 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1045 

fidence in him. In all matters that have been presented to him that have had 
for their object the advancement of the welfare of the people, he has given them 
his co-operation as far as was possible. In his home city he has the esteem 
of all who know him for his sterling qualities. 



MANUEL DE REZENDES. 

Few of the foreign-born citizens of the United States have come from the 
location which was the scene of the birth of Manuel de Rezendes, a dairyman 
in the vicinity of Bodega, and a citizen whose contentment with his adopted 
home would be hard indeed to exceed. He first saw the light of day on one 
of the Azore Islands, a part of the territory of Portugal. There he was born 
in 1868, and there lie continued to make his home until about 1886, when he 
set sail from his island home and in due time landed in the harbor of Boston, 
Mass. California was his objective point, and instead of lingering in the 
east, he immediately made arrangements for his transportation to the Pacific 
coast, coming to his journey's end in San Francisco. 

From the western metropolis Mr. de Rezendes went first to Marin county, 
spending, two years in the vicinity of Tomales, where he was variously occu- 
pied, doing whatever came to his hand that would furnish him with a liveli- 
hood until he could familiarize himself with his new surroundings. From 
Tomales he came to Sonoma county in 1888 and located near Bodega, and so 
satisfied was he with the outlook that he has made this his home ever since, 
a period of twenty-two years. Much of this time was employed in farming. 
an employment which he took up readily, for in his native land he had be- 
come familiar with farming as there conducted and he readily adapted his 
knowledge to the requirements in his new surroundings. Since 1905, how- 
ever, he has been superintendent of the Bodega Creamery Company's plant, an 
industry which has had considerable influence in placing this town on a sub- 
stantial commercial footing. That he is the right man for the place is evi- 
denced by his long retention in office, and under his management the plant has 
had a steady, prosperous growth. 

In 1894 Mr. de Rezendes was united in marriage with Miss Emma Sepes. 
a native of California, and six children have been born of their marriage. 
Named in the order of their birth they are as follows : Mathew, William, Vic- 
tor, Anneta. Clara and Virginia. The eldest son has became self-supporting 
and is now employed in the saw-mill in Bodega; the three children next 
younger are pupils in the home school, while the others have as yet not at- 
tained school age. Mr. de Rezendes' father is deceased, but his mother is still 
living and a resident of California. 



WILLIAM MOCK. 
Among the pioneers of Sonoma county was the late William Mock, a man 
of scholarly attainments, highly gifted, cultured, refined and of esthetic tastes. 
Drawing was one of his particular accomplishments and his execution of plans, 
as well as portraits, has received the highest praise. His aim was ''perfection 
in all things" as near as he was capable of making it and while in the army he 



1046 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

ranked the highest in workmanship. Throughout his useful, talented life any- 
thing that was worth doing at all, in his estimation was worth doing to the very 
best of his ability. Born March 24, 181 1, he was one of seven brothers, four of 
whom came to Sonoma county, Cal., Charles, William, John L. and Wesley. 

Mr. Mock received his primary education while living on the farm, and 
at the age of twenty-one years, he was appointed a cadet at the Military Academy 
at West Point, from which he was graduated in 1836. He then took part in 
the Seminole war in Florida, as second lieutenant, and was soon promoted to 
first lieutenant, serving in all five years, when he resigned and proceeded to 
Lafayette county, Mo. There he took up the pursuit of agriculture, and also 
held the office of county surveyor in the above county. In the year 1849, when 
the gold fever swept through the country, it found a willing victim in Mr. 
Mock. Resigning his position, he soon fell in line with the multitude that 
crossed the plains with ox-teams, and after many months of hardship, he 
arrived at Lassen's pass, two hundred miles north of Sacramento, November 
1, 1849. From there he went to the mines on Feather river, where he labored 
for three years with a goodly measure of success, investing his gains in one hun- 
dred and twenty-seven acres in Vallejo township, Sonoma county, about five 
miles from Petaluma. It was not long before Mr. Mock's ability in surveying 
became known and he was made surveyor of Sonoma county, during the years 
1856 and 1857 surveying and establishing the present county line between 
Sonoma and Marin. He also held the office of magistrate of Vallejo township, 
during which time he surveyed and laid out the city of Healdsburg and named 
it in honor of Mr. Heald. 

On May 25, 1858, Mr. Mock was united in marriage with Mrs. Mary B. 
Goodwin, born in Maine July 29, 1818. She was the widow of John T. Good- 
win, a native of Massachusetts, who came to California in 1853, and died three 
years later, in February, 1856. Too much cannot be said of the substantial 
and public spirited traits of character to which Mr. Mock was heir, nor can too 
much credit be given him for the benefits derived through his usefulness as a 
citizen and an upbuilder of the state. He and his beloved wife passed away 
on the same day, April 2, 1898, thus ending long and useful lives. Mr. Mock's 
adopted daughter. Mary Elizabeth Goodwin, who resided with him until his 
death, made his old age comfortable and serene. She is now the wife of Charles 
W. Lewis, of Petaluma. 



ROCCO BASSI. 

Switzerland has contributed a goodly number of representatives to the 
citizenship of California, and here, as is true of any country to which they go, 
they have brought those substantial qualities of thrift and industry that are the 
foundations of an ideal citizenship. This truth has been borne out in the life of 
Rocco Bassi, who came to Sonoma county, California, empty-handed in 1900 
and in the years that have intervened has become a large dairyman, is active 
and interested in the welfare of his community, and has the respect and good- 
will of all who are acquainted with him. 

Born in the canton of Ticino, Switzerland, June 24, 1881, Rocco Bassi is 
a son of Julio and Marina Bassi, the parents being natives and life-time resi- 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1047 

dents of Switzerland. Five children were born to these parents in their little 
home on the mountain-side, four sons and one daughter, as follows : Charles, 
Celesto, Rocco, Julia and Ben. With his brothers and sisters Rocco Bassi 
shared whatever of privileges and duties fell to the lot of others in their sta- 
tion of life, the father, like the majority of the citizens of the community in 
which they lived, being a farmer and dairyman. It was while working on the 
home farm in the daily round of duties that Rocco Bassi became convinced of 
the narrowness of his environment, a realization which was strengthened by 
the knowledge that many of his countrymen had come to the United States 
and were acquiring fortunes as a result of their labors. The outcome of his 
discontent with conditions in his own country was his immigration to the 
United States in 1900, at which time he was nineteen years of age. Coming 
direct to Sonoma county, California, he sought and obtained work as a farm 
hand, by so doing earning means for his support, learning much of language 
and customs of the new country in which he has chosen to make his home. 
The ranch which he finally leased and upon which he now makes his home, is 
on Rural Route No. 3 from Petaluma, and consists of three hundred and twenty 
acres of choice land, upon which he makes a specialty of dairying, having fifty 
head of cows, in addition to a number of calves. He also has in his pasture 
eight head of fine horses, besides which he is fattening twenty-five hogs for 
the market. Altogether he has a very satisfactory and remunerative enter- 
prise under his name and control, which he realizes would not have been possi- 
ble had he remained in his native country, and while he still retains his old 
affection for his native land, he also has a growing fondness for his new home 
in California, and is grateful to the kind Fate that led his steps hither. 

In Napa, California, Mr. Bassi was married in 1907 to Miss Dell Nonali, 
who was born in San Luis Obispo county, California, in 1889. One child, 
Tennie, has been born of their marriage. Both Mr. Bassi and his wife were 
reared in the faith of the Roman Catholic Church and they are communicants 
of the church of this faith in Petaluma. Politically he casts his vote for the 
candidates of the Republican party. He is fond of out-door sports of all kinds, 
particularly hunting and fishing, and as opportunity permits he indulges in 
these pastimes. 



GIOVANNI CORDANO. 

Probably no nationality of all those who are represented by the citizenship 
of California adjust themselves more readily to the conditions in their new sur- 
roundings than do the sons of Italy, finding here a climate so closely resembling 
that of their native land that a feeling of welcome and friendliness attracts and 
binds them to it instinctively. They are no less susceptible to the great difference 
between the two countries also, their own holding forth little to attract and hold 
her citizens, while here every man with a capacity for work has an opportunity, 
the counterpart of which can be found nowhere else upon the globe. 

Giovanni Cordano is one of those above referred to as having realized and 
appropriated the advantages of life in California. Born in Italy in 1846, he grew 
to the age of fourteen years under native skies, when a realization of the narrow- 
ness of the outlook in his own country induced him to grasp the opportunity to 



1048 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

come to the new world and cast his lot in with others of his countrymen who 
were also planning to take the step. The voyage was accomplished in safety, 
the vessel landing at the eastern port of New York, where he remained for four 
years. He then came by way of the Isthmus to California, landing at San Fran- 
cisco, where a familiarity with the carpenter's trade gave him occupation for 
several years. It was about the year 1892 that he became owner and proprietor 
of the ranch upon which he now lives, on Rural Route No. 3 from Healdsburg. 
Here he has two hundred and forty acres of excellent land, of which fifteen 
acres are in prunes, nine acres in grapes, while the remainder of the land is in 
hay and pasture, seven head of live-stock now being raised and fattened for 
market. Mr. Cordano's returns from crops in the year 1909 amounted to $1,300 
from prunes and $300 from grapes, which he considers a very satisfactory return 
for his labor. 

The marriage of Giovanni Cordano in 1878 united him with one of his 
countrywomen in Miss Kate Creghino, and the following children, five sons 
and seven daughters, were born of their marriage: Joseph (deceased), Turney, 
Venie, Louis, Baptiste, Rosie, Mary, Daisy (deceased), Bonny, Millie, Mardie 
and Lillie. The family are communicants of the Roman Catholic Church of 
Healdsburg, and politically Mr. Cordano is a Republican. 



ARNOLD B. RIEBLI. 

One of the native-born sons of Switzerland who has made a success of his 
life in Sonoma county, by indefatigable labors reaping a degree of success im- 
possible in the country of his birth, is Arnold B. Riebli, who has been a resi- 
dent of this country ever since he was nine and one-half years of age. He was 
born in the canton of Unterwalden in 1872, one of the four children born to 
his parents, J. B. and Regina (Conrads) Riebli, both of whom were also natives 
of Switzerland. The eldest daughter in the parental family, Nanetta, became the 
wife of Joseph Keechler and the mother of three children, Joseph, Lena and 
Bertie. The youngest daughter, Josephine, became the wife of Arnold Keechler, 
and by him became the mother of two children, both daughters, Ethel and Edna. 
The only son in the family besides our subject was John, who married Josephine 
Keechler, by whom he has five children, John, Joseph, Emil, Edwin and Mary. 

Arnold B. Riebli chose as his wife Miss Christina Miller, who like himself 
was a native of Switzerland. Three children have blessed their marriage, 
Arnold J., Anita and Irene. 

Mr. Riebli came to the United States in 1883, at which time joining his 
parents, and therefore the greater part of his life has been passed in the lo- 
cality in which he now lives, for at the time of removal to this country the father 
came direct to California and settled in Sonoma county. On Rural Route No. 
3 from Petaluma he owns a ranch of one hundred acres, from the proceeds of 
which he is able to supply all of the needs of himself and family. Not unlike 
many others of his countrymen, both here and in his native land, he is engaged 
in the dairy business, and though this is maintained by only seven cows, he 
still makes an excellent profit in the industry. The dairy business does not repre- 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1049 

sent the limit of his activities, for he is also engaged in raising chickens, three 
hundred chickens constituting an average flock. He is also the owner of three 
horses of high grade. Politically Mr. Riebli is a Republican, and with his family 
he is a communicant of the Roman Catholic Church at Petaluma. 



PETER FOGNINI. 

Associations with scenes in Italy during the impressionable years of boy- 
hood gave Mr. Fognini a knowledge of the resources of that country, and 
when he came to California he was well qualified by experience to judge concern- 
ing the possibilities offered by this part of the world. Experience has proven 
to him that this is a desirable place in which to make a home, and equally desirable 
as a field in which to earn a modest competence in the midst of congenial sur- 
roundings. 

Born in Italy October 8, 1874, he is the son of John Fognini, who was born 
in that country in 1838. The father was a farmer and dairyman by occupation, and 
it was along these lines that Peter received the practical experience that enabled 
him to adapt himself so readily to conditions that awaited him in the west. May 
1, 1 89 1, is memorable as the day upon which he landed at San Francisco and 
from there he went to Marin county, where he was fortunate in finding work as 
a ranch hand. Altogether he remained in that county six years, thereafter com- 
ing to Sonoma county, and for the past four years has devoted his attention to 
the cultivation of the ranch upon which he now lives, comprising five acres not 
far from Petaluma. Here he makes a specialty of the poultry business, having 
six hundred chickens of excellent breed in his poultry yard at the present time. 
If circumstances permitted him to indulge a hobby he would be the possessor 
of numerous specimens of fine horse flesh, for he is a great lover of man's best 
friend, the horse. Besides the maintenance of his poultry yard Mr. Fognini also 
conducts a public house for the accommodation of the wayfarer, Laurel Hill Inn, 
this being located on the ranch on the Sonoma road. In politics Peter Fognini 
is a Republican. Personally he is respected as an honest, hard-working man, 
a good neighbor and citizen. 



ALBINO A. LAFRANCHI. 
Probably one of the youngest ranchers in the country around Petaluma is 
Mr. Lafranchi, but it would be hard to find one more devoted to the work which 
he has in hand or one whose prospects for future success hold forth greater 
promise. As the name might suggest, Mr. Lafranchi is a native of Switzerland, 
his birth occurring in the village of Coglio, Canton of Ticino, March 17. 1880. 
He remained with his parents apparently contented with his surroundings until 
he was sixteen years of age, and although then little more than a lad, he left 
the land of his birth and all that was familiar and dear to him to search for 
his fortune upon the Pacific coast of the United States. Time has proven that 
his venture was prompted by a kindly Fate and he has never ceased to be thank- 
ful that he lent an attentive ear to her guiding voice. 



1050 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Besides Albino A. Lafranchi the parental family included five children, three 
sons and two daughters, Massimino, Sylvio, Saraphino, Angiolina and Melania. 
The eldest son, Massimino, married Anna Nicklu, and they with their one child 
make their home in Alexander valley. Angiolina is also married, being the wife 
of Henry Delponte and the mother of four children. The parents were Peter 
and Madalina Lafranchi, born in Switzerland respectively in 1838 and 1851. 
For a number of years after his son located in Sonoma county the father also 
was a resident here, from 1898 until 1905, in the latter year returning to his 
native land. On a tract of two hundred acres of land near Petaluma which he 
leases from James Beffa, Mr. Lafranchi is giving expression to his knowledge of 
dairying and general farming, an undertaking which is proving satisfactory 
from every standpoint. Here he has a small but nevertheless flourishing dairy of 
thirty cows, besides six head of young dairy stock, four head of horses and six 
hundred chickens of the White Leghorn variety. With the progress which he 
has made in the comparatively short time that he has been in this country is 
proven conclusively that Mr. Lafranchi is a man who is bound to win under all 
circumstances, and by those who are associated with him as fellow ranchers his 
progress is watched with interest. In his political belief he is a Republican, and 
like his parents before him he is a believer in the teachings of the Roman Catholic 
faith. 



PETER GARZOLI. 

All parts of the world have benefited in a more or less degree from 
the citizenship of sons of the republic of Switzerland, but it is doubtful if any 
locality has benefited thereby more than has California. Here they find a salu- 
brious climate not unlike that with which they were familiar in their native land, 
but added to this they here find a breadth of opportunity out of all proportion to 
that offered by their native country. It is therefore easy to understand why so 
many of the natives of this little republic have made this their adopted home 
land, and their contentment with conditions and mutual co-operation and help- 
fulness have all contributed to the upbuilding of the localities in which they 
settled, both agriculturally and socially. 

Peter Garzoli was born in the village of Maggia, Canton Ticino, Switzerland, 
August 8, 1846, and was therefore about sixteen years of age when he bade fare- 
well to home and friends and went to Havre, France, there to embark on as 
vessel bound for America. The vessel cast anchor in the harbor of Quebec, 
Canada, and from there he went to New York City, re-embarking in the latter 
city for the Pacific coast by way of Panama, and landing in San Francisco June 
29, 1863. A couple of days later he arrived in Petaluma, and as indicative of his 
satisfaction with this locality as a home and as a place in which to make a satis- 
factory livelihood it may be said that he has made his home here ever since. He 
is the owner of five hundred and forty acres of good farming land, of which 
fifty acres are under cultivation, the remainder of which forms pasturage for 
sixty cows and young dairy stock, besides four horses and twelve head of hogs. 
In addition to his dairy and farming interests he also has a flourishing poultry 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 105 1 

yard, which at the present time contains one thousand chickens of the best 
breed. 

As a life companion Mr. Garzoli chose Miss Celesta Quanchi, who was born 
in Canton Ticino, Switzerland, in 1862. Eleven children blessed their marriage, 
Jeremiah, Henry, Marino, Charles, Clelia, Belinda, Lena, Olympia, Clara, Louisa 
and Emma. Clelia is now Mrs. E. Genazzi. Belinda is Mrs. E. Mattei, of Two 
Rock. Clara is the wife of Americo Casarotti, a rancher in this vicinity. In his 
political preferences Mr. Garzoli is a Republican, and he and his wife and their 
children find religious consolation in the teachings of the Roman Catholic faith. 



ACHILLE FILIPPINI. 

Representatives of the Swiss race who have immigrated to California and 
established permanent homes in this section of the country drift into the dairying 
industry by reason of their familiarity with the work and their natural adapta- 
tion to the same. In the list of Swiss dairy workers residing in Sonoma county 
mention belongs to A. Filippini, who since crossing the ocean from his native 
land and settling in California in the year 1881 has made Sonoma county his 
home, meanwhile by persistent industry working his way from the bottom to 
independence. Ranching has been his occupation throughout all the years of 
his residence in the county, and dairying has been his specialty. At this writing 
he operates one thousand acres of leased land not far distant from Petaluma. 
On the ranch he now has one hundred and twenty-three head of cows and 
calves, also twelve head of horses and fifty hogs, the entire herd of stock repre- 
senting a considerable valuation from a money standpoint. The land is in pas- 
ture to some extent, but a considerable portion in meadow furnishes large crops 
of hay for the stock and the various farm products also are raised. Thrift is 
noticeable in the management by the proprietor, and economy has been observed 
through all the details of the work of the house and the farm. 

In tracing the personal history of the gentleman whose name introduces 
this sketch we find that his ancestors resided in Switzerland as far back as the 
records can be traced. His father, Jacimo. a contractor and builder, born in 
1829, married Victora Martinoia, who like himself spent her entire life within 
the boundaries of her native Switzerland. Their family comprised eleven chil- 
dren, namely : Achille, Edvardo, Clet, Dines, Isiline, Irsilia, Orillia, Victoria. 
Daria, Stefanina and Clorinda. The eldest daughter, Isiline. married Peter Ballo, 
and two sons and one daughter were born of their union, namely : Olympia, 
Elvis and Olivia, Mrs. Joseph Beretta, the last-named having two children, 
Joseph, Jr., and Isiline. Olympia is married, but has no children ; Elvis married 
Eloise Garzoli and has two children, Elvis, Tr., and Rosie. 

The second daughter in the Filippini family was Irsilia. Mrs. Peter Balbo, 
the mother of a daughter, Eda, who is the wife of Jilio Quanch. Victoria, the 
fourth daughter, is the wife of Charles Russell, of Oregon. Clorinda, the youngest 
daughter, married Reziero Traversi, and has three daughters, Stella, Dora and 
Jennie. The marriage of Achille Filippini united him with Irene Morelli. Both 
are natives of Switzerland, his birth having occurred in 1867, while she was 



1052 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

born in 1878. They are the parents of four children, Henry, Robert, James and 
Evaline. Mrs. Filippini is the daughter of Miachel Morelli, born in Switzerland 
in 1830 and an emigrant to California in 1863. afterward, however, returning 
to his native land for a temporary sojourn. By the union of Mr. Morelli and 
Sorenia Mattie the following-named children were born : Amado, Aquilino, 
Ovidio, Marino, Leopoldo, Olivia, Irene (Mrs. Filippini), Amalba, Florida and 
Tocondo. The eldest son, Amado Morelli, married Irene Rispini and has two 
sons, Camillo and Milton. Aquilino married Eugena Leoni and has five chil- 
dren, Miachel, Romeo, Lillie, Adeline and Mabel. Florida is the wife of A. 
' Fregario and the mother of a daughter, Armeda. 

The members of the Morelli and Filippini families are stanch in devoted 
allegiance to the Roman Catholic Church, and Mr. Filippini has been a generous 
contributor to its maintenance and missionary enterprises. In politics he gives 
his support to Republican principles, but has not been active in partisan affairs, 
nor has he ever sought political honors. When the work of the ranch permits a 
temporary respite he finds his chief pleasure in hunting, and many a fine speci- 
men of game has fallen beneath his unerring markmanship, but his intervals of 
leisure being few, he may usually be found on his ranch, carefully and intelli- 
gently discharging the duties connected with the care of the stock and of the land. 



AUGUSTINE AGUIDA. 

When one considers the difficulties attending the immigrant to American 
shores, their unfamiliarity with language, soil and environment, the success at- 
tained by many of their class is little less than remarkable. Working with un- 
diminished ardor from day to day and from year to year, Augustine Aguida has 
eventually acquired a standing among the successful men of Sonoma county, 
and as he is still a young man, the possibilities for his further advancement are 
unlimited. 

It is doubtful if Mr. Aguida has many of his own countrymen among his 
friends and acquaintances, for comparatively speaking not many Portuguese have 
transferred their home to this western country. He was born in the city of 
Lisbon, Portugal, in 1870, the son of Lorian and Delphine (Young) Aguida, 
who were born and passed their entire lives in that country, the father passing 
away at the age of fifty years and the mother when sixty years old. One of the 
representatives of the family in this country is Augustine Aguida, who set out 
alone from his native land at the age of seventeen years, in 1887, and after a 
safe voyage finally reached his destination, California. He first went to San 
Luis Obispo county, then to Marin county, but subsequently, about 1900, came 
to Sonoma county and has since made his home in the vicinity of Lakeville, where 
in September, 1908, he purchased a fine ranch of one hundred and twenty-three 
acres. Here he conducts a dairy of nineteen cows, which he will increase as 
readily as the young stock which he is now raising become available. He also has 
three head of horses, and is engaged in raising hogs for die market. 

Politically Mr. Aguida is a believer in Republican principles, and he finds 
religious consolation in the Roman Catholic Church, this beine; the faith in which 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1053 

he was reared and to which he has always adhered. While it is true that not 
many of Mr. Aguida's countrymen have found homes in the United States, he 
nevertheless has four brothers in California, one at Lakeville, one at Tomales 
and two at Sebastopol. Besides the brothers mentioned there is also one daughter 
of the parental family in California, Mary, Mrs. Bello, who is a resident of Lake- 
ville. 



E. De BERNARD! 

No more public-spirited man has transferred his allegiance to the Pacific 
coast or more enthusiastically entered into the diversified interests here repre- 
sented than Mr. De Bernardi, the genial proprietor of the hotel bearing his 
name in Santa Rosa. 

A native of Italy, E. De Bernardi was born in Genoa in 1864, the son of 
James and Mary (Molimari) De Bernardi, the former born in Switzerland in 
1827, and the latter born in Italy in 1849. The mother passed away in Decem- 
ber, 1875, but the father is still living, making his home in Santa Rosa, Cal., at 
the advanced age of eighty-four years. Besides the subject of this sketch there 
are living three sons and three daughters, that were born to this worthy couple. 
All of the children were given splendid educational advantages, but none of 
them closed his school record with more glowing colors than did Mr. De Ber- 
nardi of this review. His preliminary training was received in the excellent 
schools of Genoa, after which he continued his studies in one of the well-known 
colleges in that city, from which he graduated at the age of fifteen years, master 
of four languages. After the death of the mother the father found his assets in 
bad condition, and it became necessary for the son to undertake his own support. 
It is no exaggeration to say that his recently acquired education was his chief 
stock in trade when he came to the United States in 1879, soon after his gradua- 
tion from college. Through some of his countrymen who had preceded him to 
this country he had heard of the wonderful opportunities for young men on this 
side of the Atlantic, and he lost no time in seeking our shores after the close of 
his school and college days. Marin county, Cal., was the scene of his early- 
career, and tells of his youthful efforts as a ranch hand in that vicinity for several 
vears, after which he became proprietor of a ranch on his own account. Alto- 
gether his experiences in that county covered a period of seventeen years, his 
identification with Sonoma county dating from the end of this time, in 1896. 
This date also marks a change in the line of business which he had followed for 
so many years, for after locating in Petaluma he established himself in the hotel 
business and continued it there successfully for six years. With the idea of branch- 
ing out in the same line of endeavor on a larger scale he came to Santa Rosa at 
the end of that time, first opening a hotel in leased quarters, but in 1907 erecting 
the De Bernardi block, one of the substantial structures in Santa Rosa, part of 
the ground floor of which is arranged for commercial use, while the balance 
is equipped for hotel purposes. This well-known hostelry and its cheery pro- 
prietor holds a place in the minds of the traveling public that is truly enviable, 
and withal it is well deserved. 



1054 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

In his marriage Mr. De Bernardi chose one of his countrywomen in Miss 
Rosa Biaggini, who was born in Canton Ticino, Switzerland, in August, 1872. 
She came to America in 1889, and on June 13, 1890, she became the wife of 
Mr. De Bernardi. Five children were born of this union, as follows : Inez 
Marie, born September 26, 1891 ; Theodore James, in 1892; Alice Elizabeth, in 
1894; Matilda Celestine, in June, 1896; and Evariste, in 1900. Mr. De Bernardi 
has indeed had a true helpmate in his wife, and for all that he is and has today 
he willingly gives her credit. At the time of their marriage he had little in the 
way of comforts to offer, but their unity of purpose in a desire to get ahead in 
the world has resulted in their present prosperity. The De Bernardi block was 
built in 1907, costing $20,000, and with other property which Mr. De Bernardi 
owns it is conservatively estimated that he is worth $25,000, all of which has 
been accumulated in a comparatively short time, for he came to California prac- 
ticall) empty-handed. It is worthy of note, however, that the asset with which 
he came to this country is now returning a good income to him as court inter- 
preter, a position made possible by his knowledge of five languages, and one 
that he has held for the past eight years. Politically he is a progressive. Sonoma 
county and Santa Rosa have a stanch ally in Mr. De Bernardi, who allows no 
opportunity to pass without doing all in his power to make known the superior 
advantages of both over any other part of the country known to him, and as a 
substantial evidence of his verbal endorsement continual proofs may be seen in 
the practical help which he gives to every project that is inaugurated for the 
good of town, county, state or nation. 



CASIMIRO SIMI. 

There is much in the California environment to win and hold the affection 
of the people from Italy, the two localities not being greatly unlike, either in 
climate or in the occupation followed by their inhabitants. These resemblances 
were noted by Mr. Simi when he came to California in 1890 from Italy, where 
he was born, in Tuscany, in 1867, and where up to the time of his immigration 
to the United States in 1888 he had lived and labored among his kindred. At 
the same time he noted the many differences between the two countries, difference 
in language, in mode of thought, in habits and customs of the peoples, in methods 
of conducting agricultural operations, and in the use in this country of modern 
machinery and devices as yet unknown or little used in the older country. 

Casimiro Simi was a young man of twenty-one years when, in 1888, he set 
out from his native Italy with the United States as his destination. The vessel 
on which the voyage was made landed with its load of human freight in the 
harbor of Boston, Mass., and in the east Mr. Simi continued for the following 
two years, during which time he performed such labor as he was able to secure, 
and at the same time familiarizing himself with the language and customs of his 
adopted home. The year 1890 found him making his way to the Pacific coast, 
Sonoma county, Cal., being his destination, and here he has remained ever since, 
contented with his surroundings and happy in the thought that he yielded to the 
leading of the hand of fortune and came to make his home in this land of the free. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1055 

Near the town of Windsor, which is his postoffke, he has a ranch of forty-one 
acres of excellent land, of which thirty-two acres are in vineyard, and the re- 
mainder forming pasture land for the stock which he raises. Altogether this 
is one of the finest tracts of land in Sonoma county, and gradually Mr. Simi is 
placing more of the land under cultivation to the vine, in the cultivation of which 
he became familiar in his native Italy. Mr. Simi enters heartily into the affairs of 
the town and county in which he has taken up his abode and no one is more in 
sympathy with uplifting measures in behalf of the community than he. In his 
political views he is a Democrat, and he finds his church home with those of the 
Catholic faith. 

Mr. Simi was married in 1894 to Lizzie Fazzie, a native of Italy, but a resi- 
dent of Santa Rosa at the time of her marriage. Seven children have been born 
to them, George, Sam, William, Paris, Elvira, Florence and Linda, all of whom 
are at home. 

Mr. Simi's father, Samuel Simi, was born in Italy in 1825, was there reared 
and educated and passed his entire life, contented in the surroundings in which 
Fate had placed him. He married a native daughter of Italy in Miss Consanda, 
a union that was blessed with eight children, as follows : Amareli V., Virgisno, 
Isepisdo, Creno, Nalatina, Trine, Sussi and Casimiro. Of this large family of 
children Casimiro Simi is the only one who came to the United States to make his 
home. 



PETER ZAMARONI. 

Still another of the sons of Switzerland contributing to the citizenship of 
California is Peter Zamaroni, who is engaged in dairying in Marin county. He 
was born in Canton Ticino, Switzerland, in 1845, an d m sight of the hills and 
valleys which make Switzerland the beautiful spot that it is, he continued to 
make his home- until attaining his majority. 

Among the immigrants who landed on our shores in the year 1866 was 
Peter Zamaroni, a young man full of enthusiasm and determination to make a 
success of the venture which he had made in departing from the land of his 
forefathers to begin life anew in the midst of strange conditions. Nearly forty- 
five years have come and gone in the meantime, and he has at no time expressed 
a desire to return to his native land for a permanent residence. Many of his 
countrymen had preceded him to Sonoma county and it was this circumstance 
no doubt which attracted him to this part of the west also. Here he leases three 
hundred and fifty acres of fine land, twenty-five acres of which is under cultiva- 
tion, and the remainder in pasture land for his fifty head of cows and young 
stock and four head of horses. In his native land he had become proficient in 
farming and dairying, so that in coming to this country he had only to adapt 
himself and his knowledge to conditions as he found them here and continue the 
work for which he was so well fitted. He is one of the most enterprising and up- 
to-date ranchers in this vicinity, and the ranch not only has the appearance of 
thrift, but the returns at the end of the year prove that appearances have not 
been deceiving:. 



1056 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Mr. Zamaroni's marriage united him with Miss Ramilda Mattei, who is 
also a native of Switzerland, born in the year 1864. Seven children, three sons 
and four daughters, have been born of this marriage, as follows : Emeilo, Pereino, 
Waldo, Egedia, Emma, Jessie and Lillian. The parents are training their children 
in the faith of the Roman Catholic Church, the same in which they themselves 
were trained, and to which they have adhered all of their lives. Politically Mr. 
Zamaroni is a Republican. 



SEBASTIAN RIEBLI. 

Since his arrival in Sonoma county nearly forty years ago Mr. Riebli has 
witnessed the steady progress of the country in agricultural development and 
also along other lines of activity. Pleased with the land and satisfied with his 
success, he has no reason to regret leaving his native Switzerland for the new 
world, in the hope of bettering his condition. He was born in the canton of 
Obwallanden in 1837, was reared to a knowledge of agriculture as conducted in 
his native land, and had made an honest endeavor to be content with the condi- 
tions by which he was surrounded before deciding to begin life anew in the 
United States. He was thirty-four years old when, in 1871, he landed as an im- 
migrant on our shores, and from the eastern port of landing he went direct to 
Ohio. In that state and Alabama, whither he later went, he passed about two 
years before completing the journey across the continent. It was therefore in 
1874 that he set out from the south with California as his destination, and in the 
more than thirty-five years that he has resided here he has had no cause to 
regret that Fate directed him to this western section of country. In other sec- 
tions which he had visited he investigated the agricultural possibilities, but it 
was not until reaching California that he found the combination of conditions 
that he sought. In Vallejo township, Sonoma county, in the vicinity of Penn 
Grove, he has a ranch of five hundred acres which he leases, and in the care and 
management of which he is realizing his expectations in regard to the agricul- 
tural possibilities of this section, which he believes to have no equal in any other 
part of the country. Here he is carrying on an industry with which he has been 
familiar from childhood, dairying, seventy cows contributing to its maintenance, 
besides which he has ten head of young stock which will soon add to the size 
of his dairy herd. In addition to the stock mentioned he has seven head of 
horses of good breed and ten hogs which he is fattening for the market. Alto- 
gether Mr. Riebli has a fine ranch property under his control, and the care 
with which he looks after details shows conclusively that he thoroughly under- 
stands the importance which small matters bear to the ultimate success of an 
enterprise, be that what it may. 

Mr. Riebli's marriage united him with Miss Catherine Britschgi, who was 
born in Switzerland in 1847, and their marriage has resulted in the birth of 
eight children, five sons and three daughters, as follows : Theodore, Robert, 
Joseph, Arnold, Frederick, Catherine, Bertha and Anna. Robert chose as his 
wife Frances Kiser and they have four children, Frederick, Robert, Frank and 
Matilda. Joseph married Lena Miller, but no children have been born to them. 
Catherine became the wife of Henry F'arney, and they have four children, all 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1057 

daughters, Florence, Helen, Lula and Leola. Bertha is the wife of Thomas 
Lutz and the mother of two children, Herbert and Lillian. Anna is the wife of 
George Lehaw. Frederick and his wife, formerly Mary Miller, have one son, 
Carl. Politically Mr. Riebli is a Republican, and with his family attends the 
Roman Catholic Church at Penn Grove. The duties of the ranch leave him 
little or no time for pleasure so called, but as he finds real pleasure in his work 
he does not feel the need of making special excursions for relaxation, as is the 
case with many. 



JOSEPH MASCIORINI. 

Innumerable examples of what California has meant to those of foreign birth 
whose abilities and ambitions have not been met and satisfied in their own coun- 
tries may be found in Sonoma county, and among the number metion belongs to 
Joseph Masciorini, who operates a large ranch near Sears Point. As the name 
might suggest to the reader, he is a native of Switzerland, his birth occurring 
in the village of Laverterso, Canton Ticino, March 17, 185 1. It was not until he 
had passed his majority that he determined to leave the land of his forefathers 
and come to the new world, a decision to which he came after earnestly endeavor- 
ing to be content with the conditions by which he was surrounded in his own 
country. He started for New York City February 13, 1872, and from that city 
he came by rail to San Francisco, arriving the following month, March 17. His 
decision to come to this particular part of the country was no doubt in response 
to urgent requests on the part of others of his countrymen who had preceded him 
here and were making such splendid success above what was possible in their 
native land. Like them he has benefited by the change of location, and 
while he still is loyal to the land of his birth, it is safe to say that no citizen of 
Sonoma county is more devotedly attached to his adopted county, state and 
country than he is. 

Not far from Sears Point, Sonoma county, Mr. Masciorini is cultivating a 
large tract of one thousand acres of land which he leases from the Mecham es- 
tate. Of this acreage, fifty acres are under cultivation, while the remainder of 
the land is used as pasturage for the two hundred and fifty cows that constitute 
his dairy, thirty head of young stock, fourteen head of horses and eight head of 
hogs. It would probably be difficult to find a native Swiss who was not adept as 
a dairyman, and in Mr. Masciorini we fina one who is abundantly able to main- 
tain the high reputation along this line for which his countrymen are noted the 
world over. Each cow in his herd nets him $50 annually, a result which is pos- 
sible only on account of the special attention which Mr. Masciorini gives to this 
branch of his ranch industry. In 1907 he purchased two hundred and forty- 
seven acres of land four miles southeast of Petaluma, on the Lakeville road, and 
this he improved until it is one of the best equipped places in this section. A 
large residence and commodious barns have been constructed, and here he en- 
gages in the raising of grain and hay and also in the poultry business. The North- 
western Railroad runs along his place and has a station upon it which bears his 
name, and there is also a landing on Petaluma creek with a suitable wharf which 
is owned by Mr. Masciorini. 



1058 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

For a companion in life Mr. Masciorini chose one of his countrywomen in 
Miss Josephine Bonetti, who was born in Switzerland in 1854, and whose mar- 
riage to Mr. Masciorini occurred in San Francisco November 21, 1882. Seven 
children have been born of this marriage, one son and six daughters, as follows : 
Henry T., who is residing on the Sears Point ranch ; Lydia, a stenographer ; 
Lilly, who graduated as a nurse from St. Mary's Hospital, San Francisco ; 
Amelia ; Florence ; Alma and Mary. All of the children have been reared to 
mature years, but as yet none of the number have established homes of their 
own. In the care and maintenance of the home ranch the father is assisted 
largely by his son Henry T., who was born on the ranch which is still his home 
in 1891. Politically Mr. Masciorini is a Republican, and with his family he is a 
communicant of the Roman Catholic Church, attending the church of that de- 
nomination at Petaluma. He is identified with but one fraternal order, being a 
member of the Druids lodge at Sonoma. Although the greater part of Mr. Mas- 
ciorini's time is taken up with the care of his ranch, he is not unmindful of the 
need of recreation, and his place at Sears Point was often the stopping place of 
large parties of hunters from the city. 



REMIGIO MANDARIN! 

Italy has furnished one of her representative sons to California in Remigio 
Mandarini, a rancher near Duncans Mills, Sonoma count)-, where he has been 
located since 1890, or ever since he came to this country, twenty years ago. He 
was one of a family of fourteen children born to his parents, Frank and Alena 
(ReighiniJ Mandarini, the former born in Italy in 1829 and the latter also a 
native of that country. There, in Beceno the son Remigio was born in 1862, and 
with his brothers and sisters he received and made the most of the meagre oppor- 
tunities that the home land offered. Even as a child Mr. Mandarini deplored the 
lack of opportunity which his ambitious nature craved and demanded, but never- 
theless he endeavored to overlook the lack by making even thing possible count 
in his favor, and after attaining mature years he still continued in the home land 
in the hope of making a satisfactory livelihood. His efforts were not without 
their compensation, but nevertheless he was satisfied that the new world held forth 
greater chances for advancement and he determined to come hither and take ad- 
vantage of them. 

Among the immigrants who landed on these shores in 1890 was Remigio 
Mandarini, the vessel on which he made the voyage casting anchor in the harbor 
of New York after an uneventful voyage, and from that port he secured trans- 
portation to California, Sonoma county being his destination. Here he found 
a number of his countrymen had preceded him, and he found their sympathy and 
their aid of inestimable value in helping him to get a foothold in his new sur- 
roundings. For a time, until he became more familiar with the language and 
customs of his adopted country he worked at the first employment that offered, 
principally as a farm hand, and finally he ventured to assume the management 
of land on his own account. At the present writing he has a five-vear lease of 
one hundred acres, valued at $10,000, upon which he is engaged in raising stock 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1059 

principally, owning fifty head of fine young stock and eight head of horses of fine 
breed. 

In his marriage Mr. Mandarini chose one of his countrywomen in Miss 
Mary Yesci, who was born in Italy in 1863, their marriage being celebrated' in 
their native country in 1885. She came to the United States with her husband in 
1890, five years after their marriage, and whatever of success or failure has come 
to him she has shared, proving herself under all circumstances a true helpmate. 
Seven children, two sons and five daughters, have been born of their marriage, 
as follows: Ernest, Secondo, Josephine (Mrs. Charles Berttosi, of Santa Rosa), 
Mary, Helena, Julia and Stella. One of Mrs. Mandarini's brothers, John Vesci, 
also came to the United States and died in Santa Rosa. 



MIKE BABBINO. 

An illustration of the prosperity which has rewarded the efforts of our for- 
eign-born citizens is found in the life of M. Babbino, who for over forty years 
has been identified with the interests of Sonoma county and has won recogni- 
tion as an expert in the growing of the grape and its manufacture into wine. 
Without energy and resolute determination he could not have risen to his pres- 
ent station in the community. Nature endowed him with the faculties neces- 
sary to the struggle for a livelihood in a new country, and it is by a proper use 
of these faculties, combined with other characteristics, that his activities have 
resulted so satisfactorily. 

Italy was the birthplace and early home of Mr. Babbino, his birth occurring 
near Naples, in 1852. He was reared and educated in that locality and when he 
was old enough he assisted his father in the care of the grocery business of 
which he was the proprietor. When the son was about fifteen years of age the 
parents immigrated to the United States with their family, the vessel on which 
they made the voyage landing them in the harbor of New York. They remained 
in the east about two years thereafter, during which time the son found employ- 
ment on a railroad. Later the family came to the far west and located in San 
Francisco, and it was in this metropolis that the death of the parents occurred. 
For a time the younger Mr. Babbino was handicapped by the strangeness of his 
new surroundings and unfamiliarity with conditions generally, but finally, going 
to Santa Clara county, he found employment as a laborer, and life for him took 
on a brighter aspect. After working as ranch hand for a time he gained confi- 
dence in his ability to manage a ranch of his own, and after purchasing a place 
in that county cultivated it with more or less success for the following nine 
years. He then disposed of the property, and returning to San Francisco, con- 
tinued in the metropolis for ten years thereafter, or until coming to Santa Rosa 
in 1900. His original purchase of land at that time consisted of one hundred 
and forty acres, but from time to time he has sold off portions of the land until 
he now has fifteen acres. At the time of purchasing the ranch he had well- 
formed plans as to his future course, and as soon as the land could be put in 
proper condition he set out vines with the idea of making a specialty of the 
raising of grapes and their ultimate manufacture into wine. He has lived to see 



iodo HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

the consummation of his early hopes in this respect, and today there are few 
finer vineyards to be seen in this part of Sonoma county than is owned and 
maintained by Mr. Babbino. What he has accomplished since locating here is 
best told in the statement that during the year 1909 the sale of wine netted him 
$40,000, San Francisco being his principal market. 

In San Francisco, Cal, Mr. Babbino was married in 1882 to Miss Ann 
Lanochi, who, like himself, was born in sunny Italy. A large family of children 
resulted from this marriage, but of the number all are deceased with the excep- 
tion of one daughter. She is now the wife of J. Poelito and the mother of 
three daughters, all residents of San Francisco. Mr. Babbino has not identified 
himself with any fraternal orders, nor is he active in political matters, although 
he does his duty as a good citizen of his adopted country and casts his ballot 
for the man that in his opinion is best fitted for the office. 



ANGELO PIAZZA. 

A goodly number of Italians have been attracted to Sonoma county by 
reason of the opportunities it has offered to men of limited means but great 
energy and tireless perseverance. Here they have found conditions widely dif- 
ferent from those existing in their own native land ; here, with a broad outlook 
on country still undeveloped ; there, with an overcrowded population earning 
a meagre livelihood, with little hope for a change for the better. It is not 
strange that many ambitious young men have left Italy in search of the broader 
opportunities offered in the newer, less crowded countries. 

A humble home in Italy sheltered the Piazza family, and it was into this 
simple home life that Angelo Piazza was born in 1866. The father supported 
his family by his efforts as a farmer, and it was on the home farm that Angelo 
became familiar with the rudiments of agricultural life and thus laid the foun- 
dation for the business which he was to follow in the years to come. In the 
meantime, however, he was otherwise preparing himself for the duties of life 
by attending the public schools of his native country, and when he arrived at 
the age when his services were required in the army, he conformed with the 
regulations and gave his services as a cavalryman for four years. 

Among the immigrants who landed on our shores in the year 1891, was 
Angelo Piazza, then a young man of twenty-five years. The vessel on which 
he made the voyage landed at N.ew Orleans, where he found himself without 
funds and a stranger in a strange land indeed. The first work that offered 
he accepted gratefully, and for a year he worked as a laborer in that vicinity. 
With the means that he was enabled to save from his meagre earnings he came 
to California at the end of this time, going direct to San Francisco, where he 
continued to work as a laborer for five years, and also as a -ranch hand on 
ranches in the country round about. It was with all of this varied experience 
as an incentive that in 1903 he purchased and undertook the management of 
a ranch of his own in Sonoma county, at that time becoming the owner of the 
ranch on which he resides today, one mile from Fulton, on Rural Route No. 
1. The entire acreage is in vineyard, Mr. Piazza finding the raising of grapes 
a congenial employment, one with which he was familiar in his native country. 



■ HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1061 

Not only is the work congenial, but it is remunerative as well, twelve tons of 
grapes being gathered from his vineyard during the season of 1909, and the 
prospects for the coming year are for twice that amount. Seven years ago he 
paid $3,000 for his property, comprising ten acres, and in the meantime it has 
almost doubled in value, but even at this advance he could not be induced to 
part with his ranch. 

In 1896 Mr. Piazza was married to one of his countrywomen in Miss Gaet- 
tana Panto, who was born in 1869, their marriage being celebrated in San 
Francisco. Her father is deceased, but her mother is still living in Italy, as 
is also Mr. Piazza's mother. No children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. 
Piazza. Fraternally he is a member of but one order, the Foresters of America. 



RAFAEL FORESTI. 

Undoubtedly in a far less degree than many other nationalities of Europe has 
the empire of Austria contributed to the citizenship of the United States and this 
accession of population has come principally from the outlying provinces. Not- 
withstanding the devotion of the Austrian to his native land and his disposition 
to remain there contentedly rather than take up existence amid strangers in an 
alien country, there has been a considerable representation of the people in the 
new world and among them may be mentioned the name of the late Rafael 
Foresti, of Sonoma county, who was born in Austria in 1852, but spent the 
greater part of his active maturity within the limits of California. Trained to 
a thorough knowledge of the dairy industry, it was characteristic of him, in 
coming to the new world, that he should seek residence in a region adapted to 
the occupation and affording him an excellent opportunity for earning a live- 
lihood at familiar tasks. In connection with dairying he followed general ranch 
pursuits, but throughout all of his residence here he made a specialty of dairy- 
ing and was regarded as a local authority in the selection and care of milch 
cows. 

Little is known concerning the ancestral history of Rafael Foresti aside 
from the fact that he was a son of Amando and Madeline (Filosi) Foresti, 
natives of Austria and lifelong residents of that empire. There were five sons 
and daughters in the parental family, those besides Rafael being named as fol- 
lows : Peter, who married and became the father of two children ; August, who 
chose as his wife Buchulina Filosi, their union resulting in the birth of four 
children, Joseph, Peter, Madeline and Caroline ; Rose, Mrs. Boman, who had 
two children, Virgil and Catharina ; and Catharina, who married Angela Filosi 
and had two children. As far back as the records extend the family has been 
loyal to the Roman Catholic Church and each successive generation has been 
carefully trained in the faith. 

Surviving Rafael Foresti and since his death residing at the old homestead 
is his widow, Jaciomina (Jiovanetti) Foresti, who was born in Switzerland in 
i860 and was married in 1877. Eight children comprise her family, namely : 
James, Victor, Elvetzie, August, Reuben, Mollie, Dora and Elsie. The ranch 
occupied and owned by the family lies near Duncans Mills and was occupied by 



. io62 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

the father not long after his immigration to America and his settlement in 
Sonoma count)- during the year 1880. The tract consists of about twelve hundred 
and sixty acres, all of which is in timber and pasture with the exception of 
twenty-five acres that has been brought under cultivation. No branch of agri- 
culture suits the ranch so well as dairying and we find that this industry has been 
the chief source of income for the family, who keep a herd of sixty-five head 
of milch cows and sell about one thousand pounds of butter per month. Twenty 
hogs also are kept on the ranch and the total aggregate of stock numbers about 
one hundred head, so that with the original stock and the annual increase the 
pastures are well filled during season. The timber on the ranch is quite valuable, 
forming indeed one of the principal attractions from a financial standpoint. By 
intelligent management the ranch brings a satisfactory income to the family 
each year and at the same time provides them with a pleasant country home. 

As previously mentioned Mrs. Foresti is of Swiss birth. Her parents, 
James and Mattie Jiovanetti, were born in Switzerland in 1819 and the mother 
died in 1902. Four children formed the family, namely : Joseph, Angelo, Victor 
and Mrs. Foresti. The first-named son married Louisa Vanoni and has three 
children, Mark, Sylvia and Joseph. Angelo is married and the father of four 
children, Frank. John, Albert and May. The youngest son is married and his 
family consists of two children, Victor and Rose. Mrs. Foresti had few ad- 
vantages in girlhood, but from a very earl)' age toiled to aid in the maintenance 
of the family. However, she is a bright, well-informed woman, thoroughly cap- 
able of managing the dairying business and affectionately devoted to the welfare 
of her sons and daughters. During his lifetime Mr. Foresti maintained a warm 
interest in the welfare of his adopted country and always voted the Republican 
ticket, but he took no part in public affairs, his entire attention being concentrated 
upon the support of his family and the development of his ranch. 



LAWRENCE 0. CUMMINGS. 

The densely populated countries of the old world have given of their sons 
to aid in the agricultural development of the western continent. A considerable 
proportion of these immigrants have come from Ireland, bringing with them 
those traits which are indispensable to the development of an ideal citizenship. 
Among the representatives of this nationality who have established themselves 
on the Pacific coast and have been factors in the changes wrought here during 
the past thirteen years, mention belongs to Mr. Cummings, who has been a 
resident of the agricultural community of Santa Rosa since the year 1898. 

Mr. Cummings was born in county Cork, Ireland, March 4, i860, his par- 
ents also being natives and life-time residents of the Emerald Isle. He was 
little more than child when. at. the age of fourteen years, he set sail from his 
native land and came to the FJnited States. The vessel landed at Boston, Mass., 
and there and in Lowell, that state, he found employment in the boot and shoe 
manufactories. Later he went to Georgetown, Mass., where he was employed 
for three years, and from there he started for the Pacific coast country, having 
remained in the east altogether for three vears. San Francisco was his des- 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1063 

tination on coming to the west and for a time he drove horses in the employ of 
the government. Subsequently, in 1898, he came to Sonoma county and settled 
down to agricultural life on the ranch which he owns today, comprising twenty- 
three acres of rich land not far from Santa Rosa. Twelve acres are in grapes, 
seven acres in prunes and apples, while the remainder of the land is in corn 
and pasture land. The last crop gathered netted the owner as follows : grapes 
$300, prunes $400, and from his chickens, the raising of which is an industry not 
previously mentioned, he cleared about $300. 

In July, 1896, Mr. Cummings was united in marriage with Miss Winnifred 
Leary, a native of this state, the daughter of Daniel and Mary (Connell) Leary, 
the former deceased and the latter now a resident of Oakland. Three children 
were born of this marriage, but only two are living, Josephine Frances, born in 
May, 1902, and now a student in the Monroe district school, and Sylvester John, 
born December 11, 1907. Politically Mr. Cummings is a Democrat. 



WILLIAM DANNHAUSEN. 

The thrifty, sturdy, dependable qualities which come to mind when men- 
tion is made of a native of the Fatherland, are not lacking in this well-known 
rancher of Sonoma county. For many generations the name had been associated 
with that land, and there both the father and mother of Mr. Dannhausen were 
born and passed their entire lives. Five children, four sons and one daughter, 
were born to the parents, and of the number one besides our subject became a 
citizen of the United States. 

William Dannhausen was born in Germany in 1872. While the parents 
were not well-to-do, still they were able to give their children some advantages, 
and in common with other German youths they were given good common- 
school educations. As soon as William Dannhausen was old enough he began 
to contribute to his own support by working as a farm hand in his native 
country, continuing to do this as long as he remained there. In the hope of 
finding a larger outlook than he thought was possible in his own country, in 
1897, at the age of twenty-five, he set out for the United States with a brother, 
first, however, going to the Hawaiian Islands, and after continuing there a 
year, completed the journey to the United States. The end of their voyage 
landed them in San Francisco, and from there Mr. Dannhausen came to So- 
noma county and worked as a ranch hand, in the meantime looking about for 
a suitable location in which to settle. This he found in the vicinity of Santa 
Rosa, and in the purchase of the ranch on which he now resides he has realized 
all that he hoped for. Here he has forty acres of rich, productive land, in 
vinevard and orchard. At the time the property came into his possession the 
vineyard alone yielded on income of $900, but in the meantime he has more 
than doubled the output, the season of 1909 producing $2,000 worth of grapes. 
To some extent he also raises horses and cattle, but these are for his own use 
on the ranch and not for market. 

In 1905 Mr. Dannhausen was married to his brother's widow, who in 
maidenhood was Meta Pregge, a native of the Fatherland also. By her first 



1064 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

marriage she became the mother of ten children, all of whom are attending the 
schools of Santa Rosa. The only child of her present marriage is Walter E., 
born in 1907. To Mrs. Dannhausen's parents (both of whom are living in 
Santa Rosa) ten children were born, six daughters and four sons, all of whom 
are living. 



F. C. CAMPIGLI. 

A good example of the self-made man is found in Mr. Campigli, the pro- 
prietor of a fine dairy business, with office at No. 17 Fourth street, Petaluma. 
He is a native son of the state, his birth having occurred in 1871 in Marin county, 
where his father, Charles Campigli, had settled on a ranch in pioneer days. 
Father and son were associated in the maintenance of the home ranch until the 
latter was twenty-four years of age, when he started out in the world on his 
own account, with little to his credit except the knowledge of agriculture which 
he had learned from his father on the home ranch. 

Moving in to Petaluma at this time, in 1895, F. C. Campigli became in- 
terested in the chicken business, and after investigating it in all of its phases, 
purchased chickens of a good breed and began in the business in a modest way, 
also farming on a small scale. Business increased from year to year, and was 
continued until 1901, when he sold out. The reason for disposing of it was 
to enable him to devote his whole time and attention to the position which he had 
accepted with the Golden State Creamery, of San Francisco, as local manager 
in Petaluma. This has since that time been merged with the Western Creamery 
Company, but the change has made no alteration in his position as local man-' 
ager. The headquarters of the Western Creamery Company are located at 
Benicia, where they manufacture and put up the famous Isleton butter, known 
throughout this part of the state as the best brand of butter obtainable. The 
Petaluma branch of the company's business is located at No. 17 Fourth street, in 
charge of Mr. Campigli, who has built up a large trade in the sale of cream, but- 
ter and milk throughout the town and surrounding country. 

The marriage of Mr. Campigli occurred in 1897, and united him with Miss 
Annie Koster, who like himself is a native of California. Two children, Isabel 
and Vivian, have been born of their marriage. Fraternally Mr. Campigli belongs 
to the Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodmen and the Elks. 



ANGELO DINUCCI. 

Still another of the sons of Italy who are exercising their knowledge of 
agriculture in Sonoma county is Angelo Dinucci, who owns a ranch of forty-five 
acres in close proximity to the thriving town of Guerneville, and as one of the 
earlier settlers of this nationality in this immediate section, he has given help 
and encouragement to many of his countrymen who, like himself, have come here 
to enjoy privileges which their own country as yet has no conception of. 

Born in the town of Borgo Mozzano, Italy, in 1855, Angelo Dinucci is a son 
of parents who never knew any other home than Italy, but they reared their 
children to a right understanding of life and its responsibilities and as far as 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1065 

lay in their power fitted them to cope with the vicissitudes of life wherever they 
might choose to make their homes. One of them at least chose the United States 
as the scene of his future life and efforts, and the year 1876 witnessed the em- 
barkation of Angelo Dinucci for these free shores, he at the time being about 
•twenty years of age. The same year witnessed his arrival in California, and the 
fact that he has remained here ever since is conclusive evidence that he has no 
desire to transfer his allegiance to his native land. Much of his life in the west 
has been passed in Sonoma county, where, near Guerneville, he owns a ranch of 
forty-five acres, a portion of which is in vineyard, and the balance in valuable 
timber land. 

Mr. Dinucci's marriage occurred in 1889 and united him with Madelena 
Rossi, who was born in Italy in 1871, the daughter of Angelo and Catherina 
(Paccini) Rossi. Mr. and Mrs. Dinucci became the parents of seven children, 
four sons and three daughters, as follows : Samuel, Hanson, Mary (the wife of 
Joseph Dappino, of Korbel), Katherine, Emma, Carrie and Lena. Mr. Dinucci 
was bereaved by the death of his wife March 11, 191 1, her remains being interred 
in Guerneville cemetery. Politically he is a Republican, and although not af- 
filiated by membership with any religious organization, practices the Golden Rule 
in his dealings with his fellowmen and is liked and respected by all who are 
brought in contact with him. 



DOMINICO MANCINI. 

When one considers the difficulties attending the immigrant to American 
shores, their unfamiliarity with language, soil and environment, the success 
which many of them attain is little less than remarkable. Working with un- 
diminished ardor from day to day, and from year to year, Dominico Mancini 
has acquired a standing among the successful ranchers of Sonoma county, and 
as he is still a young man, he can still look forward to an ever widening future. 

Italy was Mr. Mancini's native home, his birth occurring in December, 1867, 
the soil of parents who were content to remain in their native country and make 
the most of the meagre livelihood that their surroundings afforded. Their, son, 
however, as he grew to manhood years imbibed more and more of the western 
spirit of freedom and chafed under the narrow, circumscribed conditions that 
prevailed in his home land, and at the age of twenty-five, in 1892, he bade fare- 
well to family and home land and set out for the free shores of America. The 
same year found him in Sonoma county, Cal., where, he contentedly worked as 
a ranch hand for a number of years. These were years of hard work, not un- 
mixed with discouragements from time to time, but he persevered and today 
is in the enjoyment of the results of his earlier efforts. For about thirteen 
years altogether he made his headquarters in Santa Rosa, working on ranches 
in that vicinity and later assuming the responsibilities of a ranch on his own 
account, but finally, in 1905, he came to his present ranch, on section 25, in 
Russian River township, where he has a fine ranch of forty acres, one which 
in point of productiveness and appearance takes high rank with surrounding 
ranches. The locality is especially favorable for the raising of grapes and this 
commodity forms his chief crop, twenty-seven acres being in vineyard, from 



1066 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

which he gathers twenty tons annually. The grapes are readily disposed of at 
the nearby winery and bring $16 a ton. On the land not in vineyard the owner 
raises hay and gives ample pasture to three horses and one cow. 

Mr. Mancini had been a resident of California seven years before he felt 
financially able to assume the responsibilities of domestic life, his marriage at. 
this time, in 1899, uniting him with Miss Rosie Virginia. Six children, all 
sons, have been born of this marriage, as follows : Silva, Joseph, Raenaldo, 
Paul, Fred and William. The parents are rearing their children in the faith 
of the Catholic Church, in which they themselves were reared from childhood. 
In his political views Mr. Mancini is independent. 



WILLIAM COVEY. 

As a well-known rancher of Sonoma county and a fine representative of the 
native-born sons of California, William Covey, of Sebastopol, is deserving of 
mention as one of those who have contributed to the upbuilding of this common- 
wealth. Not only is he a native son of the state, but he is also a native of 
Sonoma county, and here his entire life has been passed in agricultural pur- 
suits. Born near Forestville in 1874, he grew up in that vicinity and attended 
the public school of that place, in the meantime being initiated into ranch life by 
performing the duties that fell to his lot on the home ranch. 

The father of our subject, Uriah Covey, was one of those noble pioneers 
whose early efforts helped to lay the foundation upon which has been reared 
this great Pacific commonwealth. He was born in Ohio April 25. 1832, and 
when he was a child of five years was taken to Missouri by his parents, and 
in the latter state grew to a stalwart young manhood on the home farm. It 
was while working in the fields that he made up his mind to come to the west, 
news of the gold find in California having fired him with an ambition that made 
his labors on the Missouri farm dull and unattractive. Leaving his parents to 
carry on the farm, he set out on the overland journey in 1852 and upon reaching 
his journey's end, went at once to the mines and for a year and a-half followed 
mining. At the end of this time he returned to Missouri to claim his promised 
bride in Miss Mary Salee, a native of Missouri, a marriage which resulted in 
the birth of two children. Shortly after his return to California the wife and 
mother passed away and on August 9, 1859. ne married his second wife, who 
before her marriage was Miss Sarah Ann Purvis. Ten children were born of 
this marriage, and of the eight who attained maturity besides William we men- 
tion the following: Clara D. became the wife of D. F. Hutchinson and at her 
death in 1905 left seven children ; Ella became the wife of E. L. Ward, a resident 
of Humboldt county, and by him became the mother of four children; Daniel 
chose as his wife Laura Ross, and the}' with their seven children make their 
home in Lake county, Cal. : Philip married Miss Hotel, and they have three 
children, making their home in Bennett valley; Elizabeth L. became the wife 
of Samuel Barnum, of Forestville, where they with their five children make 
their home; Amanda E. became the wife of Alfred Ross, and they and their 
seven children live near Forestville; Harmon and his wife have four children; 
James W. married Annie M. Ridenhaur, and they with their one child make 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1067 

their home on the old Ridenhaur estate, of which James Covey is manager. Al- 
together the elder Mr. Covey made four trips to Missouri after coming to Cali- 
fornia in 1852. Upon his return to the state after one of these visits to his 
native state in 1868 he made his first purchase of land, consisting of one hun- 
dred and sixty acres of land in Sonoma county near Cloverdale. He had made 
his home on this ranch for two years when he traded the property for one hun- 
dred and seventy acres near Forestville, and later, in 1878, he bought eighty 
acres one mile from Forestville, where his wife resides. William Covey was 
a child of four vears when his parents settled on this property and this has been 
his home ever since, he now managing and caring for the property for his 
mother. It was here that the earth life of Uriah Covey came to a close May 
25, 1909, at which time he had attained the age of seventy-seven years and one 
month. In addition to the management of the home ranch and maintaining 
a dairy of fourteen cows, William Covey also has charge of a fifteen-acre fruit 
ranch near Forestville, this also being a part of the family estate. 

In 1899 William Covey was united in marriage with Miss Hattie Ross, a 
native of Sonoma county, and they have one child, Irma Madeline. Politically 
Mr. Covey is a Republican, and while he is actively interested in whatever af- 
fects his party in any way, is not an office-seeker, and has never been before the 
public in this capacity. 



AUGUST MOEBES. 

The chicken-raising industry in Sonoma count) has competent exponents 
in August Moebes and his partner, Joseph English, both of whom have had 
individual experience and their united efforts are therefore productive of very 
satisfactory results. August Moebes was born in the Fatherland in 1854, the 
son of Henry and Dorothea (Schroeder) Moebes. both natives of Germany, 
the former born in 1825. Eleven children were born to these worthy parents, 
four sons and seven daughters, of whom August was the eldest. 

By his marriage with Miss Augusta Gusta Mr. Moebes has two children, 
Marie and August. *It was with the idea of giving his children a better outlook 
In life that he came to the United States in 1883, and in California he has real- 
ized his expectations in a greater degree than he had anticipated. Near the 
town of Sonoma he has a well-equipped chicken ranch, where every accessory 
usual to a well-appointed and up-to-date hatchery may be seen. The proprietors 
realize a profit of about $1,000 annually from the hatchery alone, while five 
hundred laying hens add considerably to this income. Much of Mr. Moebes' 
time is passed in San Francisco, where he has other business interests, hence 
the care and management of the chicken ranch devolves principally upon Mr. 
English. 

Not unlike his partner in his nativity, Joseph English is a native of Ger- 
many, his birth occurring there in 1862. He is one of seven children (of whom 
five were boys') born to his parents, Mathias and Catherine (Schutenhelm) Eng- 
lish. The sons are Joseph, Mathias, Andrew, George and John, two of whom 
have established homes of their own, while three of the number are still single. 
The daughters are Barbara and Catherine. Joseph English is not identified by 
membership with any church organization, but believes in the Golden Rule as 



io68 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

the best guiding principle in life and exemplifies this belief in his daily life. 
Politically he is a stanch Republican. Both Mr. English and Mr. Moebes are 
regarded as thoroughly reliable, enterprising business men and their efforts as 
chicken ranchers are watched with interest by their fellow-citizens. It is their 
intention to increase their capacity as rapidly as circumstances will permit, and 
judging from their success in the past, their future efforts may be assured also. 



GIOVANNI MECCHI. 

Yet another of the sons of Italy who have come to the United States in 
the hope of realizing their dream of independence is Giovanni Mecchi, now one 
of the well-to-do and progressive citizens of Fulton, Sonoma county, where 
he has made his home for many years. His earliest recollections are of a boy- 
hood home in Lucca, Italy, where he was born in 1867, into the home of Dome- 
nico and Adele (Bianchini) Mecchi, two other children, both daughters, also 
being born to these parents, Paquina and Argentina Mecchi. 

Leaving his parents in their native land, in young manhood Giovanni Mecchi 
set sail from Italy for the United States, where, from authentic reports which 
had come to him from those of his countrymen who' had preceded him, he was 
confident that better conditions were open to the young man of energy than 
were possible in his native country. From the eastern metropolis at which his 
vessel landed him he made his way across the United States to California and 
in May, 1885, located in Sonoma county. Environment and language differed 
materially from anything with which he was familiar, but this he expected, and 
as rapidly as possible adjusted himself to his new surroundings, receiving com- 
panionship and encouragement from such of his countrymen as were living in 
the vicinity. After looking about for a suitable tract of land he finally selected 
the ranch which is his home today, a very desirable tract of eighty acres within 
easy access to the town of Fulton, which is his postoffice and market town. 
Knowledge of and familiarity with grape culture acquired in his native land 
have here been put to good account, for fifty acres of his land are under cul- 
tivation to the vine, and one hundred tons is an average year's yield. He finds 
a ready market for his fruit at the winery, for which he receives the uniform 
price of $16 a ton. 

Mr. Mecchi has never formed home ties, but lives alone on his ranch near 
Fulton. It is not to be inferred from this that he is a recluse or disinterested 
in the welfare of those about him ; on the contrary he is thoroughlv wide- 
awake and ready at all times to forward and even inaugurate measures for the 
uplift of his fellow-citizens and the betterment of conditions in town and county. 



EDGAR DANIEL ALDRICH. 
There is probably no one in the section of country around Forestville, So- 
noma county, better informed in all phases of the lumber industry than is Mr. 
Aldrich, who from boyhood has been interested more or less in some branch of 
the business, and for years has been engaged in this business in Forestville. A 
native of the south he was born in Kentucky in 1850, the son of Lyman H. 
Aldrich, and his wife, the former born in Ohio, and the latter in Michigan in 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1069 

1817. The father is now deceased, but the mother is still living, at the remark- 
able age of ninety-three years. At the time of the birth of their son the parents 
were living in Kentucky, and from there, when he was six years old, they re- 
moved to Missouri, that state being their home until 1863, when they re- 
moved to Michigan. When he was seventeen years of age Edgar Aldrich was 
mustered in the regular army, becoming a member of Company K, at Covington, 
Ky., and was assigned to duty in the west, first going to old Fort Bridges, then 
to Wind River valley, Wyom., and from there to Fort Laramie. After receiving 
his discharge from the service at the latter place he returned to his home in 
Michigan and remained there for several years. The glimpse of the west dur- 
ing his military service had attracted him by its breadth and freedom and from 
that time forward he had a longing to take a part in the bounding possibilities 
which it offered. The year 1872 found him in Kansas, where he says it was 
necessary to shoot buffalo to clear the road for their ox-train. This was long 
prior to the advent of the railroad in the now thriving city of Wichita, the 
nearest railroad station being in Dodge county, to which point goods had to be 
hauled for shipment. Mr. Aldrich gained his first insight into the lumber 
business in the forests, of Michigan, and in Wichita, Kan., he engaged in the 
lumber business until coming to California in 1885. Since that time he has 
been a resident of Sonoma county, and the greater part of this time has been 
interested in the lumber business in Forestville, a business in which he is now 
engaged on a large and successful scale. 

Mr. Aldrich was married in Michigan in 1871, to Miss Olive Bigford, a 
native of Branch county, that state, and the only child of that marriage, a daugh- 
ter, is now the wife of John H. Cole, and resides in Michigan. Mrs. Aldrich 
is now deceased. During his early years in California Mr. Aldrich combined 
ranching with his lumber interests, but as the latter increased in volume he re- 
linquished other business and concentrated his attention on his lumber business, 
in which he is now engaged. Politically he is a Democrat. 



JOHN W. TURNER. 

A successful and well-to-do horticulturist of Sonoma county is John W. 
Turner, who is prosperously engaged in his independent vocation on one of the 
most finely improved and most desirable ranches in the vicinity of Sebastopol. 
His specialty is the raising of a fine grade of apples and cherries. By birth 
Mr. Turner is an Englishman, and was born in 1867. In the locality of his 
birth he was reared and educated up to the age of seventeen years, when the 
family immigrated to America, in 1884, and the same year came to California. 
This was the second trip which the father, William Turner, had made to the 
state, having come here first during the period of the gold excitement, in 1854. 
Instead of following mining, however, he came to Sonoma county and near Stony 
Point became one of the first settlers, carrying on a large dairy industry. After 
spending a number of years in this locality he returned to England and con- 
tinued there until coming here with his family in 1884. 

The first experience of the younger Mr. Turner in California was as a 
ranch hand in the employ of Hiram Meacham, at Stony Point, Sonoma countv, 



iojo HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

continuing with this employer for three years, after which he took charge of his 
father's ranch, known as the Turner ranch, conducting it successfully for a 
number of years. Giving it up finally, he went to Oakland and for a time was 
on the police force of that city, later being engaged in railroad work for seven 
years, but at the end of this time he returned to Sonoma county and has ever 
since had charge of the old Turner ranch. Its location in the valley, five miles 
from Sebastopol, makes it well suited for the raising of fruits, and here he has 
one hundred and seventy acres under cultivation. Of this, eighty-five acres are 
in orchard set to Gravenstein apples, besides which he has forty acres in young 
trees, both bearing and non-bearing. Ten acres are in cherries of the choice 
Royal Ann variety. During the season of 1909 his apple crop amounted to five 
thousand boxes, while his yield of cherries amounted to six tons. In the mean- 
time many of the young trees have come into bearing. Since the year 1890 he 
has made a specialty of the raising of these two fruits. Besides the manage- 
ment of his ranch Mr. Turner is also the representative of the fruit packing 
firm of Garcia & Maggini, of Sebastopol. 

In 1890 Mr. Turner was united in marriage with Miss Marie E. Black, 
whose mother was one of the earliest settlers in Sonoma county. One son, 
Shannon, has been born to them. Fraternally Mr. Turner is identified with 
the Woodmen of the World, holding membership in Athens Camp, of Oak- 
land. 



WILLIAM MATHER. 
The ranch of William Mather is conveniently located near Sebastopol, 
and is known as the Sebastopol nursery. Here a specialty is made of raising 
Burbank's Giant Crimson winter rhubarb and Gravenstein apples. A native 
^on of the state, William Mather was born in San Francisco in 1863, but as he 
was left an orphan when he was three days old he has no personal knowledge 
of his progenitors. However, he found a kindly protector in Stephen C. Story, 
of Bennett, who gave him a home and superintended his education and train- 
ing until he was eighteen years of age. He made the best of the opportunities 
given him. so that when he had reached the age mentioned he was well equipped 
to lake up the responsibility of his own support. Altogether he worked for 
wages for about six years, during which time he determined to specialize upon 
the cultivation of one or two products, and he is satisfactorily demonstrating 
the wisdom of his course in the raising of Burbank's Giant Crimson winter 
rhubarb and the Gravenstein apple. In speaking of the former, Mr. Mather 
says: "Several years ago I saw the value in this most productive plant, and 
at once sought Mr. Luther Burbank, who perfected this wonderful creation, for 
instruction as to the culture in order to secure the most profit, following his 
advice in every particular." From February to May is the best planting season, 
about two hundred plants being the average per acre, and if the plants are in 
good condition by December they should yield from ten to fifteen pounds per 
hill. Three crops are generally gathered from the same plants before the first 
of March, which is the time when the common rhubarb finds its way into the 
market. One of the most favorable features of the raising of this commodity 
is the fact that it has a clear market, as other fruits and vegetables are out of 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1071 

season, and furthermore it finds a market three months earlier than the in- 
ferior grade of rhubarb, does not need peeling, and being heavier in saccharine, 
needs only about half the sugar ordinarily used in preparing this fruit for the 
table. Some idea of the large undertaking- of which Mr. Mather is the pro- 
prietor may be realized when it is said that during the season of 1909 he cut 
over forty-five thousand rhubarb plants. Supplying the market with this fruit 
is but one feature of the ranch's output however, a large income being realized 
from the shipment of roots of the plant to all parts of the world, as well as 
the sale of Gravenstein apple trees, his apple nursery numbering from ten to 
thirty thousand trees of this special variety of apple. 

In 1887 Mr. Mather was united in marriage with Miss Eliza C. Allen, a 
native of Illinois, and one son, Herbert R., has been born to them. 



DAVENPORT COZZENS, Jr. 
It is a fitting recognition of the work of pioneers that their names should 
be perpetuated in the localities in which their efforts were expended, either 
in the names of streets, streams or towns, that they may receive due credit and 
appreciation at the hands of those who follow and continue the work which they 
have resigned to younger hands. This idea has been fittingly borne out in 
naming the village of Cozzens after its father and founder, Davenport Cozzens, 
Sr. A native of the Empire state, he was born in Brooklyn, the son of parents 
who were able to give their children every advantage for an education and 
advancement. Unlike man)" boys so fortunately situated Davenport Cozzens 
appreciated his opportunities and made them count to the greatest extent pos- 
sible. The public schools of Brooklyn furnished his primary education, after 
which he attended higher institutions of learning, and finally took a course in 
the military academy at West Point. The breaking out of the Mexican war 
about the time of his graduation found him enlisting his services in the cause 
of the United States. Instead of returning to the east after the close of the 
confiict he was attracted to California by the news of the recent discoveries 
of gold at Sutter's Mill, and was one of the earliest immigrants that landed 
in the port of San Francisco in the year 1849. In searching the records of the 
early history of this metropolis one may see the name of Davenport Cozzens 
mentioned as one of her earliest citizens and business men, he being one of the 
first to venture in the mercantile business. Later years found him in Sonoma 
county, and in Geyserville he established the first general store in this section 
of country, this being the meeting place for ranchers from a wide radius. 
Abundant evidence has already been given of the remarkable push and enter- 
prise welded in the make-up of this old pioneer, but all has not been told until 
it has been said that he was the first man to set out vines and start a vineyard 
in this part of the state, and the wine press which was a later adjunct to his 
ranch was unquestionably the first in this country. A little settlement was the 
outgrowth of the industry which his activities created and about the year 1877 
the town of Cozzens was incorporated and named in his honor, in recognition 
of his invaluable services. He lived many years after this, and he watched with 
pride and interest the steady growth of the little town. Here it was that his 



io/2 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

earth life came to a close after a long and useful experience, in 1908, his death 
being the cause of general mourning on the part of all citizens, both old and 
young, for all loved and revered him. In all his efforts and undertakings he 
had the encouraging support of his faithful wife. 

On the homestead ranch near Geyserville, Sonoma county, Davenport Coz- 
zens, Jr., was born in May, 1853, and was reared and educated there and in 
Hopland. He remained in the vicinity of his birth until after attaining his 
majority, when, in 1875, he gave vent to the pioneer spirit which crowded up 
for recognition, in that year going to Nevada, where he opened and operated 
a hotel and also carried on mining. This dual occupation was carried on for 
a number of years, after which he returned to Sonoma county and has since 
been proprietor of a general store in Cozzens. Apart from any reflected light 
from his worthy father he is held in high esteem by his fellow-citizens, who 
recognize in him a man of true worth and ability, one who is endeavoring to 
help forward all good measures in his community. 



S. T. DAKEN. 

The practical and artistic are happily combined in the make-up of S. T. 
Daken, a well-known artist of Santa Rosa, and enable him to originate and 
carry to successful conclusion enterprises impossible for other professional men 
to even conceive. Reference is made to the new Daken Art Institute which is 
nearing completion, and is destined to be one of the most attractive and most 
beautiful art centers in this part of the state. It its erection the owner has 
in view the advancement of the community along artistic lines, through the 
ability to accommodate the traveling art exhibits, which are made up of the 
choicest works of the most celebrated artists all over the world. The enter- 
prise is a worthy one and is well deserving of the success with which it has 
met from the time of its inception. 

The son of Henry and Deluska (Weeks) Daken, natives of Canada and 
St. Louis, Mo., respectively, S. T. Daken was born in Bunker Hill, Macoupin 
county, 111., in 1876. He has no personal recollection of his birthplace, for 
when he was a child in arms the parents came to California, so that practically 
his entire life has been passed within the confines of this western common- 
wealth. Settlement was first made in Sacramento, and between that city and 
San Francisco the years of his boyhood were about evenly divided. He was 
little more than a child when, at the age of nine years, he began to learn the 
trade of decorator and fresco painter, following this in San Francisco for many 
years. An interim of six years then followed when he was interested in the 
mines of Eldorado and Placer counties, and while the work was interesting 
and exciting, he did not feel justified in following it at the sacrifice of the line 
of work for which he was specially fitted. At the close of his mining experience 
he therefore returned to San Francisco and resumed work at his trade, com- 
bining with this, however, on his own account, painting from nature as his 
time would permit. Ultimately he gave up his position and devoted his entire 
time to painting and sketching, opening for the purpose a studio on Van Ness 
avenue in San Francisco which he continued for three years. Upon giving this 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1073 

up in 1906 as a result of the earthquake and fire, in the spring of that year he 
removed to Glen Ellen, Sonoma county, but did not remain there long, coming 
to Santa Rosa soon afterward in the same year. Here he opened an art 
school and conducted classes for some time, or until accepting his present posi- 
tion as art instructor in the Ursuline College of this city. As his time permits 
he paints from nature and that he is a natural genius with a most remarkable 
gift, a glance at his collection of pictures will prove. Many beautiful scenes 
from Sonoma county are shown, as well as from other parts of the state, in- 
cluding views from the famous Yosemite valley. The panel which he has 
named the Russian River from Guernewood Heights is an exquisite and realistic 
reproduction of nature, one which he himself prizes above all of his other paint- 
ings. He has recently refused an offer of $1,500 for it. Among his private 
collection of paintings he has $75,000 worth of pictures from the brush of 
other artists, besides $16,000 of his own productions. Mr. Daken was married 
in 1904 and is the father of two children, Edna May and Sidney T. 



JAMES WALTER GIBSON. 

In a number of public capacities Mr. Gibson has fulfilled popular expecta- 
tions and proved himself not only capable, but a thoroughly public-spirited citi- 
zen of Glen Ellen. He is one of the native sons of the state who have developed 
reliable characteristics, and whose growth to manhood and on through middle 
age has been watched by a host of friends and well-wishers. Mr. Gibson bene- 
fits by the sterling qualities of English and German ancestors, his father being 
a native of England, and his mother the descendant of German ancestors. The 
elder Mr. Gibson was a young man when he realized that America held forth 
possibilities that the slower and more conservative country in which he had been 
born and reared did not have to offer and the year 1848 found him landing 
as an immigrant in San Francisco. His interests were confined to the metrop- 
olis and vicinity until about the year 1856, when he came to Sonoma county and 
a mile and a half north of what is now the site of Glen Ellen purchased a 
squatter's right to one hundred and sixty acres of land. He purchased the land 
in good faith, thinking the original right had been secured directly from the 
government by the previous owner, but later developments proved that it was 
grant land and in 1865 he was dispossessed of the land. Instead of contesting 
his right to the land he let it go and purchased what is now the eastern half 
of the town of Glen Ellen. Although the country round about was almost 
entirely unsettled, he still saw prospects of a coming settlement and here erected 
the Glen Ellen hotel, which was the first business building and the nucleus 
around which the town of Glen Ellen was later built up. In the town which he 
had done so much to advance during the thirty years of his residence in it. his 
earth life came to a close in 1887. His wife died in Glen Ellen in 1908, her 
residence in the state dating from the year 1850. 

The only child of the parental family now living, James W. Gibson was 

born in San Francisco in 1854, on the present site of the Bancroft building. 

When he was eighteen months old his parents removed from San Francisco 

to Sonoma county, and here his entire life has practically been passed. For 

56 



1074 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

almost ten years the home of the family was on a ranch one and a-half miles 
north of what is now Glen Ellen, and during this time the son grew to a sturdy 
youth and attended the local district schools, to this primary education adding 
a course in St. Mary's College and the State University. James Gibson was 
about eleven years of age when through defective title to the land which his 
father supposed he had purchased, he gave up the land which bore the efforts 
of nine laborious years and purchased the property which is the home of the 
son today, on the eastern border of the town. Here the father erected the 
first hotel in the country for miles around, the old Glen Ellen hotel being a 
iand-mark and haven of rest and refreshment well remembered by pioneers and 
early comers to this part of Sonoma county. These were the days preceding 
the coming 'of the railroad, and staging was consequently a remunerative busi- 
ness. One of the largest stage companies of this time was the Clifford Stage 
Company, running a line of vehicles between Santa Rosa and Sonoma, and it 
was for this company that James Gibson was first employed, running one of its 
stages. Later he became proprietor of the Glen Ellen hotel, and it was while 
thus engaged that as a candidate on the Democratic ticket he was elected 
justice of the peace of Glen Ellen, a position which he held continuously for 
sixteen years. 

Mr. Gibson has been three times married, his first marriage occurring in 
1883 an d uniting him with Miss Catherine O'Connor, a native of New York, 
who died the same year of her marriage. In 1895 he married Miss Matilda 
Justi, a native of Glen Ellen, who survived her marriage only two years. Mr. 
Gibson's present wife was formerly Miss Myrtle Thompson, also a native of 
California, and two children have been born of this marriage, Lucile D. and 
James Lawrence, born in 1900 and 1903 respectively, both pupils in the Glen 
Ellen grammar school. Politically Mr. Gibson is a Democrat, and fraternally 
he is a member of the Woodmen of the World. 



AUGUST MOSER. 
In Mr. Moser we find a native son of the state who has never been out 
of the confines of the state in which he was born. On both sides of the family 
he is of French descent, and at the time of his birth, in 1856, his parents were 
residents of San Francisco. After graduating from the public schools of that 
metropolis he received further advantages in a course in St. Mary's college, 
all of which gave him a good preparation for the duties of life which lay before 
him. As soon as he was old enough to choose his own course in life he followed 
mining for a time. After this experience he returned to his home in San Fran- 
cisco, but soon afterward went to Napa county and for fourteen years filled a 
position in an asylum. During this time he also owned and maintained a ranch 
upon which he made his home. Upon resigning his position in the asylum he 
came to Sonoma county and for about two years conducted what was known 
as the Wall Springs near Santa Rosa, disposing of this, however, at the end 
of that time to engage in his present business. He now maintains a thriving 
general store four miles from Santa Rosa. This is the only store of the kind 
in that immediate vicinity and consequently receives the patronage of the rural 
population for miles around. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1075 

Mr. Moser's marriage was celebrated in 1892, uniting him with Miss Emma 
Wolf, a native of Stockholm, Sweden, but who has been a resident of the United 
States since she was sixteen years of age. Two sons have been born of this 
marriage, the eldest of whom is Leroy, who is a graduate of the Santa Rosa 
grammar school and is now at home with his parents ; and August Newton, 
who was born in San Francisco in 1896, and is now a student in the public 
schools of Santa Rosa. Mrs. Moser's parents are both living in Sweden, the 
father at the age of seventy-eight, and the mother sixty-seven years of age. In 
their religious belief they are Lutherans, and the training which their daughter 
received under their guidance has never been departed from. With her husband 
and family she is a member of the Lutheran Church at Santa Rosa. Politically 
Mr. Moser is a Republican. 



THOMAS EDGAR BARLOW. 

The records of the Barlow family show that it is of English origin, and the 
first member of whom we have any knowledge in this country is Warren Bar- 
low, whose early years were associated with the colonial history of Connecticut. 
From that state he subsequently removed to Sullivan county, N. Y., and there 
his son Thomas Barlow was born June 25, 1809, his grandson, Solomon Q. 
Barlow, also being a native of the same county, born May 20, 1837. The latter 
was given such education as the times afforded, and in addition to attending the 
schools in the vicinity of his home, also attended Ellenville high school, from 
which he graduated. Subsequently he engaged in farming and lumbering on 
the homestead farm, continuing this until 1862, when he removed to Pompton, 
N. J., where he was agent for James Horner & Co. for two years. At the 
expiration of this time, in 1861, by way of the Isthmus of Panama, he came 
to California, locating in Two Rock valley, Sonoma county, and on April 21, 
1864, he located upon the ranch which was the home of the family for the fol- 
lowing eight years. In T872 he purchased a ranch of two hundred and twenty 
acres in the same valley, six miles from Petaluma, and here he carried on 
stock-raising and horticulture until his death. In New York state, before 
coming to the west, he was married to Elizabeth J. Denman, who was born 
in that state, in Sullivan county. March 14, 1837, the daughter of William Den- 
man. who died December 3, 1875. Six children comprised the family of Mr. 
and Mrs. Barlow, as follows: Eva R., Mrs. Thomas Mordecai, of Petaluma; 
William D., who died in infancy ; Fannie D., Mrs. W. H. Darden, of Corning, 
Cal. ; Anna D., who died in Petaluma ; Thomas E., of this review ; and Elizabeth 
L, Mrs. J. W. McNeil, of Honolulu, a teacher in Oahu College. 

Next to the youngest in the parental family, Thomas E. Barlow was bom 
in Two Rock valley, Sonoma county, February 2, 1867. He attended the public 
schools of this locality and graduated from Petaluma high school in 1884. The 
death of the father in the meantime had left the care of the ranch to the 
mother, and in 1885 Thomas E. assumed the responsibilities, continuing farming 
and horticulture there for about seven years. In 1892 he purchased the nucleus 
of the ranch which was his home throughout the remainder of his life, which 
consisted of thirty-five acres of land in Green valley, which he set out to fruit. 
For a time after purchasing this property he continued his residence on the 



io/f' HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

home ranch, in conjunction with its management also dealing in farm products 
and fruits. Later he removed to his own ranch and thereafter gave his atten- 
tion to its cultivation, adding to his original purchase as he was able, until 
he had one hundred and sixty-four acres of fine land, all in fruit with the ex- 
ception of thirty-five acres. He was one of the pioneer fruit raisers of this lo- 
cality, and at one time produced more blackberries than any individual on the 
coast, having ninety acres in this fruit, which was readily disposed of in San 
Francisco and also in northern markets. He was instrumental in getting boys 
from the Boys and Girls Aid Society in San Francisco to pick berries during 
vacations, which gave them a pleasant outing in the country as well as an oppor- 
tunity to earn money. With the idea of making a pleasant camping place for 
his young helpers Mr. Barlow set out a eucalyptus grove, and the camp is now 
a well-established institution. The boys are still employed here each summer, 
being in charge of a superintendent and matron, and they and their helpers 
take away at the end of each season between $4,000 and $5,000. After the death 
of Mr. Barlow in 1904 Mrs. Barlow continued his policy in conducting the 
ranch and her thorough capability for discharging the duties which the death of 
her husband imposed upon her has been amply demonstrated. The camp has 
been suitably equipped with every convenience, and in 191 1 a large drier 
with all modern improvements was installed upon the ranch, its capacity 
being seven hundred tons of green fruit annually. Commodious warehouses 
and packing houses as well as a fine residence have also been built on the ranch. 
Besides the raising of berries a specialty is made of raising apples, Graven- 
steins, Baldwins and Wagners predominating. Eight hands are employed 
throughout the year on the ranch, but during the busy season two hundred 
hands are given employment. Mr. Barlow gave the right of way for the Peta- 
luma and Santa Rosa electric road across his ranch and Barlow station was 
so named in his honor. He was active in the organization of the Green Valley 
Congregational Church, which he assisted in building, and was also a trustee 
of the organization. Politically he was a Republican. 

In Santa Rosa, February 18, 1891, Mr. Barlow was united in marriage 
with Miss Laura Ellen Miller, who was born near Healdsburg, the daughter of 
Thomas B. Miller. He was born in Rhea county, Tenn., December 31, 1826, 
the son of James P. and Charlotte (Bell) Miller, the former born in Virginia 
and the latter in Tennessee. In 1830 the family removed to Alabama and in 
1835 to Arkansas, five years later locating in Newton county Mo., and in 1842 
in Benton county, Ark. In 1846 James P. Miller enlisted in the Twelfth 
Regular United States Infantry, and served as first lieutenant in the Mexican war. 
In 1849 ne accompanied his sons, Thomas B. and Gideon T., overland to Cali- 
fornia, and at Millerstown, near Auburn, they opened a store, and subsequently 
were similarly engaged in Washington on the Yuba river, until 1850, when the 
father returned east. After coming to California Thomas B. Miller engaged 
in mining in Placer county until 1850, when he went to Nevada City, Cal., 
where he made a strike and was very successful afterwards in mining on the 
Yuba river. In the fall of 1851 he came to Sonoma count;,, farming in various 
localities until 1855, when he took up his residence on one hundred and sixtv 
acres of land near Healdsburg, upon which he remained until 1874, when he 
sold the property and purchased three hundred and twentv acres five miles west 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1077 

of Santa Rosa. Here he engaged in fruit and hop raising, besides which he 
raised fine horses and cattle. His marriage, April 17, 1853, united him with 
Mary Ann King, a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Horn) King, both of 
whom were natives of Virginia and came to California from Missouri in 1850. 
In the family of Thomas B. Miller and his wife were the following children: 
James P., a hop-raiser near Healdsburg; Charlotte E., Mrs. E. H. Parnell, of 
Green Valley; Thomas B., a hop-grower of Santa Rosa; Louisa H., Mrs. S. 
W. Purrington, of Mount Olivet; Alary Alice, Mrs. Alexander Ragle, of El- 
dorado county, Cal. ; Irene B., Mrs. S. E. Ballard, of San Jose ; Josephine, 
Mrs. Spencer Grogan, of Santa Rosa; Laura Ellen, Mrs. Barlow; Henrietta, 
Mrs. F. B. Chenoweth, of San Francisco ; and Robert L., who died in Santa 
Rosa. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Barlow, as follows : Mary 
Elizabeth, who is a graduate of Mills Seminary ; Anna Maude ; Warren Leland ; 
Laura Louise ; Thomas Denman ; and Wilbur James, all at home. 

In the passing of Thomas E. Barlow Sonoma county lost one of its most 
enterprising citizens, one whose enthusiasm and determined efforts did much 
to advance the agricultural standard of the county and state. He was an en- 
thusiastic advocate of good roads and worked indefatigably for the cause, be- 
lieving that good highways are among the prime essentials to agricultural progress. 
A charter member of the Sebastopol Berry Growers Association, Mrs. Barlow is 
no less enterprising than her worthy husband. In order to get the Berry Growers 
Association established on a firm footing she built a large warehouse at Sebastopol 
on the steam road, and from this has developed the large and flourishing organiza- 
tion which it is today. 



I. N. CABLE. 

Sonoma county is recognized as the most prolific fruit-producing section in 
the state, climate and soil vying with each other in their contributions to this 
end. While almost every variety of fruit is successfully cultivated, Mr. Cable 
has given his attention particularly to the raising of berries, his expert knowl- 
edge concerning which has received recognition by his fellow-citizens, who 
have made him manager of the Sebastopol Berry Growers Association. 

A native of Kansas. Mr. Cable was born in Osage county -in i860, and re- 
mained there until about 1875, when he went to the Black Hills of South Da- 
kota. There he found a good business opening in hauling freight, a business 
which he at first undertook on a small scale, but which was gradually enlarged, 
extending through North and South Dakota, Wyoming and Montana, and on 
to Spokane, Wash. Altogether he followed this business for fourteen years, 
the last four of which were passed in Spokane, where he was engaged in 
contracting for and hauling logs for railroad enterprises. He gave this up in 
1896 and the same year came to California, locating on a ranch near Sebastopol, 
Sonoma county. Here he followed general ranching for about seven years, 
when he became interested in the feed business in Santa Rosa as a member of 
the firm of Cable & Roof. This association continued for a number of years, 
or until Mr. Cable turned his attention to the fruit and berry business in which 



io;8 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

he is now engaged. No one in this vicinity is better informed regarding the 
raising of these commodities than is Mr. Cable, and his fellow-citizens recogniz- 
ing this have made him their representative as manager of the Sebastopol Berry 
Growers Association. 

Mr. Cable's marriage in 1886, in Bismarck, N. Dak., united him with 
Miss Emma Boutch, and of the four children born to them only two are living, 
Kate and Lucy. Those deceased are Everett and Hattie. Two fraternal or- 
ganizations claim Mr. Cable's membership, Santa Rosa Lodge, F. & A. M., and 
the Fraternal Brotherhood. Mr. Cable makes his home in Santa Rosa, at No. 
663 Tupper street. 



HIRAM T. FAIRBANKS. 

As one of the oldest settlers and successful business men of Petaluma 
Hiram T. Fairbanks is deserving of mention in a history of Sonoma county. 
A native of Indiana, he was born in Manchester, Dearborn county, December 
29, 1827, on the paternal farm, and he was educated in the country schools of 
that time and place. When he was about nineteen years of age, in 1846,' he 
ventured out in the world on his own responsibility, at that time going to Au- 
gusta, Des Moines county, Iowa, and making his home with the Hon. Levi 
Moffet. The following year he enlisted in the United States army for service 
in the Mexican war. The year 1849 found him in Indiana once more, but his 
stay there was brief, for the same year found him starting on the overland 
trip for the Pacific coast. Mining had been the attracting magnet in bringing 
him hither, and with his brothers he mined at what was then known as Mormon 
Island, on the south fork of the American river, about twenty-five miles from 
Sacramento. The venture proved successful, and with the proceeds of his 
labor lie returned to Indiana by way of Panama in 185 1 and the same year 
went to Iowa, where he followed merchandising. 

It was while he was in that state that Mr. Fairbanks was married to Miss 
Lucinda, the daughter of Hon. Levi Moffet, the ceremony being performed 
July 14, 1852. In addition to bis mercantile interests he was also engaged in 
milling, continuing both enterprises until 1859, when he made a second trip 
to California, bringing with him across the plains his wife and four children. 
The fall of that year marked their arrival in Petaluma, where Mr. Fairbanks 
followed farming in connection with the lumber trade until the fall of 1861, 
discontinuing farming at that time, as he decided he was not fitted by nature for 
the work. In the following year, 1862, he established himself in the mercantile 
business in Petaluma, a business which grew steadily with the passing of years, 
and in connection with which he also maintained a commission house in San 
Francisco. He continued in the merchandise business in Petaluma until 1869, 
when with his family he went east on a visit. His return to California in the 
fall of that year found him in Petaluma once more. During the yeai 1870 he 
gave up his commission business in San Francisco and in the winter of 1870- 
71 he again embarked in the mercantile trade, this time in company with the 
Hon. A. P. Whitney. Not only is Mr. Fairbanks regarded as one of Petaluma's 
prominent and successful business men of former years, but he was equally well 
known and influential in financial circles. He was one of the founders of the Peta- 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1079 

luma Savings Bank, which was organized in 1870, and was its manager and presi- 
dent until he retired from business. He was also president of the city board of 
trustees for several terms. In resigning from the presidency of the Golden Eagle 
Flour mills Mr. Fairbanks severed his connection with active business life, 
covering a long period of activity, and since then has been enjoying with his 
family the ease and comfort which his labors have made possible. Personally 
he is a man of fine character, and in the evening of life he can look over the past 
with the conviction that all that he has accomplished has been honestly accumu- 
lated, and added to this is the knowledge that he has the love and esteem of a 
large circle of friends and acquaintances. 



JOHN WALKER. 
A native of Missouri, John Walker was born in Jackson county, February 
5, 1826, the son of Joel P. Walker. A brother of the latter, Joseph R. Walker, 
displayed an intrepid spirit, when, in 1840, he launched forth from the family 
moorings, bound for the far-off Pacific coast. He joined a party who were 
making the trip in the interests of the American Fur Company, under the leader- 
ship of Captain Dripps, who made the trip annually with forty carts drawn by 
mules to the Rocky Mountains to buy furs of the mountaineers, they meeting 
him at Green River for this purpose. The Walker family, with Father 'Desmith 
and three missionaries and their wives, finally left Captain Dripps' party and 
under the leadership of two old mountaineers, traveled westward until they 
reached Fort Hall. After resting there one day they again took up the march, 
their next stop being at Fort Boise, this being, as was Fort Hall, a Hudson 
Bay trading post. The missionaries decided to pass the winter at Fort Boise, 
but the Walker family continued on their way and arrived in the Willamette 
valley September 11, 1840, stopping at a little Methodist mission in charge of 
Rev. Jason Lee. The Walker family were not pleased with the outlook there, 
and as about this time there was an opportunity afforded to make the journey 
to California under the protection of a large party, they took advantage of it. 
This party was made up of a portion of Commodore Wilkes' crew, who had 
been engaged in exploring the Pacific coast. A short time had been passed in 
the Willamette valley, and the commodore passed one night in the Walker 
household. On leaving Oregon in 1841 one of his ships was lost, the Peacock, 
having been wrecked on the bar at the mouth of the Columbia river. A part 
of the crew was compelled to make the journey to California by land, under 
the guidance of Lieutenant Emmons, and it was with this party that the Walkers 
first came to the state. October 19, 1841, they arrived at Captain Sutter's 
camp, made famous in history a few years later as the place where gold was 
first discovered on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Captain 
Sutter had been at the camp only about a year, and as no crops had been raised, 
food was scarce and very poor, poor beef and such small wild game as they 
could shoot, forming their chief diet. Early in the spring of 1842 the Walkers 
removed to Yount's ranch, now in Napa county, but then a part of Sonoma 
county, and here, as in the entire state of California, Mr. Walker's mother, 
Mrs. Mary Walker, and a sister, Martha Young, were the only white women. 



io8o HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

The family remained in Napa valley until the spring of 1843, when Joel 
P. Walker returned to Oregon, as advantages were better there for the education 
of his children. He went in May of that year, with a party of forty men, driv- 
ing three thousand head of cattle which they took north for Gen. M. G. Yallejo. 
They were continually molested by bands of Indians, who succeeded in stealing 
and killing some of their stock, but they counted themselves fortunate to es- 
cape with their lives. When they had accomplished about half of the journey 
they met a company on their way to California, among the number being Cap- 
tain Hastings. J. M. Hudspeth and others. July 15, 1843, -^ r - Walker reached 
the Willamette valley, locating near Salem, where he followed farming until 
1848. It was on account of the report concerning the discovery of gold in 
California that he returned to this state, coming by the water route to San 
Francisco, and settling at Napa City. With him Mr. Walker brought his wife 
and a number of their children, John Walker, when twenty-two years old, com- 
ing overland and reaching the state in September, 1848. Going at once to the 
mines on the American river, he remained there until June, 1849, when he came 
to where Sacramento city now stands and opened a hotel, known as the Mis- 
souri house, which he kept for about four months. He gave it up at the end of 
this brief time to join the fortunes of his uncle, Capt. Joseph R. Walker, in 
a gold-prospecting trip to the southern part of the state, through the country 
which his uncle had traversed in 1843, a portion of which still bears the name 
of "Walker's Pass."' 

After about three months spent in prospecting with varying degrees of 
success. John Walker returned north to his father's ranch in Napa valley, re- 
maining there until 1850, when he came to Sonoma county, settling in Santa 
Rosa valley. That same year he built the first ' redwood house in the valley, near 
where Sebastopol is now located. In 1851, in partnership with Joseph Morgan 
Miller, he established the first merchandise store in the county outside the town of 
Sonoma, and the first postoffice of the country roundabout was kept in the old 
house now standing at the rear of the old Walker homestead in Analy town- 
ship, Mr. Miller being appointed postmaster. Subsequently Mr. Walker became 
interested in general farming and stock-raising, on a four thousand acre tract, 
from which he derived a handsome yearly income. Here his death occurred 
February 16, 1895. The wife who had shared his joys and sorrows for forty- 
four years passed away a few months after his demise, her death occurring 
July 11 of the same year, when she was sixty-three years of age. In maiden- 
hood she was Miss Eleanor Morin, and her marriage to John Walker was cele- 
brated November 6, 1851. Seven children, four sons and three daughters, were 
born to them, as follows: Harriet Jane, Mary J., Joel M., John L., Ella D., 
Edward L. and Willis Y. 

As the first pioneer in what is now the thriving town of Sebastopol, Tohn 
Walker took a leading part in the building up of his community as well as the 
entire county. When Sebastopol was struggling to progress from the stage 
station period of her early history and have a branch railroad pass through 
the town, John Walker was a leading spirit in the contention which resulted 
before this object was gained. When the last spike was driven and the day 
for jubilation set apart, at the unanimous desire of the entire communitv Mr. 
Walker accepted the presidency of the day, an honor which he placed above 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1081 

any other rhat his fellow-citizens might have bestowed upon him. Probably 
no better idea of the repute in which Mr. Walker was held by his fellow- 
associates could be given than to quote from 'The Times of April 30, 1890: 
"In connection with the celebration of the completion of the Sebastopol branch 
of the San Francisco and Northern Pacific Railroad, Mr. Walker, as president 
of the dav, appears before us as one who has seen the desire of years fulfilled, 
and it is with honest pride that he accepts the congratulations of our citizens, 
knowing that his long and continuous efforts to bring Analy township into con- 
nection with the rest of the world are at last successful. Without ignoring the 
labors of others, we all acknowledge that it is owing to his personal efforts and 
influence more than anything else that the railroad has been built." Mr. Walker 
was a well-known and prominent member of the Masonic order, and his funeral 
was conducted under the direction of Sebastopol Lodge, F. & A. M., of which 
he was a member, his remains being placed in Pleasant Hill cemetery. 



AMERICO CASAROTTI. 

The possibilities afforded by the west to men of untiring energy find an 
apt illustration in the lives of men who have come hither from lands across 
the seas and who have achieved competencies in spite of the handicaps of 
unfamiliarity with' our language, our soil, our customs and our people. Such 
has been the experience of Americo Casarotti, who was born in the village of 
Maggia, Canton Ticino, Switzerland, March 18, 1882, and who immigrated 
to the United States in 1894, at the age of twelve years. The voyage was made 
in company with his parents, Martin and Carola (Guglialmoni) Casarotti, who 
were also natives of Switzerland, born in 1845 and 1850 respectively. Instead 
of following the usual course taken by the majority of his fellow-countrymen 
in setting out from their native land, the father first went to South America, 
remaining there eight years, after which he embarked on a vessel bound for the 
United States, California being his objective point, and he has ever since been 
a resident of Marin county. Besides the son whose name heads this sketch 
there were two sons and two daughters in the parental family, as follows : 
Peter, Marian, Americo, Victoria and Delphina. The eldest daughter, Vic- 
toria, is the wife of Goss Tinuzini and resides in Chileno valley. 

Following closely in the steps of his ancestors in the choice of a life work 
Americo Casarotti is finding pleasure as well as satisfactory compensation in 
the tilling of the soil and in the dairy business, and his leased ranch of six 
hundred and twenty-six acres in the vicinity of Petaluma bears witness to the 
fact that he is in intimate touch with all departments of agriculture. Every 
acre of the ranch is utilized for one purpose or another, for the owner is method- 
ical and practical and keeps posted as to the best methods of maintaining a 
ranch enterprise. Fifty acres of the land are under cultivation, while the re- 
mainder furnishes pasturage for eighty-five cows that constitute his dairy. Be- 
sides the dairy stock just mentioned he also has young stock which will ulti- 
mately be added to his dairy herd, also five horses and a number of hogs. He 
is equally successful as a poultry raiser, his flock of high-grade chickens at the 
present time numbering two hundred. Mr. Casarotti is one of the youngest 



m82 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

agriculturists in this section of Sonoma county and his accomplishments com- 
pare favorably with those who are twice his age, which is equal to saying that 
the future holds twice the success in store for him that he has had thus far. 

In the year 1909 Mr. Casarotti married Miss Clara A. Garzoli, the daughter 
of Peter Garzoli, who was born in Switzerland in 1847 an d nas Deen a resident 
of the United States since 1870. It was not until after locating here that he 
formed domestic ties by his marriage with Miss Chalasta Quanchi, who was 
born in Switzerland in 1850, and who came to California in 1863. Eleven chil- 
dren were born to this couple, four sons and seven daughters, Jerry, Henry, 
Marina, Charles, Clalia, Belinda, Lena, Olymphia, Clara, Louisa and Emma. 
The eldest daughter, Clalia, became the wife of Leo Genozzi, and is the mother 
of two children. Politically Mr. Casarotti is a Republican, and with his wife he 
is a communicant of the Roman Catholic Church at Petaluma. 



GIOVANNI CANEPA. 

In sunny Italy, near the city of Genoa, November 1, 1843, tne l ate Giovanni 
Canepa first saw the light of day and there, too, he was reared, a farmer's 
boy, having the advantages of the common schools. In 1863 he came to Cali- 
fornia, where he followed mining at Volcano, then ranching at A'allicita, near 
Angel's Camp until 1879, when he located in Petaluma. Here he established 
himself in the mercantile business on the corner of Washington and Kentucky 
streets, doing a large and successful business until his death, February 14, 1898. 

Mr. Canepa was married in 1880 at Douglas Flat, Calaveras county, Cal., 
to Miss Angela Lavagnini, who was also born near the city of Genoa, the 
daughter of Stephen Lavagnini, who was an expert gunsmith. Mrs. Canepa 
came to California in 1879 and after her marriage took an active part in her 
husband's business until six months after his death, when she sold out and has 
since been active in building up different business houses in Petaluma. She 
built the Canepa block, a three-story building on the corner of Washington 
and Kentucky streets, also the corner of Washington and Keller streets, owns 
eight residences on North Main street, six of which she built, and also owns 
valuable property on Main street and built her large residence on Kentucky 
street, opposite the Plaza, where she makes her home. One child was born of 
this union, Mary, who is Mrs. Kendrick. of San Francisco. 

Mrs. Canepa is an active member of the Woman's Relief Corp, the Ladies 
Catholic Society and St. Vincent's Church and is prominent in business and 
social circles in Petaluma. 



FATHER MAURICE J. BARRY. 
The present pastor of St. John the Baptist Catholic church at Healdsburg 
is Father M. J. Barry. This church was established as a mission and presided 
over by the priests from Tomales. It was organized by Father William Slattery 
and the first services were held in a hall adjoining the present parochial residence. 
Following this pastor was Father J. M. Conway, who purchased the present 
site at the corner of Matheson and East streets, 136x163 feet. He also erected 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1083 

the first church which did duty until the present new edifice was built in 1910. 
The old building was moved to the rear and now does duty as a hall for society 
meetings. 

Father Patrick O'Connell, the next pastor, built the parochial residence 
and remained for some time and is now at St. Theresa's church in the Potrero, 
San Francisco. The pastor for the following twenty-one and a-half years was 
Father John Meiler, now of St. John's church on Mission Road in San Fran- 
cisco. In 1905 the present priest was appointed pastor and it was through his 
efforts that the present fine building was erected. The building, which was 
begun in September, 1909, and completed in April, 1910, is Romanesque in 
style of architecture and cost $13,500. 

Father Barry was born in County Kerry, Ireland, the son of a farmer. 
At the age of fifteen years he began his studies for the priesthood, making his 
classics at St. Michael's, Listowel, then graduating from St. Patrick's, Carlow, 
Ireland, and was ordained June 17, 1897, by Bishop Foley of Ireland. There- 
after he came immediately to San Francisco, where for two years he was assist- 
ant at All Hallows church and then for seven years at St. Patrick's mission. 
As has been stated, in 1905 he was appointed to his present pastorate. He also 
attends St. Peters church at Cloverdale, a mission established about the same 
time as the Healdsburg parish, but attended by the priests from Mendocino. 
He organized the congregation, built and named the church, Our Lady of Mt. 
Carmel, at Asti. The first services at this place were held in a dining hall until 
the church was completed in 1907. That same year he made a trip to his old 
home and visited the places of interest on the continent, after which he returned 
to his duties in Healdsburg. It is due to the earnest endeavors and devotion 
to the cause that Rev. Father Barry has built up the parish to its present stand- 
ing and endeared himself to his parishioners. 



PATRICK A. SLATTERY. 
Among the native sons of California who have made a name and place for 
themselves as ranchers may be mentioned Patrick A. Slattery, a resident of 
Bloomfield district, Sonoma county, where he owns and maintains a ranch prop- 
erty that returns a good income for the efforts he expends upon it. Born in 
Bloomfield, Sonoma county, in 1862. he is a son of Michael and Katherine 
(Carroll) Slattery, both natives of Ireland, but who passed the greater part of 
their lives in California, whither they came in 1850. Michael Slattery's first 
location in Sonoma county was in Big valley, settling there in i860 and con- 
tinuing there until he came to Blucher valley in 1865. Here he purchased twc 
hundred acres of land which was the scene of his efforts throughout the remain- 
der of his life, and after his death his widow courageously took up the burden 
he laid clown. Her strength and courage were equal to the task she thus as 
sumed, and for thirty-five years she carried on the work unweariedly and with 
remarkable success. Through her long and remarkable record as a business 
woman she became well known throughout the entire community, all recog- 
nizing her ability and worth to the community, and at her death in 1902 her 
loss was generally mourned. 



1084 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Patrick A. Slattery was reared and educated in Sonoma county, and as 
soon as he was old enough he performed his part of the ranch duties. Attentive 
and faithful to his tasks, he was able to be of great assistance to his mother 
as a boy, and each year found him taking more of the burden of responsibility 
upon his young shoulders. "When the property was divided after the death 
of the mother he received as his share eighteen acres, and on this he now resides, 
making a specialty of the raising of potatoes, to which he devotes fifteen acres. 
His crop for the season of 1909 consisted of nine hundred sacks, a good yield 
and one that brought good financial returns. The remainder of the ranch is in 
hav. this crop yielding twenty-six and one-half tons, for which he received 
$11.50 a ton. 



ALBERT AXD FREDERICK ECKERT. 

Among the most enterprising young men in Salt Point township who are 
making a success of the dairy business we find Albert and Frederick Eckert, 
the former born in Bolinas, Marin county, in 1869, the latter near Sea View, 
Sonoma county, in 18S2. Their father, Peter Eckert, was of German extraction, 
coming to California in the early days, and after spending some time in San 
Francisco located in Bolinas, where he was engaged in the butcher business. 
Subsequently he purchased a ranch near Sea View, Salt Point township, Sonoma 
county, which he improved, and here he resided until his deatii, in 1888. The 
mother, whose maiden name was Lena Sichel, also of German extraction, reared 
her family on the eld homestead, and here she still resides. Of the union of 
these worthy parents were born nine children, as follows : Julius ; Albert ; 
Edward : Dora, Mrs. George E. Park ; Lillie, deceased ; Elvin ; Frederick ; John 
and Rosa, Mrs. George Call. 

Albert and Frederick Eckert were educated in the public schools and 
from boyhood they learned farming and the dairy business, so they naturally 
drifted into the business in which they are engaged. Having leased for a term 
of years the John Cooper ranch of eight hundred acres, the McCappen ranch of 
eight hundred and seventy-three acres and a ranch adjoining of two hundred 
acres, as well as the Josephine "Walsh ranch of thirty-five hundred acres, they 
maintain two dairies of one hundred cows each, besides being engaged in the 
cattle business. They manufacture butter which is sold to the San Francisco 
trade, Salt Point Creamery butter being in demand on account of its fine quality. 

The brothers are very public spirited and enterprising and there is no 
worthy enterprise but receives their support and both are well and favorably 
known in business and social affairs in their section. 



JOHN LAFRANCHI. 
While in perhaps smaller proportions than other European races have the 
Swiss identified themselves with the advancement of the United States, yet 
is their influence felt in an appreciable degree and the results of their pains- 
taking toil in every instance have proved the value of their citizenship. Occupy- 
ing a leading position among the Swiss-American residents of Sonoma county 
we mention the name of the Lafranchi family, whose former head, John, has 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1085 

entered into his eternal rest after a busy, useful existence, begun in the land 
of William Tell and completed near the shores of the Pacific ocean, remote 
from the environment familiar to his boyhood years. Genealogical records 
show that the ancestry was identified with Swiss history for many successive 
generations and John, Sr., with Mary, his wife, spent their entire lives within 
the shadow of the Alps in a quiet valley such as abound in that republic. Be- 
sides their only son, John, Jr., whose name introduces this article, they had three 
daughters, Celestina, Mary and Giovanna ; the last-named is married and the 
mother of two children. 

The scenes of homely toil in the land where he was born in 1847 remained 
familiar to John Lafranchi until his departure from his mountain home and 
the crossing of the ocean to the new world, where he proceeded direct to Cali- 
fornia. During the remainder of his life he had a home in Sonoma county 
and here for years he made a specialty of the dairy industry, in which he had 
served an apprenticeship in the old country and meanwhile had acquired a 
thorough knowledge of every detail connected therewith. Until his death, 
which occurred in June, 1906, he followed dairying and general ranching at the 
farm which he had purchased in an early day and which through his arduous 
application had been placed under cultivation to a large extent. Five hundred 
and fifty acres formed the homestead and the entire large tract remains in 
meadow and pasture, with thorough facilities for the care of the seventy cows 
comprising the dairy and for the care of the other stock kept on the place. 

The marriage of John Lafranchi united him with Miss Virginia Pozzi, a 
native of Switzerland, but an early immigrant to the United States and for 
many years an occupant of the Sonoma county farm brought into profitable 
management by her husband. There are six children in her family, namely : 
Henry, Oterino, John, William, Edward and Ida. Henry, who married Nettie 
Scott and has two sons, is engaged in operating a first-class butcher shop in 
Duncans Mills. The only daughter in the Lafranchi family is now the wife of 
Harry Roberts, of Fresno. Oterino, John and William reside in Oakland, while 
Edward E. is engaged in the wholesale and retail meat and produce business 
on the home ranch. Mrs. Lafranchi is a daughter of Thomas and Carmilla 
(Conelli) Pozzi, natives of Canton Ticino, Switzerland, their family comprising 
seven children. In the death of Mr. Lafranchi the community lost not only a 
capable dairyman, but also a loyal citizen, a kind neighbor and an accommo- 
dating friend, a man who blessed and honored his adopted county in the high 
quality of his citizenship and who passed out of life's shadows into the sunlight 
of Paradise, serene in the consciousness of a life well lived and the tasks of 
earth faithfully completed. 



WILLIAM H. ARNHART. 
What is most appreciated in any calling is proficiency and it is rarely with- 
out compensation when the possessor brings his energy and ability before the 
public. Such a man is William H. Arnhart, one of the progressive contractors 
and builders of Petaluma. He was born in Barry county, Mo., August 26, 
1869, the son of Wesley and Carrie Morris, who brought their family to Cal- 
ifornia in 1873, residing first at Woodland, and later in Nevada City, where 



io86 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

thev have followed ranching- ever since. They were the parents of five chil- 
dren, the subject of this sketch being the fifth oldest. He received his educa- 
tion in the schools of Nevada City and later took a business course in the San 
Jose State Normal. Subsequently he was apprenticed at the brick-layer and 
plasterer's trade in Yisalia, Tulare county, after which he worked at his trade 
in Fresno, San Francisco. San Jose and Palo Alto, in the last-mentioned place 
working on the Stanford University buildings for three years. He then began 
contracting and building in the following cities : Visalia, Nevada City, Reno 
(Nevada), Susanville. Lakeview (Oregon), and Eureka. This gave him a 
wide experience in the building line and made him a thorough master of his 
trade and his respective contracts were completed satisfactorily. In 1905 he 
located in Petaluma, where he immediately engaged in contracting and building. 
in which he has achieved success. Among some of the buildings he has com- 
pleted we find the following : Swiss- American Bank, Sweed Building, Realty 
Building, and Canepa building. 

Mr. Arnhart's residence is located at No. _|0 Sixth street, where he resides 
with his wife, who was Miss Lola Craig, the daughter of R. V. Craig, a 
pioneer mining man and general contractor of Reno, Nev. Mr. Arnhart is a 
member of the Odd Fellows, and Knights of Pythias, his membership being 
in Reno. He is interested in mining and holds some valuable claims in Nevada 
countv. He loves the sport of hunting and each season finds him in the moun- 
tains adding to his trophies from year to year. 



BENJAMIN J. PATOCCHI. 
There is much in the California environment to win and hold the affection 
of the people of Switzerland, as is demonstrated by a large number of her 
citizens who have come here to make their permanent homes. Among this 
number is Benjamin J. Patocchi, who was born in Canton Ticino, Switzer- 
land, May 18, 1866, and has been a resident of California since his early youth. 
No fortuitous circumstances had made his life an easy one in his native land, 
for his parents, Dominico and Benedetta Patocchi, were farmers on a small 
tract of land from which they endeavored to make a living for their family. 
The conditions by which they were surrounded proved less irksome to them 
than they did to their son, Benjamin, who when a mere boy had resolved to go 
to the far-famed land of promise. Hearing the stories of the wonderful re- 
sourcefulness of California and success achieved by his countrymen in the 
land of the golden west, it appealed to him like the tales of the Arabian Nights 
and he was not satisfied until he had obtained his widowed mother's consent, 
his father having died when he was only seven years of age. He joined a 
party who, having made one successful trip to California, were returning at 
that time. Mr. Patocchi came to the vicinity of Petaluma. where he was em- 
ployed at farming for man}- years and by strict economy and close applica- 
tion, he was enabled to purchase the ranch upon which he now lives, consist- 
ing- of one hundred and thirty acres of excellent land. His place is known as 
Live Oak Knob Ranch, and located in Chelino valley, six miles from Petaluma. 
Here he carries on the occupation for which his forefathers have been famous 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1087 

from time immemorial, dairying, which he conducts on an extensive scale, 
having a herd of thoroughbred Short Horn and Jersey cattle to maintain this 
branch of his ranch enterprise. The raising of chickens is an industry which 
is carried on with equal success. His horses are of the Norman strain, of which 
he has some very fine specimens and in which he takes great pride. A small 
family orchard in which are grown a variety of fruits common to this section 
of the country adds to the value of the ranch, which undoubtedly is one of 
the most productive and attractive in appearance in this immediate section of 
the country. Here Mr. Patocchi makes his home with his wife, no children 
having blessed their marriage. In maidenhood Mrs. Patocchi was Miss Delfina 
Martin, the daughter of Charles and Catherine (Traversi) Martin, both natives 
of Switzerland, but who have been residents of California for many years. 
They were married in Petaluma September 2, 1862, and here all of their seven 
children were born and reared. (For a fuller account of the Martin family, 
the reader is referred to the sketch of Leopold Martin, Mrs. Patocchi's brother.) 
Politically, Mr. Patocchi is a Republican and fraternally he is a member of 
Petaluma Lodge No. 901, B. P. O. E. 

It is wonderful how this man has built up a competence, coming here a 
youth of nine years, since which time success seems to have attended him on 
every hand. True, all was not smooth sailing, for he had his ups and downs, 
but he labored steadily with optimistic ambition and high standards until he has 
reached his goal, while still in middle life. He has been ably assisted by his 
wife, who is a woman of great resource and rare ability, being very much 
of a helpmate to him in every way. His mother, too, is still living, although 
across the sea, and rejoices in the achievements of her industrious son, feeling 
now, although she opposed him at the start, that his accomplishments have 
proven his venture to have been a success. 



VITALE DUFRANC. 

To those born and reared in southern France grape culture and wine- 
making come as second nature, blood transmission and environment both con- 
tributing to make it part and parcel of their being. One of those so endowed 
is V. Dufranc, the owner and proprietor of the famous Gers winery at Sebas- 
topol. Bordeaux, France, was the scene of the birth of Mr. Dufranc, and 
February 15, 1856, the date of that event. Boyhood, youth and young manhood 
were passed in that locality, in sight of the purple hills and valleys which had 
made that section of France renowned the world over for the cultivation of the 
vine. Being reared in these surroundings Mr. Dufranc would have absorbed a 
knowledge of grape-growing and wine-making even if he had not inherited 
a predilection for the business from his forefathers, who were all engaged in 
it. When he came to the United States at the age of twenty-seven years his 
chief asset was a knowdedge of the grape business from beginning to end, but 
it was not until he came to Sonoma county in 1896 that he put this knowledge 
to practical account in this country. 

The vessel which landed Mr. Dufranc on these shores cast anchor in the 
harbor of New York, and from there he made his wav westward as far as 



1088 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Chicago, 111. After working in the metropolis of the middle west for a time 
he again took up his westward way, his next stop being in Denver, Colo., and 
from there he soon set out for California, arriving in San Francisco in July, 
1884. For a short time he was employed in a restaurant in that city, remain- 
ing there until a better opportunity offered. In the meantime he was quick 
to see a good opening in the laundry business, and although he had no practical 
knowledge of the business he ventured in the undertaking, and the fact that 
he continued in the business for twelve years is ample testimony that it was 
not a failure. On disposing of his business interests in San Francisco in 1896 
he came to Sonoma county and turned his attention to his old-time business of 
wine-making. Near Sebastopol he purchased nineteen and one-half acres of 
land which he set out almost entirely to vineyard, reserving only a small portion 
upon which to plant a family orchard. As his vines came into bearing he estab- 
lished a winery for the manufacture of the grape into wine, and the general 
opinion is that the product of the Gers winery has no equal anywhere. A spe- 
cialty is made of red wines, all of which is disposed of to wholesale dealers 
only, in casks and barrels. Eight thousand gallons of wine was the output of 
the winery for the season of 1909. 

When Mr.Dufranc came to the United States in 1884 he brought with him 
his wife, who in maidenhood was Miss Jane Dentang, to whom he was married 
in France in 1882. The only child of this marriage is a son, Isidore, who was 
born in California in 1887. He has received" a good education in the schools 
of Sebastopol, and is now assisting his father in the winery. Fraternally Mr. 
Du franc is identified with two organizations, the French Lodge of Odd Fel- 
lows in San Francisco, and the Sebastopol Lodge, F. & A. M. 



MARION HART. 

Another of the captains of industry who had made a name and place for 
themselves in the states to the east before settling in this commonwealth may 
be mentioned in Marion Hart, now an extensive hop-grower in Sonoma county, 
in the vicinity of Fulton. He was born in Morgan county, III, in 1840, on the 
paternal farm, where he learned the rudiments of agricultural life under his 
father's training, the later being a life-time farmer and stock-raiser. Subse- 
quently he settled down to farm life on property of his own in that locality, 
but later disposed of it to try his luck further west, November of 1873 finding 
him established in the stock business in Clay county, Neb. The conservative 
business which he then undertook grew steadily from year to ye^r, and in 
addition to buying and shipping cattle and hogs also carried on an extensive 
grain business. Some idea of the extent of the latter business may be gathered 
from the statement that during one month alone his shipment of grain to Chi- 
cago amounted to eighty-five carloads, besides other shipments of grain to other 
markets. All of the land which he owned in Clay county, comprising five hun- 
dred and sixty acres, was under a fine state of cultivation, a part of it, how- 
ever, being reserved as range for cattle, of which he had about one hundred 
head. One season's sale of stock amounted to $3,500. 

After a successful record of over seventeen years as a general farmer and 
stock-raiser in Clay county, Neb., Mr. Hart disposed of his interests there in 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1089 

1890 and in the fall of the same year came to California, reaching the state 
on November 14. In San Francisco, where he first located, he purchased and 
conducted a lodging house for about two years, but finally disposed of it and 
coming to Sonoma county settled down to the calling with which he was more 
familiar through his long and successful career in Nebraska. Coming to Ful- 
•ton in 1891, he purchased in this vicinity twenty-one acres of land and set out 
the entire acreage to hops, with the result that he now has one of the most 
flourishing hop ranches in Sonoma county. It is no uncommon crop for his 
vines to produce one hundred bales during the season, and from the fruit trees 
which he set out for family use only, he had a yield of eleven hundred pounds 
of prunes from eleven trees. 

In Morgan county, 111., in 1861, Mr. Hart was married to Miss Laura A. 
Duncan, a native of Virginia. Eleven children were born of this marriage, 
named in the order of their birth as follows : Marshall M., who married a 
Miss Dill and resides in Nebraska ; Fannie E., the wife of Dr. Edgar, of San 
Francisco ; Mrs. Leona Hanley, of Eureka, Cal. ; Thomas, deceased ; Mrs. May 
Lewis, a resident of San Francisco ; Marion, of Stockton ; Henry, a resident 
of San Francisco ; Lulu, who is a trained nurse in Oakland ; Ella, Mrs. Gauron, 
of Oakland ; Grace P., deceased ; and Ruby Belle. In all of his undertakings 
Mr. Hart has had the co-operation of his faithful wife, who throughout their 
married life of nearly fifty years has been a helpmate indeed. Fraternally Mr. 
Hart is identified with the Masonic order, having attained the Royal Arch 
degree. 



GUISSEPI ZANOLINI. 

An illustration of the prosperity which has rewarded the efforts of our 
Swiss-American citizens may be found in the life of Guissepi Zanolini, who for 
thirty-five years has been identified with the interests of Sonoma county, and 
has won recognition as a steady-going, industrious rancher. Without energy 
and resolute determination he could not have attained to his present station in 
the community. Nature endowed him with the faculties necessary in the strug- 
gle for a livelihood in a new country. With the keen mind of his family he soon 
acquired a thorough knowledge of the English language, which he now speaks 
with ease and fluency. One of his noticeable traits is his love of system and 
order, everything about the ranch and its appointments speaking eloquently of 
this characteristic of the owner. 

Guissepi Zanolini was born in Canton Ticino, Switzerland, in 1853, and 
under the careful training of his parents was prepared for the responsibilities of 
life. He remained an inmate of the parental home until he was twenty-two 
years of age, when, in 1875, he followed others of his countrymen to the land 
of the free. The same year that he landed on these shores he came to California 
and to Sonoma county, and this particular section has benefited by his citizen- 
ship ever since. Not far from Healdsburg, in Russian River township, he owns 
five hundred and sixty and a-half acres, one of the largest acreages in the pos- 
session of one person in this section of country. Besides this large holding he 
also owns six valuable lots in Healdsburg. Of the ranch, fifteen acres are 
in young vineyard, in fine condition, and when in bearing will yield a splendid 
57 



1090 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

annual income to the owner. Here he has a dairy of forty cows, which is the 
chief income of the ranch, besides which Mr. Zanolini has three fine horses 
which he expects to sell at good prices. It speaks well for the care which the 
owner bestows on the ranch, when it is said that during the year 1909 its valua- 
tion increased $1,200. Besides his ranch he rents two hundred and sixty acres 
for dairy purposes in the neighborhood of Belleview, where he milks about 
thirty cows. 

In all of his aims and ambitions Mr. Zanolini has had the encouragement 
of his wife, who before her marriage was Miss Carolina Piezzi, who was born 
in Switzerland in 1863. Born of their marriage, which occurred in March, 
1885. are the following children, four sons and two daughters: William, Sil- 
via, Milo, Fred, Josephine and Jennie. The parents were reared to a belief in 
the tenets of the Roman Catholic faith, and in this faith they are also rearing 
their children, the family being communicants of the Catholic church at Healds- 
burg. Politically Mr. Zanolini is a Republican. 



TOGNI & DADO. 

The dairy industry has engaged the intelligent activities of Togni & Dado, 
who by dint of strenuous application have established a growing business in 
the line of their specialty and also have gained a wide reputation for the suc- 
cessful prosecution of their chosen occupation. The ranch which they utilize 
for dairying comprises nine hundred and ninety-four acres in one body, situ- 
ated twelve miles from Petaluma. One hundred and thirty acres are under 
cultivation to farm crops and the balance is utilized for the pasturage of the 
stock, including ten head of hogs, six head of work horses and one hundred 
and seventy head of cows. At this writing one hundred and thirty cows are 
milked, and they furnish an average income of $60 per head each year, over and 
above expenses. Separators are used in extracting the cream from the milk, 
and the former finds a ready market at the highest prices. The partners de- 
vote themselves assiduously to the management of the dairy and have little 
leisure for participation in local political or religious affairs, although they cast 
their ballots for Republican candidates at all elections and adhere to the doc- 
trines of the Roman Catholic Church with zealous sincerity. When they find a 
few hours of leisure in the midst of their many duties they enjoy taking their 
fishing tackle and bait and try their skill as fishermen. 

The senior member of the firm, Michael Togni, was born in Switzerland 
in 1867 and came to California in 1881, settling in the locality of his present 
residence, and since 1902 engaging with his partner in the dairy business. The 
younger member of the firm, Silvio J. Dado, was born in Marin county, Cal., 
in August, 1877, and is a son of Paul and Catherine (Togni) Dado, natives of 
Switzerland, the former born in 1840 and the latter in 1852. The father fol- 
lowed the occupation of a dairyman and the children early learned all of the 
details connected with the industry, so that the junior member of the firm of 
Togni & Dado was well qualified, in embarking upon the occupation, to conduct 
it along economical and sagacious lines of procedure. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1091 

Included in the family of Paul Dado there were eleven children, named 
as follows : Attilio, Silvio, Leo, Belinda, Corina, Delfina. Evelina, Florinda, 
Julia, Valeria and Irene. The eldest daughter, Belinda, Mrs. F. Casarotti, is 
a resident of Marin county and has become the mother of five children, those 
living being Charles, Ernest, Walter and Irene. Corina, Mrs. A. Bettinelli, 
who is living in Marin county, has had a family of ten children, those living 
being as follows: Paul, Lawrence, Alvena, Olymphio. Everest, Genevieve, 
Cora, Elma and Irene. Delfina, who married A. Garzoli. has one daughter, 
Mary, and lives at Nicasio, Marin county, Cal. Evelina, Mrs. S. Gambonini, 
resides at Marshall and has one child. Ray. Florinda married Joseph Garzoli 
and has three children, Clito, Leo and Frances. Irene, Mrs. P. G. Bloom, 
makes her home in Marin county. 



SYLVESTER GREPPI. 

When Mr. Greppi came to this country from Switzerland over thirty-five 
years ago he brought with him a valuable asset in his knowledge of the dairying 
business as conducted in his native land, and it is to this knowledge that he gives 
credit for the splendid success he has had on this side of the Atlantic. His 
dairy, which is supplied by thirty-six cows, is only a part of the ranch enter- 
prise which he maintains near Petaluma, for he also has a large hennery of two 
thousand laying hens, which in addition to the stock which he raises as well as 
general produce, brings an income that is commensurate with the labor of the 
industrious owner. 

Mr Greppi's earliest recollections are of a home in Switzerland, his birth 
occurring in the canton of Ticino in 1847, and in the vicinity of his birthplace 
he passed his boyhood, youth and young manhood. He was about twenty-seven 
years of age when, in 1875, he broke the bonds that bound him to the home land, 
the year just mentioned witnessing his embarkation for the United States. Many 
of his countrymen preceded him to California, and it was through their solic- 
itation that he ventured to leave home and begin life anew in the midst of 
untried conditions. He therefore lost no time in looking about for any other lo- 
cation, and as soon as he reached the port for which his vessel was destined, 
continued his journey until he reached California. Sonoma county, where so 
many of his countrymen were located, was his point of destination, and with their 
assistance he readily found employment as a ranch hand. The steady, persever- 
ing and industrious traits that are so strongly marked in Mr. Greppi's make-up 
were at no time more noticeable than during the years that he worked in fhe 
employ of others in order to secure the means with which to purchase a ranch 
of his own. It was with considerable satisfaction that in 1902 he purchased the 
ranch on which he now resides, on Rural Route No. 4 from Petaluma. Here 
he has two hundred and thirty acres of productive land, a large portion of which 
is in hay and grain, six acres in potatoes, besides which he maintains a dairy of 
thirty-six cows, his income from this latter source alone during the year 1909 
being $1,800. He also has ten head of fine stock, of the Jersey and Ayrshire 
breed, seven head of horses of high grade, besides two thousand laying hens. 
Great credit is due Mr. Greppi for the large and thrifty enterprise that he has 



1092 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

created in a comparatively short time, and his efforts and their results may be 
taken as a guide for others who are forced to begin life emptyhanded. 

In his marriage Mr. Greppi chose one of his country women in Miss Del- 
phina Mattei, who was born in Switzerland in 1866. Six children have been 
born of this marriage, three sons and three daughters, as follows : Eduardo, 
Olympio, Chester, Edith, Silvia and Olga. 



JOSEPH TRAVERSE 

Born in Cevio, Canton Ticino, Switzerland, December 23, 1853, Joseph 
Traversi is a son of Charles and Mary (Cristofanini) Traversi, both natives of 
Ticino. The father, who followed contracting and building, died in 1859, when 
Joseph was six years of age, and several years later the mother also died. The 
parental family included nine children, of whom three of the, sons immigrated to 
Australia, three sons and two daughters came to America, and one son still re- 
sides in Switzerland. 

The subject of this sketch was the second youngest of the family and was 
educated in the public schools near his home until twelve years of age when, on 
October 16, 1866, he started for California, coming by way of Liverpool to New 
York, thence by way of the Isthmus of Panama to San Francisco. After land- 
ing December 14, 1866, he immediately made his way to Petaluma and thence 
to the ranch of Charles Martin, in Chelino valley. He had borrowed money to 
make the trip and was $110 in debt on his arrival. He worked for three years 
for Mr. Martin and during this time went to school off and on for about four 
months. He was very industrious and steady, applying himself so close that it 
was almost two years before he went saiy distance from the ranch and that was 
a trip to Petaluma to a Fourth of July celebration, the scenes and magnificent 
display of the Glorious Fourth making a lasting impression on him. In 1869 
he was employed by Thomas Ragsdall on the ranch adjoining Martin's for two 
years, then he and three other young men leased a ranch on Tomales Bay. To 
stock this they borrowed money at eighteen per cent interest and ran a dairy, 
continuing there until 1877, when they dissolved and Mr. Traversi located at 
Nicasio and leased a dairy of one thousand acres, where he milked an average of 
one hundred and twenty cows and whence he made a very remarkable success, 
remaining on the place for a period of twenty-eight years. 

In 1904 Mr. Traversi sold his stock and located in Petaluma, where he 
built a modern residence at No. 515 Walnut street, and where he resides with 
his family, putting in his time in looking after his varied interests. With Mr. 
Tomasini he owns six hundred and fifty acres near Nicasio, which they lease 
for a dairy, and with the Martins, Blooms and Respinis he owns a one-eighth 
interest in the Santa Ysabel rancho in San Diego county, a valuable tract of 
land of eighteen thousand acres. Individually he owns a ranch of one thousand 
and ten acres near Nicasio that is rented as a dairy and also a four hundred 
acre dairy ranch between Navato and Ignacio in Marin county. This demon- 
strates how successful he has been and his interests are not confined to land, 
but he was one of the organizers of the Swiss-American Bank in Petaluma, of 
which he is a director, and is also a stockholder in the Swiss-American Bank 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1093 

(Banca Svizzera Americana) of Locarno near his old home in Ticino. In Peta- 
luma, CaL, occurred his marriage with Miss Benie Bloom, who was born in 
Olema, Marin county, the daughter of Joseph Bloom, an early pioneer and large 
farmer of that county. Of this union two children were born, Josephine and 
Charles J. 

Mr. Traversi has never sought political preferment, but is a straight out- 
and-out Republican. He is a man who had to begin at the bottom of the ladder, 
having no resources but youth, health and a determination to succeed in spite of 
obstacles. His energy being directed in the right way he was able to surmount 
difficulties and is now able to live retired in the enjoyment of the luxury that 
wealth and independence bring. He is much appreciated by his business asso- 
ciates and friends for his integrity and worth and there are many who admire 
him for his many acts of kindness and charity to those who have been less for- 
tunate than he, and those that are deserving are never turned away empty- 
nanded when they appeal to him for aid. The prosperity of the county would be 
assured were there more men and women of the same breadth of mind as Mr. 
and Mrs. Traversi. 



LOUIS STORNETTA. 

A man of sterling worth and integrity, who, through his own efforts, has 
won his present high position in the agricultural community of Sonoma county, 
Louis Stornetta, of Petaluma, is a fine representative of the self-made men 
who have come to California from across the seas, and while laboring hard 
to advance their own prosperity, have not been unmindful of the material inter- 
ests of their adopted country. A little over twenty years ago Mr. Stornetta 
came to the Pacific coast empty-handed and alone, and by the application of 
native energy and perseverance he has in the meantime become the owner of a 
fine ranch near Petaluma and has acquired a standing and recognition among 
his fellow-citizens of which he is in every way deserving. 

Louis Stornetta was born in Switzerland in March, 1870, the son of Joseph 
and Louisa (Mossi) Stornetta, they too being natives of that country. The 
father was a farmer and dairyman and all of his children were brought up to a 
practical knowledge of the business whereby he was enabled to maintain his 
family, which consisted of five sons and one daughter, Charles, Vincenzo, Rocco, 
Dominico, Louis and Mary. The eldest son, Charles, married Mary Crivelli 
and has two children. Vincenzo is also married and the father of two children. 
Rocco and his wife, formerly Josephine Bassi, have one daughter. Dominico 
is also married and the father of one child. 

When he was eighteen years of age Louis Stornetta felt competent to strike 
out in the world in his own behalf, and the year 1888 found him among the 
immigrants who landed on our eastern shore. California was his ultimate des- 
tination, however, and the same year found him in Sonoma county, where his 
quest for labor on the dairy ranches which abound here met with a ready re- 
sponse, for his knowledge of the business was quickly recognized. From the 
first his services were in demand, and he continued in the employ of others 
until he was financially able to purchase the stock and lease the ranch on which 
he now lives, consisting of two hundred and thirty-six acres of excellent land 



io94 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

not far from Petaluma. Here he maintains a dairy business supported by 
forty-five cows, besides which he has young stock which will ultimately increase 
his dairy business. Besides the stock mentioned he has four head of horses 
and a number of hogs and between one thousand and two thousand White Leg- 
horn chickens. Not only is Mr. Stornetta steadily increasing the size of his 
dairy, but he is also giving special attention in this direction to his poultry busi- 
ness, for in this department of agriculture he sees remarkable possibilities. At 
the present time the earning capacity of each hen is $i. Taken in its entirety 
the ranch which he leases is one of the most productive in this section of the 
county, and he is looked upon as an authority in both the dairy and poultry 
industries, an honor which is justly his, for he has made a scientific study of 
both and brought them to a high point of excellence. 

Mr. Stornetta's marriage united him with Miss Mary Cattaneo, who was 
born in Switzerland in 1884, and three children have been born to them, Joseph 
C. Theodore G. and Louis A. Mrs. Stornetta was one of a large family born 
to her parents, George and Mary (Antognini) Cattaneo, both natives of Swit- 
zerland, the former born in the year 1850. Politically Mr. Stornetta is a Re- 
publican, and with his family he is a communicant of the Roman Catholic 
Church of Petaluma. Fraternally he is identified with the Druids Lodge of 
Sonoma, and also with the Swiss Benefit Association of San Francisco. 



LOUIS VALENTINI. 

1 he densely populated countries of the old world have contributed of 
their sons to aid in the agricultural development of the western continent. A 
considerable proportion of these immigrants have come from Italy, bringing 
with them their capacity for hard work and willingness to forego every luxury 
until a foothold has been gained in whatever section of country in which they 
elect to locate. Sonoma count}-. Cal., has profited by a goodly representation 
of these thrifty settlers, and among the number mention may be made of Louis 
Yalentini, whose ranch near Guerneville is indicative of the industry of the 
owner. 

Born near the city of Lucca, Italy, in 1862. Louis Valentini continued in 
the country of his birth until grown to manhood years, and he had been married 
ten years when, in 1900, he set out with his wife and little family for the land 
of the free. A voyage across the Atlantic ocean of several days finally brought 
them to the new world, and from the- port of landing they immediately made 
arrangements for transportation to the Pacific coast, where it was the purpose 
of the parents to settle and rear their children. In Sonoma county, Cal., near 
Guerneville, Mr. Valentini and his partner. Napoleon Yalentini, selected a fine 
tract of two hundred and thirty-four acres, the greater part of which was in 
timber, but of this six acres have been cleared and placed under cultivation to 
the grape, and it is their intention to continue the clearing of the land as rap- 
idly as possible and enlarge the vineyard. 

In Italy, in 1890, Mr. Valentini was united in marriage with Miss Zaira 
Giannini, and the following children have been born to them : William, Renaldo. 
Armado, George, Valentino and Mar}-. Both Mr. and Mrs. Yalentini were 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1095 

reared in the faith of the Catholic Church, and they in turn are rearing their 
children in the same faith. As a citizen Mr. Valentini exhibits a hearty interest 
in the promotion of the well being of his community, and takes a deep interest 
in the welfare of the state and nation, and each year he realizes more and more 
forcibly what his removal to this country has meant to him and to his family, 
not only in a financial sense, but in breadth of sympathy for his fellowmen and 
for humanity in general. 



GENESIO ROSSELLI. 

The acquisition of large landed tracts in Sonoma county either by purchase 
or by lease is indicative of the thrifty, progressive spirit of our Swiss-Amer- 
ican citizens, who, coming across the ocean with no capital except industrious 
habits and robust constitutions, have risen to positions of local prominence solely 
through their unaided efforts. As tillers of the soil they are energetic and saga- 
cious, while in the dairy industry they display a wise discrimination and pru- 
dent management excelled by no race represented in the west. The qualities 
possessed by Mr. Rosselli will place him in the forefront among his country- 
men in this locality. While his residence in this county is not of long duration 
(dating from the year 1902). he has become well known as a shrewd, resource- 
ful rancher, alert in everything pertaining to his chosen occupation. The 
estate which he operates consists of one hundred and eighty-five acres of land. 
a part of which is utilized for the raising of farm crops and the balance fur- 
nishes a pasturage for thirty head of cows and four work horses. Considerable 
attention is being given now to the poultry industry and the yards contain 
fifteen hundred chickens, the output of eggs and fowls adding materially to 
the annual income. 

Born in Switzerland in 1862, Genesio Rosselli is a son of John and Candida 
(Bazzini) Rosselli, also natives of that country, the father born in 1832 and 
reared and married in his native land. As early as 1856 he sought the mines 
of California. The trip was one of indescribable hardship. Provisions on the 
ship became so nearly exhausted that the passengers subsisted on hard tack 
and stale butter. Finally, after a voyage of six months around the Horn, the 
vessel cast anchor in, the harbor of San Francisco and relief came to the suffer- 
ing men on board. The Swiss emigrant proceeded to the mines of Placer 
county, and for some time he endeavored to find a fortune in the earth, but 
his luck was only that of the average miner and, disappointed, he returned to 
his home in the old world. There were five sons in his family, Genesio, Peter, 
Joseph, Theodore and Mario. The second-named married Mary Pedretti and 
has two children. Joseph is married and has four children, three of whom are 
living, Virgilo, Victorina and Jennie. 

After having completed the studies of the Swiss common schools and later 
having acquired a thorough knowledge of the dairy business, in 1884 Genesio 
Rosselli came to the United States, sailing on a steamer from Havre to New 
York City and thence traveling to the western coast by train. Immediately- 
after his arrival he secured employment on a ranch and for eighteen years he 
worked in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, whence he came to 
Sonoma countv and settled on a ranch near Petaluma. To aid him in his effort 



iooo HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

to secure a competency he has had the assistance of a capable, economical wife, 
who possesses the amiable and industrious qualities for which the Swiss women 
are noted. Born in Switzerland in 1866, Mary Bazzini was one of four chil- 
dren, the others being John, Mark and Agata, Mrs. Moses Manni. John mar- 
ried Mary Berta. Mark chose Eda Carigiti as his wife and they now have five 
children, Richard, Emiliel, Louisa, Victorina and Evaline. Mrs. Manni has 
one son, Damiano, a namesake of her father, Damiano Bazzini, who was a life- 
long resident of his native Switzerland. The family of Mr. Rosselli comprises 
two sons and one daughter, Elvezio, John and Candida. In religious faith Mr. 
Rosselli is devotedly attached to the doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church, 
and he and his wife have been generous in their contributions to its maintenance. 
Since becoming an American citizen he has voted with the Republican party at 
all national elections and in every way he has endeavored to discharge the 
obligations resting upon him as a patriotic, progressive resident of our state. 



ANTONIO MAESTRETTI. 

We who have always enjoyed the privilege of citizenship in a free country, 
where the rights of each are limited only as they encroach upon the rights of 
others, can scarcely realize the sense of freedom with which those born under 
less favorable conditions come to our shores, and after finding the particular 
locality in which they wish to settle, devote all their energies faithfully to the 
improvement of the land and their sympathies and activities to the upbuilding 
of the community. Among those who have taken advantage of the privileges 
which the United States offers to young men of undaunted perseverance is A. 
Maestretti, who though a native of the republic of Switzerland, realized early in 
life that this larger and older republic offered a larger field of activity than 
his own. 

Born in the canton of Ticino, Switzerland, in 1854, A. Maestretti is a son 
of Peter and Angelina Maestretti, the former of whom was born in that same 
country in 1803, the latter also being a native and life-time resident of Switzer- 
land. Eight children, four sons and four daughters, were born of this marriage, 
Angelo, James, Amily, Antonio, Catherine, Francesca, Josephine and Angeline. 
Leaving his wife and children in Switzerland, in 1854, the sa'me year in which our 
subject was born, the father came to the United States on a tour of inspection, 
attracted hither on account of the gold excitement of that period. After landing 
at the eastern port he re-embarked in a vessel bound for the Isthmus of Panama, 
and after crossing that body of land, re-embarked on another vessel that brought 
him to the coast of California. The records do not state further details of his 
experiences in this country, but it is safe to presume that he returned to his native 
land and rounded out his career in the country in which he was born and in 
which he had passed fifty years before coming to this country. Next to the oldest 
son in the parental family, James married Miss Sarah Merchand, by whom he 
has four children, one son and three daughters. Amily chose as his wife Meda 
Orr, and they and their eight children are residents of Sacramento, Cal. 

Antonio Maestretti was a youth of nineteen years when he set sail for the 
United States in 1873. He, too, was attracted to California, for a different 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1097 

reason, however, than the one which had attracted his father here nearly twenty 
years previously. The gold excitement was no longer the attraction to this sec- 
tion of country, but the more enduring possibilities of agriculture were attract- 
ing a class of citizens that was destined to be permanent and enduring. After a 
residence of thirty-seven years in this section of the country Mr. Maestretti has 
nothing but praise to say of it, for here he has been enabled to progress in a way 
which would not have been possible in his native country. He leases a ranch of 
one hundred acres near Petaluma, on Rural Route No. 5, where he maintains a 
dairy ranch of fifteen cows, besides considerable young stock, and he also raises 
chickens, having two thousand at the present time. Three head of work horses 
and other stock find ample pasturage on the land not in hay or not occupied by 
the dairy or chicken industries. This business does not represent all of Mr. 
Maestretti's interests, for he is the owner of two valuable business properties in 
Petaluma, one at the corner of Bodega and Baker streets, and the other at Baker 
and Stanley streets. 

Before her marriage Mrs. Maestretti was Miss Lidia Maestretti, and was 
born in Switzerland in 1878. Three children have been born to Mr. Maestretti 
and his wife, Peter M., John B. and Mary Rose. The family are communicants 
of the Roman Catholic Church of Petaluma, and politically Mr. Maestretti is a 
Republican. Since 1883 he has held membership in the Odd Fellows order, and 
is an active and interested member of his lodge. 



CARLOS NICOLETTI. 

Yet another of the sons of Italy who are contentedly settled in California 
is Carlos Nicoletti, a rancher in Mendocino township, Sonoma county, where he 
is reaping the benefit of his labors and enjoying comforts which are unknown 
to his countrymen across the water. Born in Italy in 1863, he was a young man 
of about eighteen years when he began to put into execution, plans which he had 
laid for his future, the beginning of which was his immigration to the new world 
at that time. Stories of the opportunities awaiting his countrymen in California 
had reached his ears, and with this section of country as the goal of his ambition 
he at once secured transportation from the seaport town at which the ocean 
vessel landed him. 

The year 1892 marks the date of Mr. Nicoletti's arrival in Sonoma county, 
where he now owns a ranch of one hundred and fifty acres, as fine and pro- 
ductive a tract of land as may be found in the township. Fifteen acres are in 
vineyard, from which he gathered ten tons of grapes during the season of 1909, 
four acres are in hay and pasture, while the remainder of the land is in standing 
timber. With the aid of two horses and the necessary farm implements he keeps 
the land in splendid condition and in so doing keeps his ranch up to a high stan- 
dard of production. 

Mr. Nicoletti's marriage united him with one of Italy's daughters in Miss 
Zeffira Puccioni, who was born in 1867. Six children, equally divided as to sons 
and daughters, were born to them, as follows : Eugeno, Virgie, Joseph, Mary, 



IOQ.S HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Nello and Eva. All of the family are devout members of the Roman Catholic 
Church, attending the church of that faith at Healdsburg. Mr. Nicoletti has 
not attached himself to either of the political parties, being independent in his 
views, and casting his vote as his conscience dictates. 



REV. JEREMIAH LEAHY. 

The pastor of St. Vincent's Church, Petaluma, Rev. Jeremiah Leahy, 
came to California in 1888 and has been an active worker in the church ever 
since. St. Vincent's was visited in the early days by priests of St. Vincent's 
Orphan Asylum ; later it was established as a parish, in 1857, with Rev. L. A. 
Auges, as parish priest. The first church building was erected on Keokuk 
and Prospect streets, and for some time the congregation worshipped there. 
In 1859 R ev - Father Leotens succeeded to the incumbency and afterwards he 
became Bishop of Vancouver, B. C. Next came the Rev. Peter Birmingham, 
then Father J. F. Harrington, and next Rev. F. L. Scanlon (later Bishop of 
Salt I^ke), who nine months later was succeeded by Rev. Father J. F. Geary, 
who continued as pastor during the erection of the building. He came in 1873, 
and soon afterwards the present site comprising about three-quarters of a block 
between Western avenue and Bassett street and Liberty and Howard streets, 
was purchased. He erected the present church building about 1876, and a large 
parochial residence about 1881. Two blocks away on Union, between Keokuk 
and Howard streets, this enterprising priest purchased the site and built St. 
Vincent's Academy, and in 1887 tne Convent of the Sisters of Charity of the 
Blessed Virgin Mary. The Academy is for boys and girls, and aside from 
the grammar department they have a commercial and high school course which 
is in charge of the above-mentioned Sisters. Rev. Father J. F. Cleary contin- 
ued as pastor until 1908, when he became incapacitated and retired. He is now 
residing at the old home in which he was born in County Wexford, Ireland. 
He was a graduate of All Hallows College, Dublin, completing the course in 
June, 1871, and coming immediately to San Francisco, Cal., where for two 
years he was assistant to Father King, of the Immaculate Conception Parish 
at Oakland, remaining there until his appointment to St. Vincent's in 1873 by 
Archbishop Alemeny. On his retirement, Father E. J. Doran was appointed 
administrator of St. Vincent's, and he was succeeded by Rev. Jeremiah Leahy 
in January, 191 1. 

Rev. Jeremiah Leahy was born in County Kerry, Ireland, and was gradu- 
ated from All Hallow's College, Dublin, and ordained June 24, 1888, by Bishop 
Moore, of St. Ballarat, Australia, for the San Francisco diocese. Coming to 
California in the summer of 1888. Father Leahy immediately became assistant 
to Father Cleary at St. Vincent's Church, Petaluma, with whom he worked in 
harmony for eleven years, leaving to accept the pastorate of St. Francis de 
Solano at Sonoma. While there, he built the church at Glen Ellen, and aided 
in the restoration of the old mission at Sonoma, now the property of the state. 
After nine years of service at St. Francis, during which period he endeared 
himself to the hearts of his parishioners by the faithful discharge of his duties, 
he was sent to Stockton, Cal.. as administrator to Father O'Connor, of St. 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1099 

Mary's Church, serving there until January, 191 1, when he was appointed to 
St. Vincent's. In June, 191 1, Father Clean's resignation was accepted by 
Archbishop Riordan, who thereupon appointed Rev. Jeremiah Leahy pastor of 
St. Vincent's Church in Petaluma. Father Leahy now devotes all his time and 
energy to this parish, and is ably assisted in his work by Rev. M. M. O'Shea 
and Rev. Alfred M. deSousa. 

St. Vincent's congregation .numbers about two thousand, and is one of 
the must successful churches in the county. In addition to the arduous duties 
of St. Vincent's Parish, Father Leahy has charge of the Mission of St. Joseph 
at Cotati between Petaluma and Santa Rosa. He also has charge of the Church 
of the Holy Ghost in the Wilson district, five miles west of the city of Peta- 
luma, the three places making a grand total of two thousand, five hundred par- 
ishioners. Father Leahy is a saintly man of splendid character, well qualified 
for the discharge of the important pastorate that is his. His practical teachings, 
as well as his own private life, having done much to influence for good the com- 
munity in which he resides. 



MICHAEL KEOUGH. 

An honored position among the farmers of Sonoma county is held by the 
well-known Irish-American citizen whose name introduces this article and whose 
personality is familiar to man)- of the pioneers of the region. As his name 
indicates, he is of Irish nativity and extraction and belongs to a family for many 
generations associated with the Emerald Isle, whence emigration was made to 
Canada in 1847 when Michael was a child of four years. The memories of his 
native land are therefore misty in outline, having left no permanent impress upon 
his mind, but he recalls vividly the sojourn of four years near Montreal, Canada, 
and the migration from there across the St. Lawrence river to New York, from 
which state a return to Canada was made in three years. Hence his education 
was obtained principally in Canadian schools. The further advantage was his 
of inheritance of a cheerful, optimistic temperament from Irish progenitors. 
In addition an early contact with Americans developed qualities of energy and 
determination inseparable from permanent progress. 

Coming via the isthmus to California during the year 1869 Mr. Keough 
secured employment as a stage-driver on the old overland route and for a con- 
siderable period he continued in this hazardous work, but eventually he turned 
to agriculture as a more congenial occupation and for many years he has been 
engaged in general farming in Sonoma county. After coming here he was 
united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Green, who was born in Pennsylvania 
in i860. Two daughters blessed their union. The elder, Christie, is the wife 
of C. H. Danger, and the younger, Minnie, married J. J. Pennery. Mrs. Keough 
is a daughter of Carl Green, a German who came to the United States in 1856 
and settled in Pennsylvania. In the Green family there were five children, 
William, Mary, Barbara., Louie and Elizabeth. William married Eliza Hulp 
and has one child. Mary, Mrs. William Little, has four children, Carlton, Ivan, 
Glac'vs and Christina. Barbara is married and has four daughters, and Louie 
also is the mother of four children. 



noo HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

Tracing the genealogy of the Keough family it is ascertained that previous 
generations lived in Ireland as far back as the record can be traced. George 
Keough, who was born in Ireland in 1807, married Mary Devereaux, who was 
born there in 1S18. Their family comprised eight children, namely: Michael, 
John, George, Philip, Susan, Josephine, Minnie and Mary Ann. John is married 
and has a son, George. George married Mary Bowler and has two children, 
Charles and Inez. Philip, who makes his home at Bishop, Inyo county, married 
Nora Hall and has four children, Chester, Carl, Merle and Edna. Susan, Mrs. 
Richard Fulfurd, has six children, four of them being named George, John, 
Richard and Elizabeth. Josephine is married and the mother of four children. 
Minnie. Mrs. George Robinson, has a daughter, Mollie. Mary Ann, Mrs. John 
Waysort, has a family of four children. 

Since establishing his home in Sonoma county and taking up agricultural 
activities Mr. Keough has been interested in other movements besides such as 
are identified with his own occupation. It is said that he always gives his 
support to progressive projects for the general welfare. Whenever any move- 
ment is brought forward for the ultimate good of the community he is ready to 
promote its success and contribute to its assistance. When a few progressive 
men first broached the subject of a telephone line he took up the movement 
with enthusiasm and contributed to the establishment of the system, since which 
time he has served as president of the local telephone line. Educational work 
also receives his stanch support. A firm believer in the inestimable value of the 
public-school system, he aids all enterprises for the advancement of its standard 
of education and the increasing of its usefulness. As school trustee he has 
rendered valuable service gratuitously to his district and by all means in his 
power has endeavored to advance the welfare of the school. At his home he 
is to be found busily engaged in caring for his tract of one hundred and fifteen 
acres, much of which is under cultivation to grain or in meadow, while five 
acres are planted to fruits of the choicest varieties. To some extent he also 
specializes in chickens and at this writing has on his farm a drove of six hundred 
hens, the income from which adds materially to his annual receipts. 



GILO QUANCHI. 

When the final history of California shall have been written it will be found 
to contain worthy mention of the natives of Switzerland who have found within 
her borders opportunities for becoming landowners and the development of 
latent possibilities within themselves to which it was impossible to give ex- 
pression in their own country, owing to her narrow confines. In giving vent 
to their capabilities these immigrants have not only reaped an incalculable 
benefit themselves, but they have conferred an equal benefit upon the locality 
in which they have settled, their qualities of thrift and perseverance being the 
foundation stone of their character and therefore of their success. 

Gilo Quanchi, Sr., was born in Switzerland in 1829, and it was not until 
he was well advanced in years that he came to the United States with his wife 
in 1896. Before her marriage the mother was Albini Janezzi, and the chil- 
dren consisted of two sons and one daughter, Joseph, Gilo and Josie. Joseph 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY iioi 

married Filomena Riccoli, by which he has one child; Jpsie is the wife of Spiro 
Magistocchi and the mother of one child, Violet. 

Gilo Quanchi, Jr., chose as his wife Edah Bolla, who was born in Sonoma 
county in 1888, the daughter of Peter Bolla. who was born in Switzerland in 
1845. Four children were born of his marriage with Olivia Fillippini, as fol- 
lows : Olympio, Elvetzio, Olivia and Edah. In close proximity to Petaluma 
Mr. Quanchi leased a fine ranch property consisting of eighty acres, of which 
thirty acres were in orchard, a specialty being made of raising apples, cherries 
and quinces, all of which fruits flourish in this section. On a portion of the 
remaining land pasturage was given to twelve cows, besides which Mr. Quanchi 
raised chickens on a large scale, at one time having one thousand fine Leghorns 
in his flock. Mr. Quanchi was successfully engaged in the management of his 
ranch until the death of his wife, December 13, 1910, when he gave up the ranch 
and has since been employed at farming. He is a communicant of the Roman 
Catholic Church, as was also his wife, and in his political belief he is a Re- 
publican. 



ROMILDO LOUIS MAZZA. 

A few miles from Petaluma may be seen the fine ranch property belonging 
to Luigi Mazza, and leased to his son R. L. Mazza, who is one of the younger 
generation of ranchers in this section of Sonoma county. Although he is a na- 
tive of this part of California, his birth occurring in Tocaloma, Marin county, 
in 1875, he is the descendant of a long line of Swiss ancestors and possesses all 
of the admirable traits that have made the citizens of that little republic so 
heartily welcomed wherever they have chanced to locate. 

Luigi Mazza was the establisher of the name on this side <~>f the Atlantic. 
He was born in Switzerland in 1836, and upon reaching years of maturity had 
endeavored to make himself content with the advantages and opportunities for 
progress which his native country offered, but these paled into insignificance 
before the unlimited chances for advancement which he had been told would be 
his for the seeking on this continent. He was thirty-four years of age when, 
in 1870, he set sail for the United States, and after landing from the vessel- at 
the eastern port of New York, he re-embarked on a vessel bound for the Isthmus 
of Panama, and on the Pacific side of the Isthmus, took passage on another vessel 
which finally landed him in the Golden Gate. Going from there to Marin county, 
he established a home in Tocaloma, and it was there that his son R. L. was born 
five years later. In his wife, who before her marriage was Lucia Giacomini, and 
who was born in Switzerland in 1846, Mr. Mazza had a true helpmate and sym- 
pathetic companion. Eight children enlivened this household, three sons and 
five daughters, Romildo, William, Samuel, Nellie, Olympia, Alma, Kate and 
Dina. The latter is a half-sister, being the daughter of the mother's first mar- 
riage, to Mr. Mazza's older brother. The eldest of the daughters, Nellie, be- 
came the wife of Louis Henrioulle ; Dina became the wife of Peter Silacci. and 
the mother of three children, Wilford, George and Edwina; Alma is the wife 
of Clorindo Bloom. 

With his brothers and sisters R. L. Mazza attended the schools of Toca- 
loma, Marin county, and when not in school he was performing duties about the 



iio2 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

home ranch. It was in this way that he became familiar with ranching and was 
enabled to undertake the responsibilities of a ranch of his own at so early an 
age and with such splendid success. Near Petaluma he leases a tract of eight 
hundred and forty-four acres of his father's land, of which forty-five acres 
are under cultivation, while the remainder of the land gives ample pasturage 
to one hundred cows, twenty-five head of young stock and heavy horses, besides 
which he engages to some extent in the poultry business. 

At Liberty Station, Cal.. Mr. Mazza was united in marriage with Miss 
Jennie Soldati, in 1906, and one son, Francis, has been born to them. Mrs. 
Mazza is the daughter of Alexander Soldati, a native of Switzerland, born 
November 14, 1854, and his wife, formerly Louisa Bianchini. Eight children 
were born to Mr. and Mrs. Soldati, as follows : Flevio, Marino, Corina, Jennie, 
Vina, Alice, Palma and Effie. Corina is the wife of Louis Pomi and the mother of 
one son ; Vina is the wife of William Nonella and the mother of a daughter, 
Mabel; and Jennie is Mrs. Mazza. Both Mr. Mazza and his wife were reared 
in the faith of the Roman Catholic Church, and their child's training has been 
along the same line of faith. Politically Mr. Mazza is not attached to either 
of the great political parties, but reserves the right to vote for the man who. 
in his opinion, is best suited for the political office in question. 



GIOVANI COMBI. 

One of the native-born sons of Italy who has benefited by transferring his 
efforts to the United States, and who by indefatigable labors is reaping a degree 
of success impossible in the country of his birth, is Giovani Combi, who was 
born in Italv in 1870, the son of Climaco and Domenico Combi. The year 
1890 found him enroute to California, whither he had been preceded by an elder 
brother, Peter Combi. born in 1868, and who is now in the employ of the Napa 
City winery. 

Giovani Combi came direct to Petaluma, where he was fortunate in finding 
employment with the well-known rancher, Charles Martin, and during the time he 
was associated with the latter he learned the chicken business in all of its details. 
It was this knowledge and practical experience that enabled him to establish the 
business of his own that he now conducts near Petaluma, his flock averaging 
one thousand chickens of the best breeds. 

Politically Mr. Combi is a believer in Republican principles, and in attend- 
ing and worshipping in the Roman Catholic Church he is following the train- 
ins; of his ancestors for many generations. 



ANGELO PUCCIONI. 
One of the youngest representatives of the Italian-American citizens in 
Sonoma county, Cal.. is Angelo Puccioni, the owner of a thriving ranch in 
Mendocino township. Born near the town of Lucca, Italy, in 1870, he remained 
there long enough to realize by contrast with other countries that his own was 
deficient in opportunity, and as soon as the wherewithal for his passage to the 
United States could be secured he made the voyage that brought him to his 
present comfortable surroundings. Here, in Mendocino township, he is the 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1103 

owner of a splendid tract of one hundred and sixty-eight acres, which at the time 
of purchase was covered with a heavy growth of timber, but much of this has 
by his energetic efforts been cleared and placed under cultivation, and no one 
could take greater pride in his accomplishments than does Mr. Puccioni. He 
has forty acres in vineyard and four acres in hay, and the remainder of the land 
is still rich in fine timber. 

In all of his laborious efforts to make a home for his family Mr. Puccioni 
has had the help and co-operation of his wife, who was born in Italy in 1880 
as Dalia Buchingani. She was the daughter of John and Nancy (Rossa) 
Buchingani, who were torn in Italy, and who came to the United States with their 
family of four children in 1887. Named in the order of their birth they were as 
follows : Lester, Richard, Isabell and Dalia, the latter the wife of Mr. Puccioni. 
Lester was married in Italy, but no children were born of the union. Isabell 
married Joe Nanie, and became the mother of two children, Joe and Ida. Six 
children, two sons and four daughters, have been born of the marriage of Mr. 
Puccioni and his wife, as follows : John, Louis, Julia. Lena, Rosie and Marie. 
Those who have watched Mr. Puccioni's efforts since his location on his present 
ranch have been amazed at the- transformation which he has wrought and con- 
fidently predict even greater things at his hands. 



ANTONIO BETTINELLI. 

One of the flourishing ranch enterprises in Chelino valley is that maintained 
by Antonio Bettinelli and Augustus Tunzini, partners in the maintenance of seven 
hundred and twelve acres of fine ranch land adjacent to Petaluma, on Rural 
Route No. 2. Both men are Swiss by birth and training, which is equivalent to 
saying they are expert dairymen, and this indeed is true in their case. At the 
present time one hundred cows of the best breed contribute to the maintenance 
of their dairy, besides which there are fifteen head of young stock that will add 
to the size of the herd as soon as they are grown. The poultry industry is also 
a feature of the ranch enterprise, eight hundred chickens of the White Leghorn 
variety being an average flock. Four head of horses are also being raised on 
the ranch, which taken altogether is one of the most flourishing in this part of 
California. 

Antonio Bettinelli was born in Canton Ticino, Switzerland, in the year 1871, 
one of the three sons (besides whom there were two daughters) born to his 
parents, Lawrence and Giovannina Bettinelli. One of these sons, Fillipo, had 
come to the United States in 1884, and two years later, in 1886, Antonio joined 
his brother in Marin county, the two working in the employ of ranchers in that 
county for some time. Subsequently they came to Chelino valley, Marin county, 
and both are now maintaining ranches on their own account not far from Peta- 
luma. 

Antonio Bettinelli chose for his wife a native daughter of California. She 
was formerly Miss Corinna Dado, born in Chelino valley, Marin county, in 1879. 
Ten children, six sons and four daughters, have been born to them, as follows : 
Paul, Lawrence, Alvino, Olympio, Everest, Alfred, Genevieve, Caroline, Irene 
and Elma. All of the children are robust and heartv and as thev advance in 



no4 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

years will be fitted to take their place creditably in the world, if the faithful 
training of their parents is adhered to. Mrs. Bettinelli is the daughter of Paul 
Dado, who was born in Switzerland in 1840, his wife, formerly Caroline Togni, 
having been born in the same country in 1853. Their marriage resulted in the 
birth of eleven children, three of whom were sons, Attilio, Silvio and Leo. The 
daughters were Belinda, Corinna, Delfina, Evelina, Florinda, Julia, Valeria and 
Irene. Attilio married Claudina L.. Bloom, the daughter of James B. Bloom, 
and they had one daughter, Genevieve ; after the death of his first wife he married 
Olivia Gambonini, and one son, Vernon, has been born of that marriage. Belinda 
became the wife of Philip Casarotti, and they have five children, Charles, Walter, 
Ernest, Irene and Eveline. Delfina became the wife of Alfonso Garzoli, and 
one child has been born to them, Marion. Evelina is the wife of Silvio Gam- 
bonini, and the mother of one son, Raymond. Florinda married Joseph Garzoli 
and has three children, Leo, Clayton and Matilda. Politically Mr. Bettinelli is 
a Republican, and with his family he finds religious consolation in the teachings 
of the Roman Catholic Church, being communicants of the Church of the As- 
sumption at Tomales. 



JOSEPH BERETTA. 

Among those of Swiss birth who gave as well as received benefits by their 
residence in California was the late Joseph Beretta, who was a prosperous dairy- 
man and rancher in the vicinity of Petaluma at the time of his death. He was 
born in the canton of Ticino, Switzerland, in 1881, and had acquired some know- 
ledge of dairying and farming on the paternal homestead before he set out for the 
new world in 1894. This venture was almost forced upon him, as the family 
was large and it was only by the hardest and most painstaking economy that 
the little Swiss farm produced sufficient to supply the needs of the growing 
family. 

The parents, Cesare and Virginia (Cozza) Beretta, were both natives of 
Switzerland, born in 1841 and 1849, respectively. They became the parents of 
eleven children, seven sons and four daughters, as follows : Bartholomew, Batista, 
Michael, Joseph, Bartolomeo, Giovanno, Cesare, Nancy, Louisa, Etta and Maria. 
A number of the children are married and have families of their own. Batista 
has four children, Faust, Mabel, Alice and Sophia. 

The marriage of Joseph Beretta occurred in San Francisco in 1905, uniting 
him with Olivia Bolla, by whom two children were born, a son and daughter, 
Joseph, Jr., and Isolena. Mrs. Beretta is the daughter of Peter and Isolena 
Fillippini, who were natives of Canton Ticino, Switzerland, but who were mar- 
ried after coming to California. They became farmers in Marin county, and 
died in Petaluma. There were three children in their family, as follows : Elvetzio, 
of Lakeville ; Olympio, of Two Rock ; and Mrs. Beretta. There was also a half- 
sister, Eda, Mrs. Gilo Quanchi, who died December 13, 1910. The Beretta fam- 
ily have a pleasant home on the ranch near Petaluma, consisting of one hundred 
and sixty acres which is leased. Here Mr. Beretta maintained a dairy of twenty- 
five cows, besides which he raised chickens on a large scale, having at one time 
fifteen hundred chickens of the White Leghorn variety. On the ranch there are 
also three horses of good breed. Mr. Beretta came from a long line of asxicul- 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1105 

turists and his success was therefore only the natural outcome when ability is 
allowed to have expression. He died on his ranch May 8, 191 1, and is buried 
in Calvary Cemetery. With his family he was a communicant of the Roman 
Catholic church and in his political leanings he was a Republican. 



G. GEUGLIMA. 

One of the well-known and respected dairymen of Sonoma county is the 
gentleman whose name heads this article. He was born in the Canton of 
Ticino, Switzerland, and there reared to young manhood and educated in the 
schools common to that section. He was early trained to the work on a farm 
and grew up to know what hard work meant. Having some friends who had 
preceded him to this country he eagerly sought news of the chances for young 
men in the Golden West and soon decided to cast in his lot with those who had 
gone to the United States and the Pacific Coast in particular. Arriving in 
New York he at once crossed the continent and began work in the dairy busi- 
ness. After he had accustomed himself to conditions in the west and had saved 
some money from his earnings he began the dairy business for himself in 
Sonoma county. 

From a small beginning he gradually increased his herd of cows and in 
1 9 10 had leased one thousand acres for grazing purposes upon which the one 
hundred and twenty-five cows he has find plenty of feed. Besides the milch 
cows he has about fifty head of young stock on the ranch. From the cows is 
produced about one hundred pounds of butter daily for four months of the 
year. This product is shipped to San Francisco and is marketed at a good 
figure. Mr. Geuglima has studied the dairy business and devotes all of his 
time to making the undertaking a success. He is one of the enterprising Swiss 
of the county and in the country of his adoption is a loyal citizen. His ranch 
is in the vicinity of Duncans Mill and represents the spirit of progress for 
which the Italian-Swiss of the Pacific Coast are noted. He has never married. 
All matters of public interest find in him a warm supporter and he is well 
known in his locality. 



JOSEPH GARZOLI. 

One of the native-born sons of Switzerland who has made a success of 
life in Marin county, by indefatigable labors, reaping a degree of success im- 
possible in the country of his birth, is Joseph Garzoli, who, was born in Can- 
ton Ticino, Switzerland, in 1875, and who was there reared to a full knowledge 
of the business for which his countrymen are noted the world over, namely 
dairying. 

It was natural that an emigrant from the great dairying country of Swit- 
zerland should seek employment in the dairy business in California, and we 
find that Mr. Garzoli, after coming here in 1892, did not long delay in finding 
work on a dairy farm in Marin county. During the five years that he labored 
in the employ of others he was careful of his earnings, having ever in mind the 
ambition to some day become proprietor of a dairy ranch of his own. He is 
5S 



no6 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

now in the enjoyment of this realization, for with his cousin, Belardo Garzoli, 
he leases a splendid tract of dairying land near Petaluma consisting of six 
hundred and ninety-six acres, known as the Garzoli ranch. Sixty fine milch 
cows constitute their dairy herd, besides which they have one thousand White 
Leghorn chickens, forty hogs and ten head of high-grade horses. Though 
young in years they have had considerable practical experience in all lines of 
agricuiture, and in the application of this knowledge and experience they are 
making a name and place for themselves that men much their senior in years 
might envy. 

A marriage ceremony performed in Tomales, Marin county, in 1905, united 
the destinies of Joseph Garzoli and Flora Dado, and they have three children, 
two sons and a daughter, Clayton, Leo and Matilda, the eldest child having 
been born April 17, 1906. 



FILIPPO GAUDENZIO CASAROTTI. 

The tide of immigration which bore so many of the industrious and capable 
sons of Switzerland to the west, brought Filippo G. Casarotti to Sonoma county 
in 1884. He was then a young man poor in pocket, but rich in hope and deter- 
mination to make a success of his life in this country as hundreds of his country- 
men had done before him. It is therefore with commendable pride that he views 
the broad acres which are his and contrasts his present prosperous condition 
with his condition a little over a quarter of a century ago, when he landed as an 
immigrant on the shores of this country. 

Generation after generation of the Casarotti family had lived and died in 
Switzerland, accepting uncomplainingly the conditions by which they were sur- 
rounded. It was therefore regarded as a wild adventure when Filippo G. Cas- 
arotti broke the traditions of long standing by leaving the land of his forefathers 
to found a home in the United States. This he did in 1884, when he was seven- 
teen years old, his birth having occurred in 1867. He was induced to take the 
step owing to the fact that so many of his countrymen had preceded him here 
and made a success of their undertakings, and confidence in his ability to do 
what others had succeeded in doing spurred him on when trials or disappoint- 
ments came his way. Working as a farm hand in the employ of others gave him 
valuable experience and taught him many things in regard to agricultural life 
in this country which he was able to put to practice to his advantage later on. 
For eleven years he was engaged in dairying on the Tomasini ranch in the Chelino 
valley, and after selling his stock and outfit at the end of this time, returned to 
Canton Ticino, Switzerland, with his family, spending the years 1902 and 1903 
in his native land. After his return to California he was on the Murphy ranch, 
also in the Chelino valley, for five years, and since 1910 he has been located on 
the fine ranch which he now leases. This consists of three hundred and thirty- 
three acres not far from Petaluma, upon which he makes a specialty of dairying 
and raising chickens. Fifty-three cows of excellent breed constitute his dairy, 
while his poultry yard contains nine hundred laying hens, besides which he has 
three head of fine horses. Taken altogether, Mr. Casarotti has one of the most 
thrifty appearing and prosperous ranches in this section of country and he 
is regarded by all who know him as an upright, substantial citizen, one whose 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1107 

activities are not confined to the accomplishment of personal interests only, but 
include his fellowmen, the community in which he lives and the county. 

The parents of Mr. Casarotti were Filippo and Margareta (Genazzini) 
Casarotti, both natives of Switzerland, born respectively in 1832 and 1827, and 
the latter was first married to Mr. Piesenti. Five children were born of the mar- 
riage of Mr. and Mrs. Casarotti, Filippo G. being the only son. The daughters 
were Giacomina, Piesenti, Maria S. and Matilda. Maria S. makes her home 
in Italy, the wife of G. F'obelli and the mother of five children, Adolpho, Joseph, 
Clalia, Alvenia and Margaret. 

Filippo G. Casarotti chose as his wife Belinda E. Dado, who was born in 
Marin county, Cal., in 1879, tne daughter of Paul and Carolina (Togni) Dado, 
both born in Switzerland, the former in the year 1830. A large family of eleven 
children blessed this marriage, three of whom were sons, Atilio A., Silvio J. 
and Leo C. ; the daughters were Belinda E. ( Mrs. Casarotti) Corina C, Del- 
fina A., Evelyn E., Florinda G., Julia C, Valeria R. and Irene A. Atilio mar- 
ried for his first wife Cladina Bloom, by whom he had one child, Jennie V., and 
after the death of his first wife, married Olivia Gamboni, by whom he also had 
one child, Vernon E. Corina C. became the wife of A. Bettinelli and the mother 
of ten children, Paul G., Lawrence B., Olympia O., Ervino, Everest M., Henry 
A., Genevieve, Covina, Irene V. and Alma O. Delfina A. married Alphonzo 
Garzoli, and has one child, Maria. Evelyn E. is the wife of S. Gambolini and 
has one child, Raymond S. Florinda G. married Joseph Garzoli and has three 
children, Clayton, Leo and Matilda. Irene A. is the wife of P. J. Bloom. Mr. 
Casarotti and his wife have five children, Charles P., Ernest A., Walter Y., 
Irene J. and Evelyn M. The entire family are communicants of the Catholic 
Church, and are stanch adherents of the faith which has given consolation to 
their ancestors for generations. Politically Mr. Casarotti is a Republican, and 
socially he is identified with the lodge of Druids at Tomales. 



JAMES MOSSI. 

Many are the sturdy sons of Switzerland who have come to this western 
commonwealth to take advantage of the chances for progress which their own 
country could not offer them. Among the Swiss-American citizens who con- 
tribute so largely to the population of Sonoma county is James Mossi, the pro- 
prietor of a ranch in the vicinity of Petaluma. Born in Canton Ticino, Swit- 
zerland, January 6, 1870, he was the descendant of a long line of Swiss ante- 
cedents who had been contented to till the soil and tend their flocks in the land 
which had given them birth. 

By the time James Mossi had attained years of discretion he dared to take 
chances for his future that his predecessors had not thought of taking, and 
the year 1887 found him taking passage for the United States. The vessel 
dropped anchor in the harbor of New York, and from that city he came by 
rail to California, first to Humboldt county, where he remained for four years, 
and from there to Sonoma county. In 1894 he returned to Switzerland to 
assist his father for a time, but his desire to return to California was so strong 
that in 1896 he again came to the Sunset land. He is now leasing one hundred 



uo8 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

and ninety-three acres on Rural Route No. 3 from Petaluma, his ranch being 
devoted largely to stock-raising, owning thirty cows, besides calves, young stock 
and two horses. Chicken-raising is also a feature of his ranch enterprise, but as 
yet is not carried on to any large extent. This as well as his other branches of 
agriculture, however, are being enlarged and extended as rapidly as his means 
will allow, and with the success he has had in the short time comparatively 
that he has been located upon the ranch a promising outlook awaits him. 

For his wife Mr. Mossi chose one of his country-women in Miss Mary 
Tamagni, who was born in Canton Ticino, Switzerland, in 1875. Four children 
were born into this household, Peter, Milia, Mary (who died when four months 
old) and Lillie, the two last mentioned being twins. The parents were reared 
n the faith of the Roman Catholic church, and in this faith, too, they are rear- 
ng their children. Mr. Mossi favors Republican principles, but nevertheless he 
s independent in the casting of his ballot, giving more attention to the qualifi- 
cations of the candidate for the office than for the party he represents. Mr. 
Mossi is not so absorbed with his duties upon the ranch that he has no time for 
recreation, and when opportunity allows he indulges in hunting. 



EDWIN E. MANN. 

From an agricultural standpoint Edwin E. Mann ranks among the sub- 
stantial and reliable residents of Blucher valley, Sonoma county. He is a son 
of Henry W. and Mary J. (Small) Mann, the former of whom was born 
March 24, 181 7, in Columbiana county, Ohio. Although reared in a farming 
community, his tastes did not lie in the direction of agriculture, and after finish- 
ing his education in the public schools near his boyhood home he took up the 
study of medicine with Dr. David Silvers in his native county. In order to 
earn the means with which to complete his professional training he taught 
school, and in so doing was enabled to take a finishing course in Rush Medical 
College, in Chicago, from which well-known institution he received his diploma. 
Returning to Ohio, he practiced his profession first in Uniontown and later 
in Greensburg, and subsequently, while a resident and practitioner in Fulton 
county, Ind., he also filled the office of county treasurer for two terms. Through- 
out his mature years he had been a member and active worker in the Presby- 
terian Church, and for many years served in the capacity of elder. He passed 
away in Rochester, Ind., January 20, 1864. 

Henry W. Mann had been three times married, his first marriage occur- 
ring in 1842 and uniting him with Miss Susan Ah, who survived her mar- 
riage but a short time. His second marriage, December 28, 1844, was with 
Miss Mary J. Small, who at her death four years later, February 24, 1849, 
left one son, Edwin E., the subject of this review. Dr. Mann's third marriage 
was celebrated May 29, 1850, uniting him with Miss Sarah M. Chinn. 

The only child of his father's second marriage, Edwin E. Mann was born 
in Rochester, Fulton county, Ind., February 9, 1847. His education was ac- 
quired in the schools of that city, and there he was still a pupil when he decided 
to lay down his books and do his part in the defense of the north, in the Civil 
war. He was only seventeen years old when he joined the Twenty-fifth Indiana 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 1109 

Battery, Light Artillery, in which he served under Captain Storm for one year, 
during this time participating in the battle at Nashville. Tenn. After the expira- 
tion of the term of his enlistment he re-enlisted in the Regular Army as a 
member of the Twenty-first United States Infantry at Louisville, Ky. Under 
General Crook he was assigned to duty in Arizona in subduing the Indian up- 
risings, and there as in his former service won commendation from his su- 
periors for gallant and meritorious service. He was mustered out at Camp 
Grant, Ariz., in 1866, and instead of returning to Indiana he came to California 
and this has been his home ever since. Going to the San Joaquin valley, his 
first experience in the state was as a hop-grower, in which business he was 
associated with John Neal for five years. ' Subsequently he was in the employ of 
the Oakland and Sacramento Street Railroad Company, with headquarters at 
Oakland, and still later lived for a time at San Jose, Santa Clara county, and 
Ferndale, Humboldt county. It was with an experience of some length in all 
of these various localities that he came to Sonoma county in 1885 and became 
interested in a -hop ranch north of Sebastopol. His next move brought him 
to Blucher valley, where he now resides on sixty acres of fine land which he 
rents. The raising of blackberries and fruit forms his specialty, and that he 
is making a success of the undertaking is best told in the statement that dur- 
ing the season of 1909 he gathered thirty-eight tons of berries and twenty tons 
of dried apples. 

Mr. Mann's marriage in 1890 united him with Mrs. Elzina M. Sharp, who 
.shares with him the esteem and high regard of many friends and neighbors. 
Mr. Mann's fitness for the position led to his election to the office of president 
of the Farmers' alliance of Bloomfield, a body of up-to-date ranchers whose 
object is mutual helpfulness, both in a business and social sense. After two 
terms of service he resigned the office. 



JOHN WALKER. 

General farming and stock-raising had for many years been Mr. Walker's 
chief occupation, and it was from this that he finally developed the business 
which he is now so successfully engaged in, the raising of Angora goats. On 
his ranch near Healdsburg he has twenty-five head of these animals, the raising 
of which he has studied scientifically, and as a result he has at his command a 
business that has large and growing possibilities. 

John Walker was born in Washington county, Iowa, in 1865. Born and 
reared in an agricultural community he grew up to a knowledge of farming, and 
though only fifteen years old when he left home and came to California, his 
knowledge of agriculture stood him in good stead, and from this has gradually 
developed the business which is his today. Not far from Healdsburg he owns 
eighty acres of land well located for the purpose to which he has devoted it, the 
raising of Angora goats, of which he has twenty-five head at this writing. While 
the size of his herd might seem small to the uninitiated, it will be a surprise to 
learn that the owner realizes $1,000 annually from the sale of wool, the shear 
from each animal amounting to four pounds, with an increase of twenty-five 
per cent each year. So great has been Mr. Walker's success with this compara- 



ii io HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

tively small undertaking, it is his intention to increase his herd as rapidly as 
he is able and carry on the business on a large scale. It is a well-known fact that 
there is no animal more valuable than the goat for clearing land of weeds and 
shrubs, and this has been no exception in Mr. Walker's experience, the browsing 
of his herd keeping the land free from all objectionable growths. Every year 
adds to the value of his property, which he now estimates at $700 an acre. 

In California Mr. Walker formed domestic ties by his marriage with Miss 
Elizabeth Griffin, who was born in Sonoma county, and has never known any 
other home. No children have been born of this marriage. 



ALLEN PETERSON. 

The fact that he is a resident of town does not deter Mr. Peterson from 
devoting his attention to the various branches of agriculture adapted to the 
soil and climate, and he is usually to be found on his farm cultivating the land or 
pruning his vines or harvesting his crops according to the season of the year. 
At the same time he enjoys such advantages as are associated with city residence, 
of which none is more highly appreciated by him than the opportunity to educate 
his children in the excellent public schools boasted by Santa Rosa, his home 
town. Here he owns and occupies a comfortable cottage surrounded by a well- 
kept lawn, the neat appearance of the property indicating the thrift and domes- 
tic tastes of the owner.' The same neatness and orderly spirit are apparent in 
the appearance of the farm of one hundred and forty-five acres which he owns 
and operates, and which is devoted to profit-producing crops. Among other 
products he has had a successful experience with hops, and devotes twenty-five 
acres to that annual. In addition he has a vineyard of fifteen acres and sells a 
large output of grapes at fair prices. 

It is natural that Mr. Peterson should display a changeless devotion to 
Sonoma county, for here he was born July 2, 1861, and here his entire life has 
been passed and his education received in local schools. The family belongs 
to the pioneer element of the county, his father, G. Peterson, a native of Mis- 
souri, having settled here as early as 1852. In the journey across the plains 
from Missouri he was accompanied by his wife, Anna (Steele) Peterson, who 
was born and reared in that state, and belonged to an old southern family. They 
became the parents of nine children, namely : Frank, who is married and has 
four children ; James, who is married and has one child ; Allen, the subject of this 
article ; Sash, who married Jennie Hunter and has five children ; Ellen, Mrs. Jack 
Bowden, the mother of one son; Josephine; Sonoma, Mrs. John Rogers, who 
has one son; Alice, Mrs. T. Huffman, who is the mother of five children; and 
Lillie, who married Albert Becker and has five children. 

The marriage of Allen Peterson united him with Miss Louise Vangrafen, who . 
was born in Peoria, 111., July 27, 1864. Five children bless the union, viz. : Ruby D., 
Pearl M., Nellie M., Louisa and Sarah R. The lineage of the Vangrafen family 
is traced through many generations of German ancestors and the father of Mrs. 
Peterson, Charles H. Vangrafen, was a native of the old country, having been 
born in 1823. At an early age he came to America from Germany, and for a 
considerable period he labored in the central west, having his home first in Illinois 



HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY mi 

and later in Indiana, but as early as 1854 he came to California and settled in 
Sonoma county. In this part of the state he afterward continued to reside until 
his death. By his marriage to Miss Melvina Davis, who was born in 1833, he 
had nine children. They were named as follows : William, who married Anna 
Johnson and had three children; Charles, who chose Miss Ida Peterson as his 
wife ; Chester, who married Eva Kneale and had three children ; Emma, who 
first married George Brewer and afterward became the wife of Charles Free- 
man, having two children by the former union ; Clara, Mrs. Shaw Marsh, who 
has two children ; Louisa, Mrs. Peterson ; Nellie, who died in infancy ; Josephine ; 
and Nellie (2d), Mrs. Bert Rugby. 



SILVA SACCHI. 

The childhood days of Mr. Sacchi were passed on the parental homestead in 
Switzerland, where his birth occurred in 1873, and where he continued to make 
his home until he was about seventeen years of age. The year 1890 found him 
taking passage for the United States, and the same year found him in California, 
where, in Humboldt county, he engaged in agricultural pursuits altogether for 
the following sixteen years, first in the employ of others, and later interested in 
enterprises of his own. It was therefore with a large fund of experience at 
his command that Mr. Sacchi came to Sonoma county in 1906 and located on 
the ranch which he now owns and occupies near Sears Point. Here he has five 
hundred acres of land well adapted to the uses to which he puts it, raising hay 
and grain principally, the latter of which yields twenty-five sacks to the acre, 
while three tons of hay per acre is an average yield. The raising of horses of 
high grade is also a feature worthy of note in connection with the ranch. 

Before her marriage Mrs. Sacchi was Miss Severini Ambrazini, a native of 
Switzerland, besides whom there were three other children in her parents' fam- 
ily, as follows : Ferdinand, Victor and Olinda. No children have been born to 
Mr. Sacchi and his wife. True to the training of their childhood years, they 
are. stanch adherents of the Roman Catholic faith, attending the church at Sears 
Point. 

DELL STEWART. 

Since coming to Sonoma county Mr. Stewart has been connected with its 
agricultural interests, and has acquired considerable ranching property, his home 
place being in close proximity to Duncans Mills, which is his postoffice and 
market town. A native of Wisconsin, born in i860, he was the eldest of the 
four children born to Joseph Stewart and his wife, the former born in New 
York state in 1837. The early married life of the parents was passed in Wis- 
consin, but some time after the birth of his eldest son, the father brought his 
family to California, and here, in Sonoma county, he attained a good old age. 
Farming had been his life occupation, sixty-four years having been passed in this 
honorable employment both here and in the middle-west, and for a number of 
years after coming to the west he worked as a night watchman in Healdsburg. 

Dell Stewart came to California with his parents, and his whole life has 
practicallv been passed in this state. In early life he prepared himself for the 
future bv learning the blacksmith's trade, a trade which he has followed for 



1 1 12 HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY 

many years, but which he has given up to some extent to devote his attention to 
the care of his land. This consists of one hundred and sixty acres of timber 
land near Duncans Mills, from which he is cutting the timber, two million feet 
of raw timber thus far having been taken from his land. 

Mrs. Stewart was born in Preble county, Ohio, in i860. In maidenhood she 
was Miss Belle Ackenberg, the daughter of John Ackenberg, a native of Ohio, 
as was also his wife. During the girlhood of their daughter the parents left 
Ohio and settled in California, and here as in Ohio the father carried on farming 
for many years. During his later years, however, he followed merchandising in 
Healdsburg, in this, as in farming, making a success of his undertakings. Two 
children were born to the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Ackenberg, Belle, Mrs. 
Stewart, and Martha, who is also married. Two children have blessed the mar- 
riage of Mr. Stewart and his wife, Sidney and Lettie. The son, Sidney, chose 
as his wife Miss Mabel Brown, and they have two children. The daughter, 
Kittie, is the wife of Edward Bones, and one son, Beverly, has been born to 
them. 

WILLIAM BARLOW MORDECAI. 

One of the youngest and at the same time one of the most enterprising 
tillers of the soil in Sonoma county is William Barlow Mordecai, well known in 
the vicinity of Petaluma and Two Rock, where his entire life has been passed. 
He was born in Petaluma May 9, 1889, the only son born to his parents, Thomas 
and Eva (Barlow) Mordecai; besides him there was also a daughter, Frances, 
who is now the wife of Walter Foster, of Petaluma. 

When William B. Mordecai was a child of four years his parents removed 
from town to the ranch which the father leased, lying between Petaluma and 
Two Rock, and here he was reared, and here also he gained his first knowledge 
of books in the district school. Subsequently he attended the public school at 
Petaluma, continuing his studies there until he was nineteen years of age. In 
the meantime the father had died and the care of the ranch fell upon the mother 
until the son was able to assume the responsibilities. At the age of nineteen 
years, when his schooling was completed, he returned to the home ranch and 
relieved his mother of the cares which she had borne so patiently since the death 
of her husband, in March, 1904. Mrs. Mordecai now makes her home in 
Petaluma. 

The ranch upon which Mr. Mordecai resides is the property of his maternal 
grandmother, Mrs. Louisa Barlow, a resident of Berkeley, Cal., and comprises 
two hundred and sixteen acres of fine land. Mr. Mordecai does not specialize 
on any one branch of agriculture, finding diversified farming a congenial as well 
as a remunerative occupation. Of his varied interests the raising of chickens 
probably takes the lead, his flock comprising four thousand chickens. Thirty- 
eight cows contribute to his dairy, besides which he has eight horses and colts. 
Twenty acres of the land are under cultivation to potatoes, thirty acres are in 
hay, while ten acres are in apples, including several of the best varieties. 

When less than twenty years of age Mr. Mordecai was married, August 5, 
1908, to Miss Hannah Gould, a resident of Penn Grove. He is identified with 
only one organization, the Two Rock Grange, of which he is an enthusiastic 
member. 










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